HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) is thrilled to announce the return of Tasman Thorsness as the new head coach for the girls’ swim team.

No stranger to the Oilers, Thorsness began her coaching career as the HBHS head girls’ swim coach and the assistant girls’ water polo coach from 2009 to 2013. Following her time at HBHS, Thorsness coached at the collegiate level as Orange Coast College’s assistant women’s water polo coach in 2014 and as a graduate assistant for Whittier College Aquatics from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2017, Thorsness served as the head men’s and women’s swim coach at Whittier College, where she led their teams to break 23 school records, helped three athletes qualify for the NCAA National Championship, and earned their teams multiple awards, including two individual Athlete of the Year Awards and two CSCAA Scholar All-American Team recognitions in 2018 and 2019. Since 2022, Thorsness has been coaching at the Coastal Machine Aquatics Club.

Thorsness’ connection to HBHS dates back to her own time as an Oiler student-athlete, where she played and excelled in both swim and water polo. As a key member of the HBHS swim team from 2004 to 2008, Thorsness became the record holder for the 200 free relay and received numerous accolades, including three Varsity Coaches awards, Varsity Most Valuable Swimmer, and Varsity Captain award. She also received the Athletic Recognition All Sea View League for third place in the 100 Fly.

Taking her athletic career to the next level, Thorsness was the team captain for both the water polo (2008-2010) and swim teams (2009-2011) at Orange Coast College. She received the Defensive Player of the Year award (2008) in water polo, the Most Improved award (2009) in swim, and played a crucial role in the swim team’s CSCCA State Championship in 2011. Thorsness then went on to obtain her Master of Arts in Education at Whittier College in 2015.

Tasman Thorsness shared, “I started my coaching career at HBHS 15 years ago! I have grown in so many ways since then and am so excited to go back to where it all began. I love the technical side of swimming but am eager to inspire and motivate this group to reach their untapped potential and personal growth in all aspects. I have such a strong tie to HBHS and this aquatics program - I am honored to be given this opportunity and will give it all I’ve got! Go OILERS!”

"We are excited to announce the hiring of our new girls’ swim coach at Huntington Beach High School, Tasman Thorsness,” explained HBHS Athletic Director Melissa Vandenbosch. “Coach Thorsness brings a wealth of experience and passion for swimming to our program, having previously excelled as an athlete right here at Huntington Beach High School. She is eager to share her knowledge and love for the sport with our student-athletes, fostering both skill development and a strong team spirit. Please join us in welcoming Coach Tasman Thorsness to our school community. Go Oilers!"

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is confident in the positive impact Tasman Thorsness will have on the HBHS girls’ swim team. With her beginnings as an Oiler and extensive aquatics background as both a coach and athlete, she is well-equipped to lead the program and will undoubtedly continue to foster a culture of excellence at HBHS.