Our Team of Competitive Coaches & Staff

Laura Nicholls

Age Group & Development Director/Head Coach

Groups: AGD1, JD1, Blue Marlins

NCCP 3 Certified, NCCP Learning Facilitator (Fundamentals coach, Age Group Coach), Certified Coach Evaluator, Master Coach Developer in training

Laura Nicholls brings over 25 years of coaching experience and a wealth of knowledge from her decorated swimming career. A two-time Olympian, she represented Canada at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Now entering her eighth year coaching in Guelph, Laura began her coaching journey while still competing at the national and international levels.  

Throughout her coaching career, Laura has held various roles with clubs in Waterloo, Pickering, and Oakville, ranging from part-time assistant to full-time age group coach. During her 12 years in Oakville, she focused primarily on the 12 & Under program, dedicating herself to teaching the fundamentals of swimming, nurturing a love for the sport, and inspiring young swimmers to strive for success both in and out of the pool.  

Swimming has been the constant thread throughout Laura’s life — as both an athlete and a coach. The pool has been her place of joy, connection, challenge, and growth. Her personal journey included highs and lows, but her relentless drive for excellence kept her motivated. When the chance arose to coach alongside her competitive career, she welcomed it wholeheartedly. After retiring from competition, Laura seamlessly transitioned into coaching full-time, channeling her experience and passion into developing young swimmers.

While she has worked with athletes across all ages and skill levels, Laura’s true coaching passion lies in developing junior swimmers. Her goal is to help them build strong technical foundations and a mindset that supports success both in sport and in life.

 Laura is committed to working closely with the coaching team to maintain and build upon the traditions that define the Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club. Laura looks forward to an exciting 2025–2026 swim season.

Chris Caloian

Groups: AG1, AG2 and assisting on Jr programs

NCCP 3 Trained

Chris brings over 10 years of experience in competitive swimming, working with athletes across a broad range of levels, including junior, senior, and Para swimmers. His athletes have achieved success at Regional, Provincial, Para National, and Canadian Trials competitions.

Chris has held coaching roles with several top Ontario clubs, including Club Warriors, Oakville Aquatic Club, and Mississauga Aquatic Club. He is recognized for his technical expertise, commitment to athlete development, and passion for the sport. Chris’s goal at GMAC is to build a strong technical foundation among our competitive swimmers while instilling a lifelong love of swimming.

Mary Gerrard

General Manager

Level 5 Master Swimming Canada Official

NCCP 1 Certified

B.Sc. Chemistry/Pharm

Mary has been with the club for eight years professionally and as a swim family for 15 years. Mary spent the previous 14 years as a National Sales Manager for a couple of different consumer packaged goods company and prior to that a Purchasing Manager at a major retail chain. Mary has experience in communications with high level decision makers and the end user, presentations, budgeting, and negotiations. Organization is her middle name. Mary thrives in streamlining processes to satisfy the end user.

Our Amazing Part-Time Coaching Team

Sofia

Groups: AGD2, Sr Marlins House League, Para Instruction

NCCP 2 Trained

I started swimming at the age of 6, and have been dedicated to the sport ever since. I started swimming competitively for North York Aquatic Club, and then finished my career as an athlete 11 years later at Toronto Swim Club. My passion for the sport lead me to become activity involved soon after, leading me to start as a volunteer before transitioning into my role as a coach. Though I am no longer an athlete, the sport remains a very large part of my life. I believe that swimming is so much more than time standards and awards, but about building up the future generation with all the values that swimming has to offer. Nurturing confident swimmers through skill development and fostering a lifelong love for the water is most important to me. As a coach I aim to create an environment that emphasizes enjoyment and personal growth by developing a positive, inclusive, and committed setting for athletes to thrive and be able to be enthusiastic about showing up to practice. I am currently attending the University of Guelph for a degree in biological sciences, and plans to further my studies in the medical field. I am excited to be joining the Guelph Marlins family this year, and getting to know and working along with the swimmers so they can attain their desired goals within the sport whatever they may be!

