OUR TEAM

Welcome to the SWIMX Commmunity, where swimming dreams come true! I'm Alycia, the Founder and Lead Coach at SWIMX, and I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages become confident and skilled swimmers. With years of experience and a strong background in competitive swimming, I am dedicated to providing exceptional private lessons to clients in Alberta and BC. My journey in the swimming community began 15 years ago when I first stepped into the pool as a young swimmer. Through hard work and determination, I achieved remarkable success, representing multiple swimming provincial teams and competing at a national and international level. One of the highlights of my career was winning a silver medal at Canadian Nationals, which marked the beginning of my national success. Shortly after, I participated in the North American Indigenous Games and secured gold medals in all eight events I competed in. Driven by my love for working with children and sharing my swimming expertise, I started my coaching journey as a volunteer with the Okotoks Mavericks, my club team. It was a fulfilling experience that led me to become a certified Developmental Swim Coach through Swimming Canada. I also obtained all the necessary first aid and CPR certifications to ensure the safety and well-being of my students. My dedication and coaching abilities caught the attention of Todd Melton, the Head Coach of the Okotoks Mavericks, who quickly offered me a paid position as a developmental coach. With his endorsement, stating that my coaching skills were unparalleled at the developmental stage, I was motivated to continue honing my expertise. You can find Todd Melton's full testimonial on our website's testimonial page. Currently, I am attending university in New York City, where I swim Division I in the NCAA. Despite being away during the academic year, I spend my summers in Burnaby, BC  focusing on providing high-quality swim lessons. My goal is to help children of all ages become better swimmers, whether they are beginners who need to overcome their fear of water or competitive swimmers seeking elite coaching and the latest technological insights in swimming. At SWIMX, our primary objective is to ensure that every swimmer who joins our program leaves with confidence, new skills, and a smile on their face. I believe that swimming is not only a valuable life skill but also an opportunity for personal growth, self-confidence, and endless enjoyment. Join me at Weber Swim School, where together, we'll make a splash and turn your swimming aspirations into reality.

Coach Kennedy is a highly accomplished swim coach with a passion for teaching and developing swimmers of all ages and skill levels. With over a decade of competitive swimming experience, Kennedy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session. If you're looking for private swim lessons tailored to your specific goals, she is the ideal coach to guide you on your swimming journey. As a former competitive swimmer, Kennedy has achieved remarkable success in the pool. Her dedication and hard work have earned her numerous accolades, such as provincial and national medals, 5 NCAA all-americans, Simon Fraser University school records, and an invite to FINA world cup. In 2022, Kennedy took her swimming career to new heights by joining a professional swim team. This experience further honed her skills and allowed her to train and compete alongside some of the best swimmers in the world! Having competed at and above the collegiate level for five years, Kennedy understands the demands and challenges that come with high-level competition, and her ability to excel in various swimming disciplines demonstrates her versatility and deep understanding of the sport. With four years of coaching experience under her belt, Kennedy is well-versed in tailoring her coaching approach to each individual swimmer. She has worked with all ages of swimmers (with a specialty in the development age, 6-10yrs) and has a keen eye for technique and identifying areas of improvement. Her coaching style is rooted in positivity and encouragement, creating an environment that fosters growth and achievement. She is dedicated to helping swimmers reach their full potential by focusing on proper technique, endurance, and mental preparation. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced swimmer aiming for higher goals, Kennedy would love to help you achieve success in the pool. With Kennedy as your private swim coach, you can expect a tailored training program, expert feedback, and unwavering support throughout your swimming journey. Are you ready to dive into the world of swimming with confidence and get started working towards your goals?  Contact Kennedy today to schedule your private swim lessons and embark on a transformative swimming experience.

