Hats Off to the Grads!

🎓 Hats Off to the Grads!
June 17, 2025

"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." — Michael Phelps

That mindset has carried these Mighty Barracudas through early mornings, long seasons, complex sets, and even harder choices — and it's only the beginning.

Their path has included balancing school deadlines with demanding training schedules, sacrificing weekends for competitions, early mornings, late-night study sessions, and saying no to social plans — all in pursuit of something greater. But it's also been filled with friendships, breakthrough swims, leadership moments, and memories that define what it means to rise through challenge. Through it all, they've lived the true meaning of perseverance.

As they graduate and move into the next stage of life, one thing is clear: swimming doesn't end when high school does. Whether in varsity programs, open water races, coaching roles, or simply through the discipline they carry with them, swimming continues. The lessons, the resilience, the drive… they last far beyond the lanes.

So before they dive into what's next, we celebrate their journey, thank them for everything they've given to NKB, and cheer them on — forever part of the Mighty Barracuda family. 💚🖤

A Message From the Grads

Our grads share more than just advice for future generations. In the following short video, they open up their personalities, memories, reflections, and, most importantly, why they swim, love NKB, and why it all matters.

Click the title or image to hear their voices.

Alex Beyea
When you think about the swimmers who’ve made a mark on the NKB community, it’s hard not to smile when Alex Beyea comes to mind. That’s because, in addition to his performances in the pool and fierce determination, Alex brought something invaluable to every lane he swam in - humour.

Whether it was a gruelling set on a Monday morning or the tension of a big race, Alex had a knack for lightening the moment with a perfectly timed joke or a playful remark. It’s this good-natured spirit paired with incredible motivation that made him not just a great athlete, but a beloved teammate. 

Now graduating from John McCrae Secondary School, Alex is taking his dedication and drive to the next level, heading to the Royal Military College of Canada to study Business Administration.  And yes, he'll still be in the pool, swimming with the varsity club.

Alexander’s swimming career began when he had too much energy to sit still. (We can confirm.  It was a good call to put that energy into swimming!) After a brief start in the Junior Barracudas and then seven years with NKB’s competitive team, he built himself up from zigzagging in first races to a national-level swimmer, earning a spot at the Olympic Trials in 2024, a moment his family still talks about with awe and a slight disbelief. Watching their son swim on TV? Surreal. Watching him compete in person at Trials? Unforgettable.

Alexander's swimming career has been a surprising mix of amusement and achievement.  His father, who had not yet learned to read heat sheets or tell kids apart when they were swimming with caps and goggles on, remembers watching a heat at a GO Kingfish meet (Alexander's first meet outside of the Sportsplex) and feeling a little sorry for a lad that was zigzagging down his lane, with his goggles half way down his face.  He remembers watching the kid finish last, but not having given up.  It was only when he pulled off his cap and goggles at the end of the race that we realized it was our Alexander!

And who could forget Alexander swimming in Gatineau during the pandemic, getting up onto the starting blocks and enthusiastically diving in when the buzzer went, and swimming a dozen meters or so before he realized that the reason he couldn't breathe properly was... because he was still wearing his facemask!”

It wasn’t always smooth water. There were DQs. There were foggy goggles and, yes, there was that memorable mask moment. But what stood out was Alexander’s ability to laugh at himself, regroup, and keep going, and going faster than before.  Behind the scenes? He was always working. Waking up early without a complaint. Using teammates’ toes as targets to pace himself. Training at home during the pandemic. Every goal he set, he pursued with a smile and sheer will.  His parents say it best.  “From his first meet, with all of its DQs, to gradually reaching regional, provincial, and national standards, Alexander showed us the power of self-motivation. Swimming slowly shaped a boy who is growing up to be a young man.”

To younger swimmers, Alex’s journey is a reminder. Take your goals seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Mistakes happen. Races don’t always go as planned. But if you keep showing up with hard work, humility, and a sense of humour, you’ll go further than you ever imagined.

As Alex heads off to RMC, he’ll be carrying all of that with him.  The determination. The discipline.  The Laughter.  The lessons learned.  Congratulations, Alex. We’re proud of all that you’ve accomplished, and even more proud of the kind, funny, hard-working person you are. Wishing you strength, speed, and a few good laughs along the way.

Mavis Evans
Not all leaders need to shout to be heard. Some lead with presence, consistency, and quiet dedication, and Mavis Evans has been that kind of leader throughout her swim journey with NKB. Her calm approach, steady work ethic, and thoughtful character have made her an anchor in the lanes and a role model for teammates, young and old.

Mavis graduates from Nepean High School this year and is headed to Queen’s University, where she’ll be studying Kinesiology.  A perfect fit, if you ask us, for someone who’s spent countless hours thinking about stroke mechanics, body movement, and how to survive a distance pull set (which, for the record, Mavis would pick any day over a sprint kick set—no hesitation).

While she’s still undecided about continuing competitive swimming at university, she’s already found an incredible way to give back to the sport. Mavis is one of our Junior Barracudas coaches, helping guide the next generation of swimmers with the same patience, kindness, and quiet leadership she’s shown in the pool. We are absolutely thrilled to see her starting the cycle again and showing our youngest athletes what it means to love the sport, work hard, and support your team.

