Paul has been a lifetime swimming and water polo enthusiast.  From participating, to coaching, to studying the sport, it captivates him and is a significant part of his life. 

Paul has a B.A. & M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a Coaching Minor; was a World University Games Gold Medalist and Record Holder in 1981; is a  two time Olympic Swimming Trials Qualifier; was  an NCAA Swimming All-American in 1980 and 1981 for UC Santa Barbara; Water Polo team member and 2 time NCAA qualifier; has been a two time USMS Master Swimmer of the Year recipient; is a multiple USMS World and National Record Holder;  has been a USMS All Star 5 times and is a 10 time USMS All American.

In addition to Mesa Masters Paul and his wife Laura through Sol Mates LLC were owners of the MAC USA program, Mesa Water Polo and started the Arizona Aquatic Sports Foundation a 501c3 that has raised thousands of dollars to scholarship families who cannot afford to enroll their their children in club sports.

With partnerships with the City of Mesa, VisitMesa and Mesa Public schools Sol Mates LLC and their aquatics programs have hosted every level of competition from regional, state, national (US Masters Nationals and USA Water Polo) and international (USA swimming Pro Swim Series)

Laura Smith is an Arizona native with a life long passion for athletics.  She attended Coronado High School, where her  achievements included multiple State Records in swimming, State Record in the 800 (Track), Varsity Letterman in Track, Swimming and Cross Country,  National Honor Society, President Spanish National Society, and Arizona Scholar Athlete of the year 1984. Laura turned down Academic Full Ride Scholarships to A.S.U.; U of A; and N.A.U. and decided to attend college out of state.  She was a Division I Backstroker for University of California, Santa Barbara where she double majored in Comparative Religions and Exercise Science with a Coaching Minor.  

Laura worked abroad for four and a half year in the bahamas, West Indies, Dominican Republic and Mexico designing and implementing sports and fitness programs for both children and adults. Post Graduate, Laura has aquired over 12 National Certifications in the Heath and Fitness Industry (A.C.E.; A.F.F.A; Cooper Institute) and was the Fitness Director/Strength and Conditioning coach for the Vail Athletic Club and the Arrowhead Alpine Club in Colorado. She is a three time USMS National Champion and was a part of the 800 Women's Relay National Record Team.

Coach Clutter resides in Idaho, but MAC is her swim home! She has been a Coach and Educator for 30 years, specializing in work with Special Needs students. Cindy has been affiliated with USMS for 35 years, traveling to compete in a variety of meets near and far! She’s completed many triathlons, 4 Ironmans, is an All American USMS swimmer, and has earned Top Ten times in individual events and relays. Swimming is a lifelong passion of Cindy's. Her positive energy and optimism are contagious, and she is beloved by her teammates and fellow coaches. By combining her knowledge as a Coach, and her empathy and compassion as a swimmer...she is a true asset to all aspects of MAC Masters!!!

ASCA Certified

Coach and Educator for 30 years, specializing in work with Special Needs students. Mike Herrmann moved to Arizona in 1970 and swam rec teams from 4-10 at a private club in Phoenix until moving to Tempe in 1977. In 1978 he started swimming with the Tempe Makos which evetually turned into the Tempe Swim Devils. For a two year period, he swam for Mesa Aquatics 1980-1981, but returned to Tempe Swim Devils in the fall of 1981 when he started high school at Marcos De Niza and swam all four years, competing the state meet each year. After graduation, he had to decide if he would walk on at Arizona State University or quit swimming. One of his biggest regrets was to quit swimming at that point. Mike attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1990 with a degree in Marketing with an emphesis on sales and sale management. In january of 1991 he opened up the Michael S. Herrmann Insurance Agency, Inc, a Farmers Insurance Agency. His agency has prospered over the year and allowed him lots of time to do the things he is most passionate about, such as swimming and coaching. He has been an assistant coach with Corona Del Sol High School for the past 5 years. He is very greatful for the opportunity to coach in the USA Swimming ranks and has a goal of being able to free up enough time to coach more. 

SWIMMING EXPERIENCE: Glenbrook North High School -4 year Varsity /State swimmer, All-American, All- State team, University of Wisconsin La Crosse –NCAA/WWIAC, All American, All State || Post College: YMCA National Champion, United States Masters Swimming National Champion, Chicago Triathlon – Olympic distance-  6 time finisher

COACHING: New Trier High School: Assistant Boy’s Swimming Coach, Assistant Girl’s Swimming Coach and Assistant Girl’s Track Coach, Hastings Lake YMCA:  Head Coach: Masters Swimming, Libertyville High School:  Learn To Swim Director, CATS Aquatics Age Group Team: Assistant Coach 

Swimming has been one of my greatest gifts and to give that gift to another person is my greatest reward. Swimming is something that helps us learn about life. To win with a kind heart, to lose with grace and to understand that hard work and perseverance will teach us about being courageous and brave throughout our lives. It is an honor and privilege to share my experience and knowledge with our MAC swimmers. To do what I love and to love what I do.

Swimming background – 25 years

• High School varsity swimming and water polo in Northern California, 76 - 77
• Solano Community College, JC, 77 - 79
  • School Records: 1000 yd Free, 1650 yd Free
• Chico State University, 79 – 83
• Fairfield Aquatic Club Masters, 83 – 84
• ASU Club Water Polo, 88 – 90
• MMAC, 2016 - Present

Coaching/Lifeguard Experience – 9 years

• Lifeguard/WSI Instructor, 78 – 83
• Assistant Coach – Seahorse Swim Team, 84
• Assistant Coach – Fairfield Aquatic Club, 84 – 85
• Head Coach – Fairfield Aquatic Masters, 85 – 86
• Interim Head Coach – Fairfield Aquatic Club, 85 – 86
• Assistant Coach – Westwood High School swim, 2009

I like to focus on technique and drills to improve a swimmer’s efficiency in the water. I feel this increases the enjoyment of the sport. I was brought up on the science of Doc Councilman’s swim techniques, using an underwater window and the “S” shaped pull through, superseded by new techniques which have pushed swimming ever faster. Over the years I have tracked how underwater efficiency has improved with the use of walls and dolphin kicking.

I like to encourage and support each swimmer in the areas where they are committed to improving their technique. Let me know how you want to get faster or more efficient! I want to make our MMAC swim club an enjoyable experience for everyone and look forward to being part of the MMAC coaching staff.