Becky

Groups: AG3, JD2 Groups

NCCP 1 Certified

Thrilled to be back on deck for my fourth season coaching with the Marlins Swim Club! Every year brings new energy, new faces, and incredible growth—for both the swimmers and for me as a coach.    Swimming has been more than just a sport in my life. From spending over eight years competing with GMAC, to proudly representing on national tour teams, the pool has always felt like home. That journey took me to Wright State University in Ohio on a swimming scholarship, where I embraced the challenge of balancing high-performance sport and academics—earning the title of 3-time Academic All-American and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Now, being back with the Marlins, I’m so excited to help our athletes push their limits, chase their goals, and grow both in and out of the water. Here’s to another unforgettable season of dives, drills, determination, and big dreams.

Shanna

Group: Jr Marlins House League

NCCP 1 Certified

I’m so excited to be diving into my 5th year coaching with the Guelph Marlins! Swimming has been a huge part of my life since I was 7 years old. I grew up swimming competitively with the Marlins until I was 19, and the team truly became a second family to me. I have so many wonderful memories of practices, away meets, and team gatherings that still bring a smile to my face. While I was swimming as a teen, I also began coaching Marlins Lessons. In the summers, I had the opportunity to coach at Camp Ak-O-Mak—a swim and sports camp for girls where I was once a camper myself and later a counsellor. I also spent time coaching in the Learn to Swim Program with the Orangeville Otters Swim Club. Since then, life has been full and exciting! I’m married now and a proud mom to three amazing kids—my son (11) and two daughters (9 and 6)—all of whom are currently in the Marlins Lessons program and absolutely love being in the pool. They definitely keep me on my toes! I’m really looking forward to another fun, active, and rewarding season with our swimmers. I can’t wait to get back on deck and see all the familiar faces—along with some new ones!  See you at the pool!

Mike

Groups: Masters: Mon/Thurs AM, Sunday AM

NCCP 1 Certified

Hi! I'm Mike and I swam competitively for ROW (Region of Waterloo) from ages 9-17. The athletic foundation that swimming provided allowed me to take on a multitude of other sports like football, rugby, skiing, hockey, baseball, triathlon, and others. I am passionate about sports and have taken on the role of head coach in both of my children's hockey and baseball rep teams and have worked as a ski instructor at Chicopee and other hills for more than 20 years. I love the relationship between technique and performance and find I am constantly seeking to learn how to do things better and more efficiently.

I'm excited to get back into the world of swimming and to be working with the Masters group! My goal is to help everyone set and meet the goals that they want to achieve and make it a fun and positive experience for all participants.

Frank

Groups: Masters: Mon/Thurs PM

Swimming has always been in my blood! I started competitive swimming when I was 6 years old with the Midland Keegos Aquatic Club.  My love for competitive swimming took me to Brock University where I received my degree in Sport Management and swam varsity for 4 years including serving as team captain in my 4th year.  Since varsity I have swam Masters with the Barrie Trojan Swim Club, English Bay Swim Club, and I just completed my first year with the Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club.  I look forward to swimming and coaching with the Masters this season! 

Pavlo

Groups: Masters Tues/Thurs mid-morning

NCCP 1 certified

At the age of 8, Pavlo began learning to swim at the Dynamo sports club. As a 14-year-old, he was included in the youth national swimming team of Ukraine. During his swimming career, Pavlo was a 26-time Ukraine National Champion, won two bronze medals at the Swimming World Cup in Moscow, won Gold at the European Swimming Championships, and finished 6th at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Pavlo started professional coaching in 2007.  He has worked with teams and swimmers of different levels in his home country of Ukraine. He has been active in swimming for 25 years as either an athlete or coach. This will be Pavlo's 4th year in Guelph after arriving here from the Ukraine on an emergency visa!