Coach Finlay was born in England, with an early move to New Zealand at the age of two. There, he mastered swimming as a vital life skill and developed a deep affection for surfing and bodyboarding along the local coastline. At the age of seven, Finlay and his family made the move to Canada, where they landed in Okotoks, Alberta. Upon his arrival, he immersed himself in competitive swimming and hockey. After juggling both pursuits for several years, his heart definitively gravitated towards swimming – the sport captured his passion. From a young age, Finlay has made a name for himself in the world of swimming. As an age group swimmer, he shattered over 40 Alberta provincial records and claimed 2 Canadian junior records, setting the stage for his impressive career. His journey continued with his first step onto the international stage at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in 2018, followed by a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. In 2019, he became the Canadian national champion in the men's 200m Individual medley and secured silver and bronze medals at the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships. Joining the Ontario High-Performance Center in Toronto propelled his growth, leading to many notable achievements in the International Swim League. Finlay also went on to shatter the national record in the 200m individual medley and earned a spot on Canada's 2020 Summer Olympic Team. In the coming years, Finlay did not shy away from success. Some of his most recent triumphs include being a part of Canada's men's 4x100m freestyle team that secured a historic bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as two individual podium finishes at the 2022 Short Course World Championships in the Men's 100m Medley and 200m Medley, where he broke the Canadian record with an astonishing time of 1:51.04.  This long series of accomplishments not only stands out as remarkable but also highlights Finlay's versatility and skill across a wide range of disciplines. Apart from his combined stroke success in the Individual Medley events, Finlay boasts impressive achievements across each of the strokes individually. He holds the fourth fastest 100m fly time in Canadian history and earned a spot on the 2022 World Championships team for this event. His 100m backstroke places second all-time in the country's records, and he notably held the Junior Canadian record in 100m breaststroke. Lastly, his freestyle contributed to multiple Canadian National 4x100m freestyle relays.  All of these remarkable accomplishments collectively showcase Finlay's world-class excellence across all swimming disciplines. With his extensive journey and achievements, including prior experience coaching elite-level swimming clinics, Finlay is uniquely positioned to bring his wealth of experience and passion for swimming to aspiring swimmers as a coach. He looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm and expertise, guiding and inspiring the next generation of swimmers to achieve their full potential in the pool. Don't forget to check out his website https://finlayknox.com/fin/ !

Hi, I’m Justice Migneault, a professional swimmer and dedicated private swimming instructor with a passion for teaching and inspiring others through this incredible sport. Born and raised in Canada, I’m currently training at the Canadian High-Performance Centre in Vancouver, where I continue to refine my skills under the mentorship of the best coaches in the country. My love for swimming started early, and by age 5, I was already competing. Over the years, my commitment to the sport has only grown stronger. In 2017, my hard work paid off when I earned a spot on the Canada Games team. Since then, I’ve set records at the University of British Columbia (UBC), including the Canada West and University-Sports records in the 100m breaststroke. I’ve been a proud Canadian national champion in breaststroke events in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and also claimed the University-Sports title in the 200m IM, along with multiple podium finishes in various events. Beyond competition, I’ve found joy in sharing my knowledge as a swim instructor. I take pride in helping swimmers of all ages and abilities unlock their potential, improve their technique, and discover the joy of swimming. At 22, I’ve completed three years of study at UBC, where I’ve had the honor of serving as captain of the varsity swim team. My time at UBC has allowed me to compete at the highest levels, contribute to two national titles at the University Sports Championships, and grow both as an athlete and leader. I’m excited to continue pursuing my dreams on the world stage while helping others discover their love for swimming through private lessons. Whether I’m in the pool competing or coaching, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities this sport has given me. I look forward to sharing my passion with you. See you in the pool!

Blake Tierney’s swimming journey began in Burlington, Ontario, where he first joined the pool but didn’t take the sport too seriously, often skipping practices and staying under the radar. Things changed when he moved to Saskatchewan, where he made a decisive commitment to swimming, training consistently and making significant strides in his performance. His hard work paid off, as he began breaking multiple age group and open records in Saskatchewan, setting himself apart as a rising talent. His achievements opened the door to swim at the varsity level for the University of British Columbia (UBC). Competing for the UBC Thunderbirds, he honed his skills further and rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of Canada’s top swimmers. Wanting to reach even higher, Blake transitioned from UBC to High Performance Centre (HPC) Vancouver to train with elite swimmers and elevate his training intensity. Now competing internationally, Tierney recently completed his first Olympic Games, representing Canada at Paris 2024. Outside of swimming, he enjoys spending summer days fishing with family and friends, a relaxing contrast to his intense training schedule. He’s also pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at UBC, balancing academics with his dedication to the pool. With his Olympic debut behind him and growing experience, he’s motivated to continue excelling on the world stage, aiming for even greater achievements in his swimming career.

