2025 Swim Staff
Blake Wilson
Swim Director, 3rd Year Staff Member
University of Nevada – Criminal Justice Degree
Blake grew up in Martinez and is a Roughing It alumni camper! He graduated from De La Salle High School and just graduated from University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in criminal justice. Blake was an athlete on the Forest Hills Swim Team for 8 years and won the Coach Award trophy. Additionally, he worked at Forest Hills as a pool attendant. As a former camper and swim counselor, he understands the values of the camp and is excited to bring him back as our swim director!
Daniel "Danny" Hill
Assistant Swim Director, 2nd Year Staff Member
UC Berkeley- Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Daniel is excited to be here for his second summer at Roughing It! He is from Berkeley, and is currently attending UC Berkeley, where he is studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Daniel was a swim counselor last summer and has now stepped into the role of Assistant Swim Director. He has lots of camping experience and has played many sports, including water polo and football. Daniel is excited to be returning to camp in a new role as Assistant Director of Swim, where he can help make the pool a fun and safe place for everyone!
James Brophy
Swim Counselor, 2nd Year Staff Member
UC Merced – Political Science major
James is a Lafayette native and previous camper at Roughing It! This is his second summer as a swim counselor. He attends UC Merced, majoring in political science and taking part in Model UN. James has extensive swimming experience, having worked as a swim instructor for East Bay Sea Serpents for four years. He is excited to get in the pool and make sure everyone has fun this summer!
Tori Pollicino
Swim Counselor, 1st Year Staff Member
Chapman University- Creative Writing
Tori is joining Roughing It for her first summer as a Swim Counselor! She’s a Creative Writing major at Chapman University and a strong swimmer with six years on a local swim team. Tori also spent six years as a counselor with Elf Camp, where she later became an Elf Trainer, teaching outdoor skills and camp traditions. She’s excited to help campers build confidence in the water and make this summer their best yet!
Liza Lukashin
Swim Counselor, 1st Year Staff Member
Penn State- Management Information Systems
Liza is joining Roughing It for her first summer as a Swim Counselor! She’s studying Management Information Systems at Penn State and has been swimming since she was 3. Liza swam competitively with Terrapins, Dana Hills, and Clayton Valley High School, and also worked as a swim instructor at American Swim Academy, teaching kids ages 3–16. She’s passionate about helping young swimmers build confidence in the water and is excited to make a positive impact at camp this summer!
Makayla Harrington
Swim Counselor, 1st Year Staff Member
Tulane University- Political Science
Makayla is excited to join Roughing It for her first summer as a Swim Counselor! A Political Science major at Tulane University, she’s been swimming competitively since age 7 at Orinda Park Pool and throughout high school. Makayla brings a passion for working with kids and creating a fun, welcoming environment. She’s especially excited to lead engaging games with campers, and help everyone gain confidence—both in the water and beyond!
Owen McInerney
Swim Counselor, 1st Year Staff Member
Cuesta College- Public Health
Owen is joining us for his first summer at Roughing It as a Swim Counselor! He’s a Public Health major at Cuesta College and has years of experience in and around the water—swimming competitively with Rancho San Miguel for eight years and working as a lifeguard at Heather Farms. Owen also spent over a year working in a daycare with kids of all ages, building his confidence in leading activities and connecting with campers. He brings great energy, a positive attitude, and is always ready to make campers smile and feel at home at camp!
