Yolanda Bates is entering her ninth season working with the stroke swimmers since joining the BYU coaching staff in June 2012.

Bates, formerly Mendiola, swam breaststroke and individual medley while a swimmer at BYU. Originally from Mexico City, she was a member of the Mexico National Team from 1974 to 1980. After graduating from BYU with bachelor's degrees in public relations (1982) and Spanish (1984), Bates has coached youth swimmers in Logan, Utah. Many of Bates’ former high school students went on to swim for BYU, including Jake Taylor, a five-time All-American.

In 2001 she graduated with a master's from Utah State in second language teaching.  She previously served as the first female assistant coach to Stan Crump at BYU.

Bates and her husband, Brian, have four children, including two sons, Daniel (2008-2012) and Sammy (2008-2012), and a daughter Nikki Walsh (2002-06) who have all competed on BYU's swim teams.