Hello, I’m Taylor! I have had the honour of racing for Team Canada at three Olympic Games, standing on international championship podiums, and training among some of the best in the world. Throughout my career, two powerful truths stand out: 1. There is great power in teamwork. 2. Growth comes from pushing limits, staying curious, and believing in yourself. Swimming has taken me from Scottsdale to Toronto, Stanford University, and Arizona State. It is the team — lane mates, relays, coaches and those who believe in me — that shape who I am. Now, at SwimX, I am here to be part of your team. My coaching blends high-performance tools with a people-first mindset. I care about the details — race efficiency, strategy, personalized mental prep — but even more about building trust, confidence, and a space where swimmers feel supported, challenged, and empowered. Whether you're chasing your first flip turn or a personal best, I’m here to help you notice joy in the work, pride in the process, and strength in the team you become part of. Let’s dive in, together :)

Kayla Sanchez is a two-time Olympian and one of Canada’s most versatile sprinters. She represented Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning silver in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay and bronze in the 4x100m medley relay, while also contributing to a fourth-place finish in the 4x200m freestyle relay. At the Paris 2024 Games, she represented the Philippines, continuing her Olympic career on the global stage. Kayla has been a steady medal contender internationally. At the 2019 FINA World Championships, she helped Canada to bronze in both the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays, breaking national records in both. A year earlier, she earned silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays, and added two bronze medals at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships. Her success began as a junior, highlighted by five medals at the 2017 World Junior Championships. That same year, she made her senior Worlds debut, competing in both the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays. From her first international podiums as a teenager to Olympic medals and World Championship success, Kayla has built a remarkable career! And she still has more to come!

Growing up in Edmonton, Emma was introduced to swimming at a young age by her mother, who was also a competitive swimmer. Her two older brothers and younger sister also competed in the sport. She joined a competitive swim team at age eight and has been training with the High Performance Centre Vancouver while also representing UBC since 2021. Known as a freestyle specialist, Emma has represented Canada on multiple international stages, including three World Championships and most recently the 2024 Olympics, where her relay team placed fourth in the 4x200m freestyle relay. At the 2023 Pan American Games, she was a part of the gold and bronze medal winning teams in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays. She made her first senior national team at 15 in the 400m and 1500m freestyle, qualifying for the 2019 World Championships where she also earned a bronze medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay. She was a three-time medalist at the 2019 Junior World Championships, earning silver in the 400m freestyle and two bronze in the 200m freestyle and the 4x200m freestyle relay. Her early national team experiences came from competing in various open water competitions around the world as a part of the junior national team. Coming from this distance background, in 2018 Emma was a Junior Pan Pacific bronze medalist in the 1500m freestyle and a Junior World Open Water team member. Emma was named the 2023 USports Swimmer of the Year and the CanWest and USport Rookie of the Year for the 2021/2022 season. She was Swimming Canada’s Junior Swimmer of the Year and Alberta Sport Junior Athlete of the Year in 2019. Additionally, she holds Alberta provincial age group and senior records in both freestyle and individual medley events, showing a range of abilities to bring to coaching. Outside the pool, Emma is committed to her academic pursuits and is currently in her fourth year of kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, where she has achieved Academic All-Canadian status every year she has represented UBC. In her free time Emma also enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Cole made his international debut in 2018 at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships where he won bronze in the 200m backstroke and reached the finals in the 200m IM and 200m butterfly. He qualified for his first senior national team in 2019 when he finished second in three events, including the 200m backstroke and 200m IM in which he competed in his debut at the FINA World Championships. Pratt also competed at the FINA World Junior Championships in 2019 where he won bronze with the men’s 4x100m medley relay and was a finalist in the 100m and 200m backstrokes. In 2020, Pratt joined the expansion Toronto Titans of the ISL, competing primarily in the backstroke. He made the podium twice in the 200m backstroke during the season. During the semifinals he set three new personal bests, breaking the 11-year-old Canadian 100m backstroke short course record with a time of 50.40 seconds. At the Canadian Olympic Trials in June 2021, Pratt finished second in the 100m backstroke to earn his ticket to Tokyo 2020.

