WE'RE HIRING! 

STAFF

 

 

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Chad Thompson
Assistant Head Coach
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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Ali Can
Mentor Coach
Email: [email protected]

 

 

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Zac McLeod
Airdrie & Calgary Orange Coach
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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Adam Sparkes
Email:  [email protected]

The 2025/26 season will be my fourth with NCSA as a Coach. Before that, I was a swim parent while my eldest daughter, Abby, was swimming with the Club. More than a few decades ago, I was a competitive swimmer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Between these swim bookends, I enjoyed a fun and rewarding career in law and oil and gas.

My approach to coaching is pretty simple. Guided by NCSA's training plan, I believe swimming needs to be fun. It starts by challenging swimmers to improve technique, speed and endurance. There are few things as fun - for swimmer and coach alike - than witnessing the improvement that comes from dedicated effort. And, fun means being silly at times. Occassionally, you will see me on deck in a costume, and I frequently torment swimmers with 80s music trivia.

While my time as a competitive swimmer is a distant memory, I still love the water and swimming with my family. In addition to the more immediate goals your swimmer may have, I hope they achieve that one in the long run.

 

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Linda Bruce
Airdrie & Calgary Black
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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