Rowan

Jr Marlins House League/JD2 Assistant

NCCP 1 certified

I am super excited to be a part of the Guelph Marlins team again this year! I swam competitively for 13 years and spent the last four of them coaching as well. I began coaching in a pre-competitive program, then moved on to coaching house league, and in my final year of swimming, I also coached swimmers in a competitive group. I am currently in my third year of studying Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. I’m eager to continue coaching and share my love for the sport with others!

Arabella

Blue Marlins Assistant/Marlins Swim Lesson Instructor

NCCP 1 Certified

I have been swimming for longer than I can remember. Starting in city lessons and finishing all I could by age 8, I joined the Marlins at 9 years old to continue my swimming journey. In 2022, I joined the lessons program as an assistant instructor before becoming a full instructor in 2023. By 2024, I was welcomed onto the coaching team where I worked with the Blue Marlins program and helped out with para coaching. Over the years, I have learned so much within the sport of swimming, and I hope to continue to learn more as one never stops being a student. It is my goal to imbue the passion of swimming into the next generation, igniting the same spark of joy that has engulfed my life for nearly two decades.

Rachel

Blue Marlins Assistant/Lessons Instructor

NCCP 1 Certified

I have always loved the water! I started swimming in my backyard blow up pool, graduated to swim lessons and then competitive swimming at a young age. I continued my love for the water by becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor. Throughout high school and university, I worked in many positions at the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph, including the swim instructor, Aquatic Coordinator and camp counselor. I have come to realize that my passion is in creating a positive, supportive environment where kids can learn and build not only their skills, but their character and most importantly their confidence while having fun! I am looking forward to continue sharing my love for the swimming for my third season coaching with the Marlins!

Birkley

Blue Marlins Assistant

NCCP 1 Certified

I am passionate about swimming and truly enjoy spending time in and around the pool. I’ve been swimming competitively with the Guelph Marlins for the past eight years and it has greatly contributed to my development both in and out of the pool. I am currently NCCP Level 1 trained and actively working toward full certification. This will be my second year returning as a coach with the Blue Marlins, and I’m excited to be back on the pool deck with the swimmers this season!

Julia

Blue Marlins Assistant/Jr&Sr Marlins House League Assistant/Marlins Lesson Instructor

NCCP 1 certified

Hi Marlins! My names Julia and this will be my 3rd season coaching with the Marlins. I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember. I swam with the Marlins for 7 years - 3 years in pre-comp and 4 competitively - until I chose to focus more on coaching. For the past 2 summers, you'll catch me providing backyard swimming lessons to lots of little Marlin swimmers. I love sharing my passion of this sport with others and can’t wait to see you on deck!

Abby

Senior/JD1 Assistant/Sr Dryland

NCCP 1 Certified

This is my 3rd year of Varsity swimming for the University of Guelph, as well as my 3rd year of Biomedical Sciences! Prior to coming to Guelph, I swam with the Brantford Aquatic Club for 13 years. I have a history of coaching and instructing, as well as my NL certification and have spent 4 summers guarding. Safe to say, I love the water and thrive in an aquatic environment! I am super excited to start my first season with the Guelph Marlins this year!

Heidi

Marlins Swim Lessons Instructor

NCCP 1 Certified

I started swimming for OYO in 71-79 then played Water Polo for Ottawa Jr & Sr teams from 79-84 We were 4x national champions during this time. I also played for Ontario in the 1983 Canada Summer Games and won a Bronze Medal. Studied Beaux Arts at U of O and Architecture at Algonquin. Proud mother of my two sons Johann & Dakota.

Marcela

Assist: Jr Marlins House League

NCCP 1 Certified

NL Certified

Hey! I'm excited to be working my third year with the Guelph Marlins and hopefully help inspire and build strong swimmers! I'm in my third year as a varsity swimmer for the University of Guelph and prior to that I swam for 12 years with the Oakville Aquatic Club! I am NL and instructor-certified, and I have been instructing/coaching since I was 14. I love being in the pool environment, whether that be lifeguarding from a chair, training as part of a swim team, deck coaching, or swim lessons! 

