MEET OUR VSC COACHES 

Coach Derek Gibb – HEAD COACH- Sprint & Technique Specialist | Alaska Swimming Hall of Fame Inductee

Coach Gibb brings a lifetime of competitive swimming experience and elite-level training to the pool deck. As an Alaska Swimming Hall of Fame inductee and former NCAA National Champion, Derek Gibb combines a deep passion for the sport with a science-based coaching philosophy shaped by years of mentorship under Olympic coaches.

A native of Petersburg, Alaska and lifelong swimmer, Coach Gibb began his journey with the Viking Swim Club, eventually earning four Alaska High School State titles for Petersburg High School. He went on to compete at the collegiate level with Golden West College—breaking a national record in the 50 freestyle—and later joined powerhouse Auburn University, where he became a two-time NCAA National Champion and 11-time All-American. Derek represented the United States at the 2003 World University Games in South Korea and competed at both the 2000 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Derek Gibb’s coaching career reflects the same excellence seen in his competitive days. With experience coaching age-group swimmers in California, Alabama, and Alaska, he has worked and swam under Olympic legends such as Dave Marsh, Brett Hawke, Dave Durden, Kim Brackin, and Gary Hall Sr. Today, Coach Gibb serves as Viking Swim Club’s Head Coach specializing in sprint and technique with swimmers in Petersburg, AK, focusing on all five strokes including the often-overlooked underwater dolphin kick. Coach Gibb’s training programs emphasize proper technique, resistance training, race pace strategies, and athlete development through both in-water and dryland work.

At the heart of Coach Gibb’s coaching philosophy is the belief that every swimmer deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Coach Gibb is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and positive team environment where athletes are encouraged, supported, and inspired to grow. Coach Gibb is proud to be giving back to the Alaska swimming community and shaping the next generation of champions.

Email:  [email protected]

Coach Ginger Evens- Assistant Coach

Hi! I am excited to be the Assistant Swim Coach for Viking Swim Club, bringing years of competitive experience and a true passion for the sport. Growing up in Anchorage, I swam at the club and high school level before continuing as a collegiate swimmer at the University of Redlands, where I also played water polo. I bring 20 plus years of assistant coaching experience to Viking Swim Club. Drawing from a lifelong love of swimming,

I enjoy helping swimmers build confidence, develop skills, refine their technique, and discover their own potential. With a positive, team-focused approach, I enjoy working with Derek to create an environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and inspired.

I taught for 26 years with the Petersburg School District. My husband Craig and I have two sons, Nels (28) and Casey (25) both of whom swam for Viking Swim Club and Petersburg High School. Nels is married to Cassie and lives in Juneau. Casey is engaged to Hunter and will marry in October 2026.