Joseph J. Somma is the head coach of the Whirlwind Diving team as well as the Gymnastics Director at the New Canaan YMCA.  He founded the team in 1997.  Joe grew up diving at the Newfield Swim & Tennis Club, was a high school All-American stand-out at Stamford High School, and went on to Clemson University, where he lettered in diving for four years and was a four-time NCAA zone qualifier, an All-American candidate, an All Atlantic Coast Conference champion, and a team captain.

Joe brings a wealth of experience to the team as he completes his 21st year of coaching.  Joe was awarded the Robert Moss Award in 2001, for his numerous contributions to diving.  He is a lifetime member of USA Diving, and is the Junior Olympic representative for the state of Connecticut for this organization.

During his time at the New Canaan Y, Joe has also coached many top divers including four JO champions and three Team USA representatives that competed at meets such as the British Elite Championships and the Canadian/American Challenge.  His teams have included over 50 High School All Americans. 

In addition to the Whirlwind team, Joe coaches the New Canaan High School team, the Wilton High School team, Convent of the Sacred Heart / Greenwich team, the New Canaan Field Club team, and the Newfield Swim & Tennis team.  Joe’s enthusiasm coupled with his knowledge of the sport make him a dynamic and successful coach for divers of all levels.

Sergey Meshcherskiy, is the Associate Diving Director, and is entering his third year at Whirlwind.  As a full-time coach, he is involved in the training of all the Whirlwind diving team levels.  Sergey has an impressive diving background, and several years of coaching at the high school, collegiate and club levels.  Having begun his diving career at a very young age in his native Russia, Sergey has placed 1st and 2nd in numerous national and international competitions, including the Junior Russian Championships, the Cup of Russia and the Junior European Championships, competing on 1m and 3m springboards and platform.

Sergey occasionally dives in masters competitions and won all events in the 25-29 year old age group in the National Championships in Pasadena, California in August 2006, and East Meadow, NY in September 2007.  He also won all 3 events and held the world record on 1m, 3m springboards and platform in the 25-29 year old age group at the FINA World Masters Championships in August, 2006. 

In Russia, Sergey received a diploma in Sports management, and was a student of Law for three years.  In addition to the Whirlwind team, Sergey coaches at Wee Burn Country Club.

Wes Mattice joined the Whirlwind Diving coaching staff in September of 2006, and has been working primarily with the Tri-State and High School team levels.  Wes dove competitively for Stamford High School and Southern Connecticut State University.  He is a Masters level diver with the NCY Whirlwind team.  During the summer months, Wes is a diving coach at the Stanwich Country Club. Wes is also a freelance artist, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in studio art from S.C.S.U.

Corinne came to the Whirlwind Diving program as a coach in September of 2006, and has been working with beginner divers in the Novice level of the Whirlwind Diving Team.  On a personal level, Corinne has immersed herself in diving lessons and local Masters competitions since 2003.  In the summer, she is the Pool Director at Innis Arden Golf Club.

Allison joins the Whirlwind Diving program as a coach after a successful college career diving at the University of Connecticut, where she was the Big East Champion in 2007.  Allison is a former Whirlwind Diver, and competed at JO championships including Speedo’s and East Nationals.  Allison is a coach in the summers at the Middlesex Club and is Diving Chair for the Fairfield County Swim League. 

Julie Warburg has been instructing the JO team divers in Pilates and ballet for the past seven years.  She graduated from Brown University and has a background in dance and figure skating. Julie is certified by Power Pilates in NYC for mat and apparatus through the advanced level. She is also a certified New York City Ballet Workout instructor through the New York City Ballet.  Her daughter, Katie, has been diving with the Whirlwind program for the last 7 years.