Olivea

Marlins Swim Lesson Supervisor/Instructor/Masters Saturday AM

NCCP 1 Certified

NL Certified, Lifesaving Instructor&Emergency First Aid Instructor, High Five Certified

I’m currently in my second year at the University of Guelph majoring in Theatre studies with a minor in Sociology. I began swimming at the very young age of 3 months old leading to swimming competitively at the age of 8 where I swam on the Borden Barracudas team for 4 years then the Collingwood Clippers for 5! I got my NL just over 3 years ago following that with my instructors and lifesaving instructors with emergency first aid instructor. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge with young swimmers. I can't wait to get to know the swimmers and parents in my second season with the Marlins

Natalie

Marlins Swim Lesson Supervisor/Instructor

NCCP 1 Certified

Sophie

Para Instructor 

NCCP 1 Certified

I swam competitively for about ten years with Crest Swimming in Toronto, before graduating and moving to Guelph for school. I have coached developmental stage swimming in Toronto, and am super excited to join the Marlins staff team this year to continue to aid swimmers in developing their skills and nurturing their love for the sport! Swimming has always been the best part of my day, and even though I am no longer an athlete, I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of a team of people who share my passion. I'm eager to foster a fun and safe learning environment and to give young athletes the same positive and supportive experience I had. I can't wait to see you all on deck!

Claire

Marlins Swim Lesson Supervisor

NCCP 1 Certified

I’m thrilled to be returning to the Guelph Marlins for my third year! Growing up, I was always enrolled in swim lessons, where I learned not only the importance of water safety but also how much fun being in the water can be. That early experience sparked a lasting passion for teaching swimming and first aid, which I’m excited to continue sharing in this role. I am certified in Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid, and I strive to create a positive, supportive environment where students can build confidence and enjoy learning. Outside of the pool, I love cooking, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. I can’t wait to meet all of you and make this a fun swim season!

Haylie

Marlins Swim Lesson Instructor

I’m a fourth-year student at the University of Guelph, majoring in animal biology. I was a competitive swimmer for five years, swimming for winter and summer clubs, as well as my high school team. I have my NLS-waterfront and Standard First Aid certifications and have taught swimming and lifesaving to children and teens for four years. This is my third year with the Marlins, and I am so excited to help your children improve their swimming skills!

Sofia

Marlins Dryland Coach - Jr Groups

Hello Marlins! My name is Sofia, I am a first year student at Guelph. I am overjoyed to assist with the Junior groups for dryland. I have been part of the GMAC swim family as a competitive swimmer for 7 years, and will always be a Marlin! I am happy to share and incorporate the many skills that I have developed in the water and through dryland! Looking forward to working with you! :)

Julia

Marlins Swim Lesson Instructor

NL

I am happy to be a part of the Guelph Marlins community and I am very excited to be your instructor. As a child, my favourite memory was attending swimming lessons because of the fun activities, challenges and meeting new friends! I have worked with the Guelph Marlins in the Spring and I am thrilled to be coaching again! Over the past years, I have completed my National Lifeguard, Lifesaving Instructor, Emergency First  Aid Instructor, and Swim Instructor Certifications! See you at the pool!

