Coach Saira Smith

Coach Saira Smith brings a unique blend of warmth, professionalism, and community spirit to Hydra Aquatics. A lifelong Northern Virginian, Saira is passionate about working with young children and helping them build confidence and resilience in and out of the water.

Saira grew up in Arlington and attended Yorktown High School. Her first professional career was in the culinary arts — after earning a B.P.S. from the Culinary Institute of America, she spent two decades in restaurants and hospitality management. From her start at Lost Dog Café in Westover to her final position at the AAA Five Diamond–rated Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco, Saira cultivated a reputation for excellence, care, and leadership.

After returning home to Northern Virginia, Saira shifted careers to early childhood education. She spent several years teaching at Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool, where she served first as a classroom assistant and later as a lead teacher working primarily with 3-year-olds. Her curiosity and commitment to child development have made her a beloved figure among local families.

A longtime member of the Tuckahoe community, Saira also served for four years as Dive Representative, helping to support the coaches and grow the program. Her own swimming journey began later in life as a member of the Big Cats adult swim group, led by Coach Torey Ortmayer — a program she now proudly calls home.

For Saira, teaching beginner swimmers combines her love of working with young children, her passion for swimming, and her deep belief in the power of community. She believes the water is one of the best places to build physical strength, emotional resilience, and lifelong confidence.

“Swimming helps young people learn how to work hard, bounce back, and feel proud of themselves. It’s a joy to help them take those first strokes.” — Coach Saira