Yuri “The Missile” Kisil was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where he began swimming competitively at the age of 8. In 2013, he participated in his first national and international competitions, winning seven medals at the Canadian Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and competing at the FINA World Junior Championships, in Dubai. At the Canadian Trials leading to these events, Yuri became the Canadian Age Group LCM National Record holder in the 50m Freestyle. In 2014, Yuri was named “Alberta Junior Athlete of the Year,” “Swim Alberta Junior Male Swimmer of the Year,” and “Canada West Universities Conference (CWUAA) Male Rookie of the Year.” He also made his first Senior National Teams, being selected for both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Pan Pacific Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. At the Victoria Trials where he qualified for these events, Yuri became the youngest swimmer in Canadian history to win both the 50m and 100m LC Freestyle National Championships and to break the 50 second mark in the 100m LC Freestyle. In 2015, while swimming for the UBC Thunderbirds, Yuri helped his team win the CIS National Men’s Team Championship and he claimed his first Sprinters Cup – awarded when a swimmer wins both the 50m and 100m Freestyle events at the Championships. That same year, he was named “Swim Alberta International Swimmer of the Year” and “Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Male Rookie of the Year.” He also qualified for the FINA LC World Championships, in Kazan, Russia, where he won a bronze medal in the 4x100M Mixed Relay, and The Pan Am Games, in Toronto, where he won a silver and bronze medal in relay events. At the 2016 FINA World SC Swimming Championships in Windsor, Ontario, Yuri won a bronze medal in the 4x100m SC Mixed Relay. In 2017, at the U Sports Swimming Championships in Sherbrooke, he earned his second Sprinter’s Cup and helped propel the UBC T-birds to another national men’s championship. That year, he received numerous accolades, including the “U Sport Male Swimmer of the Year Award,” “Swim BC Male Swimmer of the Year,” “UBC Outstanding Athlete of the Year,” “Canada West Universities Conference (CWUAA) Male Swimmer of the Year,” “British Columbia Male Swimmer of the Year,” “Swammy Award: Canadian Male Swimmer of the Year,” and Swimming Canada’s “Big Splash: Canadian Male Swimmer of the Year.” At the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest, he won 2 bronze medals. He also won his third Sprinter’s Cup in 2018. Since 2014, Yuri has been a member of the Canadian Senior National Swimming Team and has earned spots on the last 3 Olympic teams (Rio, Tokyo, and Paris). He won an individual bronze medal at the 2018 Tokyo Pan Pacific Champions and gold as a member of the Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay at the 2021 FINA SC World Championships in Abu Dhabi, where the team also set a new Canadian record. At the 2024 FINA LC World Championships in Budapest, Yuri won silver as part of the 4x50m mixed relay team. Recognized as one of the world’s top sprinters for the past decade, Yuri has trained with some of the best coaches and swimmers globally. His coaching and mentoring expertise are highly sought after, he has run many successful, well-attended swim clinics, and he is a respected motivational speaker. “The Missile” looks forward to sharing his passion for swimming, making every session both fun and challenging!

Raben was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and spent part of his childhood in Townsville, Australia, where he started swimming at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for competition. After moving with his family to Vancouver in 2010, he has continued to develop as an athlete, and has represented Canada on the highest stage internationally, for both pool and open water events. Throughout his age group career, he established himself as one of the top young males in the country. In 2017, he won seven medals at the Canada Summer Games and carried the flag for Team BC at the closing ceremonies. The next year, he picked up his first senior national medal with a bronze in the 1500m freestyle, and competed at the World Junior Open Water Championships where he finished 13th in the 7.5km race. In 2019, he made his senior international debut at the World Aquatics Championships in South Korea, finishing 16th in the 5km open water race. He also placed 8th in the 10km open water at the Pan American Games, marking his arrival on the international open water scene. Later that year, he was selected to represent Canada at the inaugural World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar, for the 5km open water race. After two seasons with the UBC Thunderbirds—where he helped secure multiple national titles and was named the 2019 Canada West Rookie of the Year—he returned to international competition at the 2021 FINA Short Course World Championships, racing the 10km open water event. In early 2023, he transitioned from open water to pool swimming, shifting his focus to backstroke and butterfly. He quickly adapted, winning bronze in both the 100m and 200m backstroke at the 2023 World Championship Trials. These performances earned him a spot on his second Pan American Games Team, where he won two bronze medals with Team Canada. Later that summer, he took the national title in the 200m backstroke at the Canadian Swimming Championships. In 2024, he qualified for his second World Aquatics Championships, this time in the pool, swimming the 200m backstroke and 200m butterfly. He raced his way to the semifinals for the 200m backstroke, placing 16th overall. At the 2024 Canadian Swimming Championships, he picked up the national title in the 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly and was named Male Swimmer of the Meet. Raben has spent years competing at the highest level and enjoys sharing his experience with younger swimmers. He has coached at numerous swim camps and clinics, helping young athletes refine their technique and develop their racing mindset. In 2022, Raben was brought along on a Team Canada trip in Spain, in order to mentor the next wave of Canada’s age group level open water athletes. Passionate about the sport, he takes pride in guiding the next generation of swimmers and passing on the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. Outside of the pool, he is studying finance at UBC, balancing his academic pursuits with the demands of high-performance sport.