Charlie

Marlins Swim Lesson Instructor I first started swimming when I was 7 years old. I have always loved it, it is a passion in my life and I hope to share that passion with the younger swimmers coming up through the club. This will be my first year as a coach but I have already been active in the club through volunteering with the swim lessons. I am very excited to start and share my knowledge and enthusiasm. Faith Marlins Swim Instructor I've been swimming competitively with the Marlins for the past 7 years. While also swimming, this will be my second season instructing with the Marlins and I'm so excited to share all I've learned with the next generation of swimmers. Katelyn Marlins Swim Instructor Hello! My name is Katelyn, this is my second session teaching with the Guelph Marlins! I’m a third year student in Biological Sciences at the University of Guelph. I was a lifeguard and swim instructor through high school and have always loved swimming! Looking forward to seeing you all on deck! Bree Marlins Swim Instructor Hi! I’m very excited to be joining the Guelph Marlins family this year. I was a Cornwall Sea Lion competitive swimmer for most of my life, so when the opportunity came up to be able to pass on my passion and knowledge of swimming I took it. I’m in my second year of Zoology at the University of Guelph. I’ve taught swimming for many ages ranging from 4-13. This sport truly is a love of mine and I am so excited to be able to stick with it! Madison Marlins Swim Instructor I’m thrilled to be part of the Guelph Marlins team for my 2nd year! Swimming has always been a passion of mine, and I’m so excited to share that passion with each of you. I look forward to helping you grow, learn, and have fun in the water!   Nihinsa Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming with the Marlins since I can remember. I have been a competitive swimmer for 7 years and have never looked back. My love for swimming has grown, and I am very grateful to get the opportunity to teach your children. Swimming has been a part of my life forever, and I am super excited to share my passion for swimming with everyone as I enter my 3rd year with the Marlins lesson program.   Alina Marlins Swim Instructor I have been with the Marlins for over 5 years as a swim lesson instructor and assistant. I've been swimming for most of my life, including in the Marlins' house league program. I love being in the water and helping kids build their skills and confidence while having fun!   Abigail Marlins Swim Instructor I have been working for Marlins swim lessons for a few seasons now, starting out as a volunteer! I have been in the water my whole life, and I am now a provincial competitive artistic swimmer. I am excited to teach your kids what I know and build their confidence in the water!   Lotte Marlins Swim Instructor I am a fifth year-transfer student at the University of Guelph. Before, I studied at St. Francis College in Brooklyn where I swam for two years at the NCAA Division I level. I have been swimming since I was 6 years old and swam with the Norfolk Hammerheads Aquatic Club for 6 years. I have been doing private coaching and swimming lessons, as well as coaching Special Olympics Swimming throughout the last few years. I am super excited to be back coaching with the Marlins! Thalia Marlins Swim Instructor Hi! I’m a third year Neuroscience student at the University of Guelph and have always loved swimming! I swam competitively for 11 years and am excited to share my passion for the sport as a swim lesson instructor! This is my first season with the Guelph Marlins.   Faith Marlins Swim Instructor I am so excited to be your swim instructor! I was a compe::ve swimmer and a swim instructor for 10 years and I love sharing this skill with anyone that I can. My goal is to make your :me with us the best part of your day!   Anjan a Marlins Swim Instructor I am excited to be returning as an instructor for the Marlins this year! I am a fourth year Biomedical Science student at the University of Guelph and a former competitive swimmer of two years, where I developed a strong passion for the sport. I am excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with all of you and be a part of your swimming journey!   Kaitlyn Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming since I was little and I love spending time in the water. I started working with the Guelph Marlins a few years ago and it has been an amazing opportunity. I am a certified national lifeguard, child and adult swim instructor, and lifesaving instructor through the lifesaving society. I am very excited to continue to work with the Marlins and teach your children how to swim.  I can't wait to see you on deck!   Elizabeth Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming for 12 years, I started in city lessons in Milton before doing precomp with the Milton marlins and then I moved to Guelph. This will be my 2nd season coaching I volunteered last fall and winter and loved it! I love being able to watch kids fall in love with the water just like I did and can’t wait to see all your smiling faces this year!   Darragh   Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming competitively with the Guelph Marlins for almost 10 years. I have been teaching with the Marlins lessons program over the past 1.5-2 years and I will continue to swimmers to do their best! Swimming is a sport I think everyone should enjoy.   