STAFF

 

 

I believe in the teaching of fundamentals in all four strokes.  With this focus on developing a skill-diverse swimmer, it will help the swimmers continue to succeed as they mature and grow within our sport.  Longevity and the process of learning the sport is my key focus.  Developing swimmers who are students of our sport.

 Specializing and training at an early age will lead to early success.  I’ve learned that there is a cost for this early focus on success.  It will lead to an increase in training injuries and also to early retirement from our sport.  The Alberta records are littered with provincial record holders who never made it past the age of 14-16 in our sport.  We have time.  I want kids moving through our program that are ready to handle the demands of each level.  Not ones that have been pounded into the ground and have very little left in their career.

I try to teach, train, and motivate the swimmers to achieve their full potential and to have them understand how this path will help them in all aspects of their lives.

I want swimmers to dream the big dream, but I also want them to understand that the process of chasing the dream is as beneficial, if not more than achieving the dream itself.

Am I a sprint coach? Am I a distance coach?  I have had success in coaching all strokes and distances.  I think my job is a talent developer.  I love teaching swimmers in year one how to start their love with our sport and I love teaching swimmers striving to represent Canada on the international scene.

My hope is that our program develops people and develops athletes.

Dream It! Train It! Live it!

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Chad Thompson
Assistant Head Coach - Calgary T2T7 & Airdrie Development
Email: [email protected]

I've been involved with swimming since the age of 4 and have been fortunate enough to swim competitively at some of the highest levels in the sport. As a swimmer, I quickly realized that passion and technique were critical to success in the pool, and as a coach, my goal is to impart that same excitement, passion and detail to my swimmers.

I am passionate about everything swimming, and being able to share that passion through coaching is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Using my experience as a swimmer, my education as a teacher and coach, and my passion for the sport to excite, encourage and empower swimmers to love the sport of swimming is an incredible privilege.  

I love quotes, and one of my favourites is from 1984 USA Olympic and University of Tennessee head swim coach Ray Bussard: “Practice makes permanent, but only perfect practice makes perfect.” 

Have fun, work hard and swim well.

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Zac McLeod
Airdrie T2T5 & Calgary Development
Email: [email protected]

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the competitive coach for this group of young athletes. I come to this role with an extensive background in competitive swimming, having competed at the national level and spent over a decade coaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. 

 

I am also excited to be returning to my home pool. The swim season represents an exciting journey filled with dedication, hard work, and endless opportunities for personal growth both in and out of the water. It is my mission to cultivate an environment that fosters discipline, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the sport. 

Together, we will not only strive for individual improvement but also create a unified team that supports each other, celebrates accomplishments, and conquers challenges with determination. It is my sincerest desire to create a positive, challenging, and rewarding experience for each and every one of them.

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Volodymyr Zahurski

Calgary T5

Email: [email protected]

I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you as a coach in my first year. I am here not just to guide you through the world of sports but to share the invaluable lessons I've learned through years of dedication and hard work in my own athletic journey.

As a former professional swimmer and now your coach, I understand the transformative power of hard work. I have experienced the early mornings, the grueling practices, and the moments of doubt that eventually led to moments of triumph. This journey has shaped me, not only as an athlete but as an individual who believes in the extraordinary potential that lies within each one of us.

 

 

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Adam Sparkes
Calgary L4 & Development
Email:  [email protected]

The 2024/25 season will be my third with NCSA. I am a NCCP Level 2 Coach, as well as a National Lifeguard and Swim and LifeSaving Instructor. My daughter, Abby, was a competitive swimmer with NCSA for many years. I was a competitive swimmer as well but she was, and remains, faster than I ever was. I will do my best to give your swimmer the opportunity to have as great an experience with the Club as she enjoyed.

I am dad to two strong and beautiful daughters, and husband to a wife who, thankfully, has been the greater influence on our girls through both nature and nurture. I've had a lot of fun in my working life; first, as a lawyer and, later, in the public service and oil and gas sectors. I was fortunate to be able to retire relatively young, and lucky again to discover coaching.

My coaching philosophy is pretty simple. If you can create an environment that encourages hard work and having fun, good things will follow. I look forward to another great season. 

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Linda Bruce
Airdrie L2T4
Email:  [email protected]

I love being active and swimming has always been an active part of my life for as long as I remember. I grew up in Dartmouth, NS where there are lifeguarded lakes in almost every neighbourhood. There was a small, lifeguarded beach at the end of my street.

I started competitive swimming after a failed attempt at synchronized swimming. I swam competitively with a small club on a military base. I had the opportunity to travel around Atlantic Canada and into Ontario for meets.  It was truly a great time in my life.

Many years passed before I found my way back to competitive swimming. I started as a Swim Parent and all that entailed. I sat on the Board as President and past-President for 3 years. During that time, I started Masters swimming with NCSA.

It was through a casual conversation that I realized that coaching was the next logical step. With many courses under my belt, I am so privileged to be coaching for NCSA. I consider coaching to be the most rewarding career I have had.

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