News Summary

Diego Castaneda, a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School, has achieved significant acclaim in swimming, securing top honors and school records. With an impressive background, Diego’s dedication to the sport is evident through his numerous accolades, including being a two-time All-America swimmer and a four-time all-Diablo Athletic League member. Aside from athletics, he excels academically, maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Commencing his swimming career at UC Santa Barbara, Diego remains a beloved figure in the community, inspiring future athletes. The local community celebrates his success and appreciates the support from sponsors.

Clayton Valley Celebrates Diego Castaneda’s Swimming Success!

In the heart of Clayton, the buzz is all about one remarkable student who has made waves—quite literally! Diego Castaneda, a dedicated senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School, is taking the swimming scene by storm as he recently dominated at the championship meets, securing his place among the school’s all-time greats.

Diego’s swimming journey began at the tender age of just four. Early on, he splashed his way through practices with the Dana Hills Otters summer recreation team in Concord. This kid had his sights set on greatness! By age 12, his passion and ambition led him to join the Concord-based Terrapins Swim Team, where he decided to take his swimming to a whole new level, focusing intently on sharpening his skills and techniques.

Year-round training has been a hallmark of Diego’s approach to the sport. Imagine putting in 8-10 practices each week—that’s some serious commitment! With all that practice, he not only mastered the strokes but also learned vital life skills like time management and mental toughness. His coach, Heidi McMillan, has continuously praised him for being a relentless worker and a fierce competitor, which has certainly paid off in spades.

Throughout his impressive career at Clayton Valley Charter High School, Diego has set the bar high. He has qualified for the coveted NCS and State Championship meets each of his four years, demonstrating a consistent level of excellence that few can match. Remarkably, he’s earned the title of two-time All-America swimmer and has been named to the first-team all-Diablo Athletic League four times. His astounding achievements led to him receiving the notable CVCHS Mark of the Year Award in 2024.

But that’s not all! For three consecutive years, Diego has held the title of male swimmer MVP, and he proudly holds Top 10 all-time school records in five individual events as well as a relay. Can you believe it? This guy is on fire!

Education is just as important to Diego as his athletic pursuits. He’s graduating with a State Seal of Biliteracy alongside a commendable 3.8 GPA. On top of all his swimming accolades, he has got involved in a range of extracurricular activities—talk about a busy student! He participated in the Engineering Academy and joined various clubs including Angels for Minis, Animal Aid Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and the Doctors Without Borders Club.

Looking ahead, Diego has set his sights on the future. He’s officially committed to continue his swimming career at UC Santa Barbara, where he plans to major in actuarial sciences. This exciting next chapter is filled with promise, and his friends, family, teammates, and coaches couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved and what lies ahead!

As the Clayton Valley community erupts with excitement celebrating Diego’s incredible accomplishments, it’s also important to thank the local sponsors, including Dr. Laura Lacey and Dr. Christopher Ruzicka, for their unwavering support of local athletes.

Way to go, Diego! Your journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come!

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