Meet New Odyssey Coach Christina Kossa: Talking Swimming, Documentaries, and More!

“I love the way that every swim in the bay is different and that there are millions of vantage points at which to see the gorgeous area in which we live.” -- Christina Kossa 

Big, fun personalities often find themselves in and around the water, as is the case with Christina Kossa. “I get energy by being with people,” says Christina, who also says she feels lucky to be a Bay swimmer so she could continue exercising during the pandemic. “It has been my solace and grip on sanity.”

Christina Kossa is the newest swim coach to join the Odyssey Open Water Swimming team. While new to our team, Christina is an experienced swimmer and coach who has found herself in the water “since before I can really remember,” says Christina. “I began teaching as a Red Cross teacher’s assistant at about 12 years old, and continued teaching at the Oakland YMCA in my 20’s.” Christina joined a triathlon club in the spring of 2012, which led to her falling “in love with swimming in the Bay.” Later, Christina began volunteering for an Adult Learn to Swim program, and through this experience, Christina discovered her passion for helping adults overcome their fear of the water. In addition to being on the Odyssey team, Christina coaches with the Richmond Plunge Masters in Richmond, California. 

“I love, love, love, sharing the joy of swimming and, especially, open water swimming.”  

When asked why she joined the team, Christina says, “Odyssey seemed like an ideal job for me because I get to share my infectious joy.” Christina has already been spreading joy to fellow swimmers during recent Odyssey Berkeley swims while ensuring fun and safe crossings. “No one should swim alone, especially when you have a community of like-minded individuals as well as dedicated coaches and kayakers to watch over you,” says Christina. 

When on land, Christina works as an Environmental Planning Consultant and enjoys spending time within the arts. Christina has a background in fine arts as a printmaker. After recently suggesting a documentary (Honeyland) to a fellow swim coach, Christina revealed that her favorite movies are documentaries. We asked her to share five of her all-time favorites, and she was happy to oblige: 

• The Dharma Brothers

• A Man Named Pearl

• Surfing for Life

• The King of Kong

• Paris is Burning

Please help us in welcoming Coach Christina to the Odyssey team. Come out and meet her at an upcoming Berkeley swim. 

Welcome, Christina!