Hiea-Yoon Kang to Return and Stanford University Coach, Megan Abarca to Join Senior National Team Coaching Staff for Olympic Games Push

Due to recent changes in the USAAS Senior National Team coaching staff, the organization will add two talented assistant coaches to serve the senior national team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The new hires will work directly with the senior national team head coach Andrea Fuentes, high performance director and assistant coach, Lara Teixeira, acrobatics coach Victor Cano and the incredible support staff at USAAS training facilities in Los Angeles, CA. 

The two coaches will bring their strong skill sets to enhance the abilities of the country’s best athletes in their pursuit of Olympic success. These positions will also enhance our commitment to a healthy attitude that fosters the development of the best all-around athlete. The goal is to help each athlete become the most well-rounded individual in and out of the sport. Kang will join the staff immediately to support the team at World Championships and Abarca will join following the completion of the 2024 Collegiate season. Both positions are contracted through the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  

Head coach Andrea Fuentes said, "I'm thrilled to welcome our new assistant coaches, Hiea-Yoon and Megan, to the team! By adding Hiea-Yoon's technical expertise; I anticipate a significant improvement in our execution under her guidance. Equally as exciting, Megan's remarkable professionalism from Stanford University has already earned my respect, and I can't wait to have such a professional person who genuinely cares about our journey by our side. I value unity in a team, and it all begins with the coaching staff. Bringing on coaches developed in the United States system adds an extra layer of excitement, contributing to the team's culture and strength. It's an exciting phase ahead, and I can't wait to witness the positive impact they'll make!" 

More on Hiea-Yoon Kang: 

Kang was with the senior national team throughout 2023 and a vital part of the team and duet success throughout the season. Her technical skills have played a major role in the development of all senior athletes. Kang has also been the head and assistant coach on multiple age group national teams and is the head coach of the La Mirada Aquabelles. 

More on Megan Abarca: 

Abarca has most recently served USAAS as the junior national team head coach. In 2022 she lead the team to a very strong showing at world championships. She has also served as the head and assistant coach on multiple age group national teams. Abarca’s primary coaching role is as the head coach of Stanford University where her team captured the 2021 National Championship. Full Bio Here