USA Artistic Swimming Announces New Coaching Staff to Lead Team Toward LA28

USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS) is thrilled to unveil the newly appointed Senior National Team coaching staff, a dynamic group that will guide Team USA through the next Olympic cycle with their vision and talent. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, this staff represents both continuity and fresh energy as the U.S. continues its pursuit of global excellence in artistic swimming. 

Megan Abarca, a familiar and celebrated leader within the sport, has been named Head Coach. Joining her as Assistant Coach is Olympian and internationally respected coach Paula Klamburg, whose artistic insight and global experience will strengthen the team’s foundation. Together, they will work alongside the returning Marivi Escalona, whose commitment and contributions during the 2025 competitive season have been instrumental to Team USA’s success. 

“Our athletes have dedicated their lives to this program and the sport. It is our responsibility to provide them with the best coaching staff possible. The US program has operated differently than traditional artistic swimming programs and it has resulted in a special team culture and Olympic medal success. This staff understands what the expectation is, and they are prepared to go beyond, because that is what our athletes, fans and the sport deserve.” shared USA Artistic Swimming CEO Adam Andrasko. 

Chief of Sport Lara Teixeira echoed that enthusiasm, emphasizing the balance this new team brings to the program. “I am thrilled to welcome Megan and Paula to the Senior National Team family. Megan’s smart leadership and deep care for the athletes, combined with Paula’s invaluable artistic vision and international experience will undoubtedly strengthen our program. Together, we aim to continue showcasing to the world that the USA remains a powerhouse, with an eye on LA28 as a moment of great significance. Under their leadership, we are committed to making a lasting impact on our national team athletes and inspiring the wider artistic swimming community. Our mission goes beyond success in the pool; we are dedicated to developing champions both in and out of the water.” 

Abarca brings an exceptional record of leadership and success to the U.S. program. A two-time Collegiate National Champion with Stanford (2021, 2025), she has been recognized as USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Coach of the Year (2021) and a two-time MPSF Coach of the Year. Under her guidance, the Cardinal swept national competitions, produced 10 individual National Champions, and standout athletes recognized as Collegiate All-Americans and MPSF award winners.  

With USAAS, Abarca made history as an assistant coach at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where the organization secured their first Olympic medal in 20 years. In addition, just last month she led the U.S. Junior National Team to a silver medal finish at the Pan American Games in Paraguay. 

“It is a huge honor to be joining the USA Artistic Swimming staff as the Senior National Team Head Coach, and I am beyond excited for the opportunity. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work my way up through our National Team program from managing the 12 & Under team, to coaching the Youth and Junior teams to assisting Andrea in the lead up to the Paris Olympic Games.” 

Abarca continues, “Being able to serve the organization as Head Coach in the lead up to the LA 2028 Olympic is a role that I am honored to accept! I would also like to thank Adam Andrasko and Lara Teixeira for their vote of confidence in me throughout this hiring process. Our National Team program is full of talented athletes with a tireless work ethic and a hunger to continue striving for excellence, and I cannot wait to get started!” 

Abarca will not be able to tackle this task alone, which led the organization to the new hire of Paula Klamburg as well. 

Klamburg brings a wealth of international experience as both an athlete and a coach. Representing Spain at the London 2012 Olympic Games, she earned multiple medals at World and European Championships. After retiring from competition, she transitioned into coaching, first with Spain’s Junior National Team and later in Mexico and Colombia. Most recently, she served as Head Coach of Australia, leading the team through the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  

Abarca expresses her excitement for the talented former Olympian to join her along the pool deck. “I am so excited for the enthusiasm, energy and dedication to her craft that Paula brings to our program. She is an accomplished athlete and coach in her own right, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we begin this season. I know that her perspective will be invaluable to the coaching staff and athletes in our program, and she is a fantastic choice for the role of Assistant Coach! We cannot wait to welcome Paula to the USA Artistic Swimming family!” 

Klamburg echoes her excitement, “Joining USA Artistic Swimming is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring my passion, energy, and experience to the team while giving my very best every single day.” 

With Megan Abarca leading the team, Paula Klamburg bringing her international perspective, and Marivi Escalona continuing her dedicated support, USA Artistic Swimming is building a coaching team that reflects both the tradition and the future of the sport. The journey to LA28 has officially begun, and with this staff in place, the team is ready to make history on home soil.