Lochlan brings over 11 years of competitive swimming experience, 4 years of coaching, and a lifelong connection to the water. Having grown up in aquatics and later competing at a high level, he understands both the technical demands of the sport and the emotional journey many swimmers face. His own experience in the pool has deeply shaped the way he approaches coaching. During his early competitive years, Lochlan was driven to succeed and always pushed himself to improve. However, he often felt like his value as an athlete was measured only by his results, not by who he was as a person. It wasn’t until he found himself in a more supportive and encouraging environment that he truly began to thrive both in and out of the pool. That experience reignited his love for swimming and inspired him to become the kind of coach he once needed. As a coach, Lochlan brings a balance of connection, structure, and skill-building to every session. He believes in creating a space where swimmers feel safe, seen, and supported. Knowing that trust and personal connection are just as important as technique and performance. His sessions are built around strong technical foundations, purposeful drills, and a coaching style that keeps swimmers engaged, motivated, and excited to learn. Above all, Lochlan is passionate about helping each swimmer build confidence, develop their skills, and discover joy in the process. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to grow, his goal is to guide them through a positive, empowering experience one stroke at a time.

Hi! I'm Megan. I began my 11 years of competitive swimming at the age of 5 as an Aquasplasher with the Port Moody Aquarians before eventually deciding to commit more intensively and switching into winter club. I have coached all ages and levels of swimmers, in both summer and winter club alike. I began volunteer coaching at 12, junior coaching at 14, and eventually lead the Port Moody Aquarians' minis program. While leading this program, I developed skills to coach all types of kids to swim. From ones who were quiet & under confident to ones who are wildly energetic &...preoccupied with non-water activities. Different techniques work for different swimmers, and there is no "one way" of going at things. I have seen firsthand the difference it can make when a swimmer is given the specific attention and techniques they need. After swimming summer club for many years, I decided to take my swimming journey to the next level, and switched to competing in winter club. Before I decided to make the switch, I was swimming faster than ever, and felt really happy with where I was headed. However, when I made the switch, despite having almost double the practice time as before, I wasn't seeing the improvement I was looking for in my races. I wasn't making the drastic drops in racing time that my teammates were. Simply training at a higher intensity and pushing myself harder physically, weren't doing the trick. After a rough plateau period, I realized that my technique wasn't getting the attention it needed. The common, general corrections made by coaches weren't working for me. I needed a different, more personalized approach to my stroke. So, I started working on my technique on my own time, seeking out private coaching opportunities. The way my body worked, I needed a different coaching approach than my teammates. That's what I'm here with SwimX for! To find the techniques that really “click” with each swimmer, and to give them the time and attention needed to help them with their specific needs. Additionally, I want to keep things fun and inviting to foster passion inside each swimmer that I coach.

Hi! I’m Marawan, and I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember, over 18 years now! My journey started when I was four years old, and what began as a childhood hobby quickly turned into a lifelong passion that’s taken me to national and international competitions. Over the years, I’ve earned multiple gold medals and was a regional record holder in the 200m short-course butterfly. Coaching became a natural extension of my love for the sport. For the past 7 years, I’ve worked with swimmers of all ages and levels, from beginners learning their first strokes to competitive athletes fine-tuning their race techniques. My coaching philosophy is rooted in creating a positive and encouraging environment where swimmers can build confidence, sharpen their technique, and enjoy every moment in the water. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Calgary, and I love bringing that technical mindset into my coaching. Understanding how the body moves through the water helps me tailor drills and feedback to each swimmer’s unique strengths and needs. At SWIMX, I’m passionate about helping swimmers discover what makes their swimming click, whether that’s perfecting a stroke, mastering a turn, or simply finding joy in every lap. My goal is to help every swimmer leave each session feeling stronger, more confident, and excited to dive back in.