Matthew   Marlins Swim Instructor I have swam competitively with the Guelph Marlins for 9 years, and I really enjoy sharing one of my passions. This will be my 3 rd season as a lessons instructor with the Marlins. I am very excited to meet all of you and share my love for the sport!   Ariana Marlins Swim Instructor I have always had a passion for swimming and absolutely love being in the water. I am super excited to be returning to the Marlins. I am a certified national lifeguard and swim instructor through the Lifesaving Society. I can’t wait to you on deck and share my passion for swimming! Maaike Marlins Swim Instructor I am a Bio-Medical Sciences student at the University of Guelph! I am extremely passionate about swimming and swam competitively for a little over 7 years. I even competed in multiple international swim meets in Europe and North America! Can’t wait to see you on deck! Mairi Marlins Swim Instructor I am so excited to be joining the Marlins as a swim instructor this year. I have always loved the water, and I know I'm going to love being a part of this team! I am currently taking biomedical toxicology at the University of Guelph. I look forward to helping you find comfort and strength in the water! Oonagh Marlins Swim Instructor Hi, I’m a second-year Animal Science student at the University of Guelph and super excited to be joining the Guelph Marlins! I’ve been swimming since I was little and have always loved being in the water. I’ve also spent years lifeguarding at both pools and a waterpark, and I can’t wait to start teaching again and sharing that love of swimming with others!   Caelan Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming with the Guelph Marlins for 4 years and I have absolutely loved it. I have been volunteering previously in the Marlins lesson program and providing backyard lessons in the summer. Swimming is my passion and I wish to share that with the kids I coach.  Erik Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming for nearly my entire life and have spent the past five years teaching others. I believe swimming is an essential life skill that everyone should learn, and I strive to make my classes both fun and focused on growth and improvement. I am currently in my second year at the University of Guelph, studying One Health, and I look forward to continuing my journey in aquatic coaching while helping students build confidence, safety, and enjoyment in the water. Rory Marlins Swim Instructor I am a second year student and the University of Guelph taking a bachelor of applied science, majoring in Child Studies. I swam competitively for 3 years and have been a swim instructor/ lifeguard for 4 years. This is my first year at Guelph Marlins Aquatic Club and I am very excited to be your swim instructor! Paige Marlins Swim Instructor Hi, Marlins! I am so happy to be joining the Marlins swim instructor team this year. I have been swimming my whole life and after swimming competitively with the Marlins for 6 years, I am excited to be able to teach others what I’ve learned. I look forward to helping you learn, improve and have fun at the pool! Mia Marlins Swim Instructor I have been swimming for the past 9 years for a number of clubs and teams. As of last year,I began coaching and teaching younger audiences to swim, which i enjoy very much. I am certified in my NL and standard first aid. I am excited to meet new kids and teach them to swim the best they can!  Emma Marlins Swim Instructor I am a fourth-year student studying Biological Science at the University of Guelph. My experience taking swimming lessons and being part of an artistic swimming team growing up sparked my passion for swimming. I worked as a swim instructor throughout high school, and I am eager to continue teaching and sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for swimming. This is my first session teaching with the Guelph Marlins, and I am very excited to join the team! Seasonal Coaches Abby Marlins Swim Instructor Seasonal/PT Fill-in coach NCCP 1 Certified I swam competitively (& Marlins Swim Lessons) with GMAC for just over 14 years. I have had the opportunity to volunteer and coach with Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club's Swim Lessons and Blue Marlins Group over the past 3 years. In the summer, you'll find me teaching swim lessons to youth out of my backyard pool! I’m heading into my 2nd year at Brock University for Concurrent Education and I continue coaching a Jr group with them. I look forward to coming back to Guelph seasonally and sharing my knowledge.  Emily Marlins Swim Instructor Seasonal/PT fill in coach/Social media coordinator NCCP 1 certified I swam competitively (& Marlins Swim Lessons) with GMAC for just over 14 years. I previously coached the Sr MHL group and was a lesson instructor for the Marlins Swim Lessons Program. In the summer, you'll find me teaching swim lessons to children out of my backyard pool! I am super excited to share my knowledge and experience while coaching your swimmers this year! I attend Lakehead University and back for my second year coaching in the main season with the Collingwood Clippers. But I will always be Marlin! Mikayla Marlins Swim Instructor Seasonal  Sanija Marlins Swim Instructor Seasonal