Our Journey…

Born out of the philosophies of C5 Climbing, San Diego Climbing Academy represents the next step in youth climbing development. From first-time climbers to seasoned competitors, we cultivate resilience, adaptability, and mastery at every stage of the journey.

Meet the Team

  • David Reis

    DIRECTOR/HEAD COACH

    David has been climbing for 14 years and coaching for 9, working with athletes at every level—from first-time climbers to World Cup competitors. As the director of SDCA, he leads the development of all programs, ensuring a training environment that challenges, supports, and cultivates long-term growth in young climbers. His coaching philosophy extends beyond physical performance, helping athletes build a deeper connection to climbing as a lifelong pursuit. His vision for SDCA, co-founded with Marco, builds on the foundation laid by C5 Climbing, continuing a legacy of structured, thoughtful coaching that empowers climbers to reach their full potential.

  • Marco Giacomangeli

    ASSISTANT HEAD COACH

    Marco is the head elite coach at San Diego Climbing Academy and is currently completing his master’s in kinesiology. With years of experience working with a diverse range of athletes, he specializes in developing individualized solutions and crafting unique exercises that help climbers unlock their potential. Marco views coaching and setting as deeply interconnected, using both to create training environments that develop adaptability, creativity, and well-rounded skill sets. Growing up climbing trad, competing at the national level, and refining his craft as a route setter has given him a deep appreciation for the diversity of movement in climbing. Alongside David, he co-founded SDCA to build on the foundation laid by C5 Climbing, continuing a legacy of athlete-centered, progressive coaching that prepares climbers for success at every level.

  • Sam Brockett

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Sam has been climbing for eight years, starting as a recreational climber at The Wall before joining the competitive team at age 11. She grew up training with C5 Climbing, where she learned the value of problem-solving, adaptability, and enjoying the process of improvement. Now, as a coach, she brings that same philosophy to SDCA, helping young climbers build confidence, develop their skills, and find their own love for the sport. With experience in both recreational and competitive climbing, she understands the importance of creating a supportive and engaging space where athletes feel encouraged to push themselves. Sam is currently studying biology and has a strong interest in movement and physiology, which she incorporates into her coaching to help climbers move efficiently and stay healthy.

  • Alina Albert

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Alina has been climbing and competing for 10 years, beginning her journey at Mesa Rim before continuing her journey with C5. Training under C5’s philosophy helped shape her approach to climbing, leading her to earn a spot on the U.S. Youth National Team and compete at Youth World Championships. Now a coach and setter, Alina is passionate about helping climbers develop a positive relationship with the sport. One that prioritizes learning, curiosity, and personal growth over results. She believes in celebrating progression and guiding athletes to find joy in the process of improvement. Alina is currently studying psychology at Palomar College, with plans to transfer to UCSD, where she hopes to explore the mental aspects of climbing and performance.

Our Core Values…

Mastery – Own the Process

Mastery is the pursuit of excellence in its purest form. It’s about fully committing to the process, embracing challenges, and striving for complete integration with the task at hand. True mastery isn’t just about being good at something—it’s about developing deep understanding, refining skills, and embodying the sport in a way that feels second nature. Every climb, every move, every lesson is a step toward a greater version of yourself.

Creativity – Explore the Unknown

Creativity is about seeing beyond what’s in front of you and making connections between what already exists in new and unexpected ways. In climbing, it’s not just about repeating what works—it’s about experimenting, playing with movement, and pushing into the unknown. The best climbers don’t just execute; they explore. They aren’t afraid to try, fail, and discover something new. The unknown isn’t something to fear—it’s full of potential.

Relentless – Keep the Fire Burning

To be relentless is to hold your aim steady, no matter what stands in the way. It’s about having an internal fire that keeps burning, but in balance—not so wild that it consumes you, but not so dim that it fades. There will always be obstacles, distractions, and doubt. Being relentless means staying on course, pushing forward, and refusing to quit. The strongest climbers aren’t just the ones who win—they’re the ones who refuse to stop improving.

Respect – Honor the Sport, Honor Others

Respect starts with humility—knowing your place, your potential, and your limits. It’s about understanding the role of coaches, teammates, parents, and competitors, and valuing their contributions. Respect extends beyond people; it applies to the sport itself, the gym, the equipment, and even nature. Responsibility is a key part of respect—it means owning your actions, taking care of your training space, and holding yourself accountable for your progress. Climbing is an individual sport, but success comes from how we support and interact with the world around us.