Summer 2026 Coaches
Brett
Head Coach & Crush Lead Coach
I’m excited to be back as the Head Coach of the Piranhas for a third summer.
Over the past 11 years, I have been fortunate to coach all ages and skill levels, ranging from the first strokes in the water to coaching provincial and national level athletes here in Victoria. In addition to being a NCCP level 1 coach, I also have a BCom degree and have officially begun my career as a school teacher. My goal is to foster a positive, enjoyable, and engaging team culture so that athletes look forward to coming to the pool and swimming with their teammates.
See you on deck!
Keir
Sprint Lead Coach
Keir is a current UVIC Vikes swimmer, with experience competing with Team Canada and the National High Performance Centre - Vancouver. A Victoria local, Keir grew up swimming for Pacific Coast Swimming before spending three seasons at the University of British Columbia. After winning multiple national championships, Keir believes the most important component of swimming is finding joy in the training process.
Pyper
Bolt Lead Coach
After coaching with Piranhas for around 5 years, having the opportunity to work with every group in the little and big pool, I’m excited to be back for another season. I first started coaching the development and younger competitive groups at Island Swimming, and a few years ago I made the jump over to summer club as I work towards my bachelors degree at UVic. Being NCCP level 1 certified, my aim is always to foster a fun practice environment where swimmers can build fundamental skills inside the pool. Piranhas has a really special team culture, which is super cool to see both in the summer season and winter maintenance!
Linnea
Dynamo Lead Coach
Hey Piranhas! I’m Linnea and I’m so beyond excited for another summer with you all! I’ve been coaching for almost four years now, and I spent 12 years training and racing with the club from grade 1 until I graduated high school. I’m a Kinesiology student at UVic, as well as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Panorama. Being able to share my passion for swimming and youth sport through my position as a coach is something I’m grateful for. I’m super hyped for my second summer leading Dynamo! Looking forward to seeing you all on deck!
Paul
Junior Lead Coach
Hi I'm Paul, I have been swimming since 2015 and have been coaching since 2018, I am an NCCP level 1 certified coach. I enjoyed swimming as it taught me many life lessons as well as gave me a great knowledge on lifelong sport. I am now studying at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, studying health and exercise science which I adore. I am very excited to get to start a new chapter of my life on the island as well as with the Piranhas.
Ashley
Junior Coach
Hi, my name is Ashley and I am very excited to be coaching in the junior pool this season!
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I have been swimming with Piranhas since 2020. Swimming has always been my favorite sport so I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my love and knowledge of this sport with others. I spent many years volunteer coaching for Piranhas before becoming a coach. I have also coached for a few school swim clubs. I look forward to continuing to share my passion for swimming with everyone I will be coaching this summer!
Simon
Junior Coach
Hi everyone, my name is Simon Makuch and I will be coaching junior swimmers this summer. I have been a volunteer coach for a few years, and I am excited to now be part of the coaching team.
The water is something that I have loved since before I could walk. I got hooked on swimming at our place in Lake Cowichan, and then I joined Piranhas in Grade 3. My participation in summer swimming came later and I have really enjoyed the competition. I've attended most meets in recent years and have competed at the BC High School Championships and BC Summer Swimming Provincials.
I have been influenced by great coaches over the years who have helped me grow and develop into the swimmer I am today. It's my hope to share my passion and knowledge with younger swimmers to make swimming a positive experience for younger swimmers.
Nigella
Junior Coach
Hi everyone, my name is Nigella, and I’m super excited to be coaching the Piranhas this summer!
I grew up spending my summers swimming, competing, and making great memories with the club, which is where my love for the sport really began. Outside of the club, I’m a student at Stelly’s Secondary School and also work as a swim instructor at Panorama. When I’m not in the pool, I love being outdoors—whether that’s hiking, paddleboarding, or, of course, swimming.
I’ve also had the chance to give back to the team through volunteering and substitute coaching, which makes me so pumped to start coaching this summer. I’m so excited to share my love of swimming with the next generation of swimmers and help them grow in confidence and skill. I’m really looking forward to a fun, and energetic season with the whole team!
Katie
Junior Coach
Hi, I’m Katie, and I’m 17 years old. I’m excited to be back coaching with the Piranhas this season! I’ve been a swimmer with the club since 2015 and continue to train and compete, so it means a lot to now be giving back as a coach.
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I also had the opportunity to coach with the team this past winter, and I’m thrilled to be continuing on with the club for the summer season.
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As a coach, I’m excited to support swimmers as they build confidence, improve their technique, and reach their goals. I’m looking forward to a fun and successful season with the team!
Mia
Junior Coach
Hi everyone, my name is Mia Paterson and I’m super excited to be back for my third season as a coach in the little pool! I have been with the club as a swimmer since 2018 and it has been the greatest experience to learn and grow up in this amazing community. And now as a coach I am thrilled to be part of each swimmer’s journey as a piranha. My goal as a coach is to ensure that the swimmers have the same positive experience I had in this community because the positive impact that my coaches had on my growth as not only a swimmer but as a person is something that I’ll always remember.