Come meet our amazing coaches!
Summer Coaches
Mervin
Head Coach
Hey swimmers,
My name is Mervin, and I’m excited to be back this year as Head Coach!
My competitive swimming journey began in 2013, when I qualified for provincials and made finals in my very first year. Over the following years, I medalled in multiple events and set club records at provincials. Building on that progress, I joined the Spartan Swim Club, where I qualified and competed in national-level meets against some of the fastest swimmers across Canada. These experiences ultimately led to earning a scholarship to the University of Alberta swim team in my final year of high school.
My experience as a swimmer has shaped my coaching approach, allowing me to support athletes through the physical demands of training, the mental challenges of competition, and the technical details that drive performance.
My coaching journey started in 2022, and I coached with the Stingrays in 2024 and 2025. I aim to create a focused and competitive environment that remains positive and enjoyable, supporting swimmers as they build confidence, refine their skills, and progress at their own pace.
What I enjoy most about coaching is seeing swimmers have fun while they improve, discover their strengths, and grow in confidence as they develop in the sport.
I’m excited to see some familiar faces and meet new swimmers this season.
See you on deck!
Bronwen
Assistant Coach
Hi, I’m Bronwen!
I bring 12 years of competitive swimming experience with the Spartan Swim Club and a strong passion for helping swimmers grow and succeed.
My swimming background includes competing at the 2022 Canada Games and the 2024 Canadian Olympic Trials, along with earning provincial medals and medaling at major meets across Western Canada.
I began coaching 5 years ago with Spartans and have spent the past 2 years coaching with the Stingrays in both Winter Fit and summer swimming.
I started summer swimming at age 4, which helped build my love for the sport and eventually led me to coaching with the Stingrays. I love coaching because there is nothing better than seeing swimmers excitement when their hard work pays off.
Caci
My name is Caci, I have been competitively swimming for 11 years with the Port Alberni team on Vancover Island, the Tsunami Swim Team, and the Chilliwack Stingrays. I have been swimming and working with the Stingrays for 2.5 years and they have been amazing.
I have been coaching for 5 years with ages from 3 – Adult and I enjoy being able to give my teachings to all my wonderful swimmers.
Gwenna
Coach Gwenna has been a valued part of the Stingrays family for the past few years, and we’re excited to have her returning as a substitute coach this year! She brings great energy, patience, and passion to every practice, making a positive impact whenever she’s on deck.
She loves coaching swimmers of all ages, helping each athlete build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy their time in the water.
We’re so grateful for her continued commitment to the team—be sure to say hi next time you see her on deck!
Kayleigh
Hi! I’m Kayleigh, and I’m so excited to be coaching again with Stingrays this year! I’ve been on the team for about 4 years and started learning how to swim when I was 3, and I’ve loved it ever since!
My favorite thing about swimming is just the feeling of accomplishment when you know you’re improving, and the adrenaline you get when you dive into a pool.
As a coach, I’m most excited to help swimmers improve, gain confidence, and have fun in the water just like I did!
Sonia
Hi Stingrays! My name is Sonia and I will be one of the junior coaches for this 2026 summer!
I have been swimming for Stingrays for 3 years now and have been coaching for about 2 years now. One of my favourite things about coaching are the convos with the kids.
All of the kids have been such a joy to work with and all are so fascinating in their individual ways. They are not only learning from me but I’m learning so much from them!
I started swimming when I was 3 years old and started swim club at the age of 5. Before swimming for Stingrays, i swam for Hope River Monsters, and after moving to Chilliwack, i joined Spartans and swam for them for 2 years before joining Stingrays. My favourite races to swim are 50 free or 100 free.
I’m so excited for this summer season and can’t wait to see all the returning faces, and of course all the new ones too! I’m looking forward to the fun we will have this year!
The Stingrays are so happy to have her back on deck again this season!