Her six years in the sport, including five years on the NKB Competitive Team, began during the uncertain days of the pandemic. In a time when so many things were put on pause, swimming became Mavis’s anchor. As her family shared, “Joining NKB was like getting thrown a life-ring… The sport provided much-needed stability, routine, and connection.” From that unique beginning, Mavis has built something truly special with deep friendships, resilience, and a calm confidence that now follows her into this next chapter.

Mavis leaves us with a piece of classic swimmer wisdom (with a dash of mischief):

“If your lane accidentally breaks a turn bar, it probably won’t get replaced, and you can get away with only using one for the rest of the season. But do your underwaters anyway!”

Mavis, whether you’re pulling your way through a long-distance set, offering encouragement to a 7-year-old who’s just learned freestyle, or stepping into the next phase of your life at Queen’s, you do it all with grace. NKB is proud to have been part of your story, and even prouder to watch you help shape the stories of those just starting theirs.

Yuto Lee
It’s not every day you meet someone like Yuto Lee, a swimmer who could split a 100 breaststroke like a metronome, recite swimming stats from memory, and predict relay orders with such precision that the coaches started to just… go with it.

Coaches will fondly (and bemusedly) recall the days when a very young Yuto didn’t ask who was on the relay; he told them with the straightest of faces and the utmost confidence.  Cue the stunned silence, a raised eyebrow… and eventually a nod. Because, somehow, he was right. As the coaches quickly came to learn, it wasn’t arrogance, and it wasn’t disrespect.  Yuto probably wasn’t even aware that he had done something atypical.  It was Yuto being Yuto. Confident, analytical, and, well… charming in a way only Yuto could be.

Now Yuto is graduating from John McCrae Secondary School and heading to McMaster University to study Life Sciences (and, naturally, swim varsity). His plan? To continue making waves in and out of the pool as he makes his way towards medical school. With his focus, stamina, and relentless curiosity, we’d trust him to perform surgery, run a hospital, and still show up to morning practice.

His NKB journey spans a full decade, having started with the Junior Barracudas and quickly shifting into his nine years on the competitive team.  He leaves a breaststroke legacy that’ll echo through the lanes for much longer.  From the kid who almost didn’t swim his first practice (too nervous to go in alone) to the confident athlete leading the charge and mentoring teammates, Yuto’s transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

And of course, we can’t forget his legendary stories with teammates, and… ahem… mischief.  We’ll leave him to tell you his favourites personally, but know that if tenacity in finding a place to sleep was an event, Yuto would’ve been an Olympic Gold Medalist.

His advice to the NKB family is simple, but profound.  “Live in the moment and enjoy it—it won’t last forever.” We’ll take that to heart, just like we’ll always remember that quiet kid with the stopwatch brain and the breaststroke finesse, who grew into a brilliant, hilarious, and deeply respected swimmer, teammate, and friend.  Congratulations, Yuto.

Jakub Mikolajczak
Seven years later, and we still can’t pronounce it right. But whether it’s Mik-oh-laj-zack, Mik-oh-lah-chak, or just “Jakub,” one thing is absolutely clear: this sprinter has made a big name for himself at NKB, and not just the kind that gives announcers a panic attack.

Jakub Mikolajczak, a proud graduate of St. Mother Teresa High School, is heading down the pool and down the road to the University of Ottawa, where he’ll be studying Economics and swimming for the Gee-Gees next year. His family shares.  “It’s been a long journey with lots of ups and some downs. Watching you swim and progress has been a real joy for both of us, and we hope that the friendships that you have made through all these years will last forever. With NKB closing and Gee-Gees on the horizon, we’re proud, excited, and can’t wait to see what’s next for you as a swimmer and as a person.”

He’s spent seven seasons with NKB’s Competitive Team, growing from a speedy young swimmer with endless potential to a polished athlete with the heart of a teammate. Jakub’s own advice to future NKBers is to continue growing and connecting with teammates.  “Don't get into the habit of skipping practice, as once you start it is nearly impossible to break the cycle, and it becomes easier and easier to skip. Cherish every moment with your teammates. Age group swimming doesn’t last forever.”  He speaks from experience.  Whether it was early morning grinds, locker room laughs, or the unforgettable fun of team travel, Jakub has soaked it all in and wants the swimmers coming up behind him to do the same and then some. 

Jakub, we’re proud of the athlete you've become and the teammate you've always been. Keep sprinting forward (and maybe give those longer races a fair shake someday… just for fun?). Congratulations! 

Devyn Miller
If you ever looked across the pool and saw someone quietly crushing a set with technique, head down, and zero drama, that was probably Devyn Miller. A swimmer who leads not with loud volume but with consistency, determination, and a quiet kind of strength, Devyn has been a role model at NKB who leads by example.

A graduate of Nepean High School, Devyn is heading to McGill University this fall to study Physical Sciences. Though she’s not yet sure if she’ll continue swimming competitively, we’re pretty confident that once you’ve learned to love a good 200 Free (her favourite event!), the water never really lets go.

Devyn’s swimming journey spans six years, including two years in Junior Barracudas and then onto the competitive program. When she was in Junior Barracudas, she was encouraged to join the higher training levels by coaches who knew she had the mindset and maturity to thrive, and they were absolutely right. Whether training smart or racing hard, Devyn found joy in the challenge and strength in the process. And let’s be honest, she also found a community of friends who, like her, probably questioned those swim socks that had more holes than fabric.  But hey, they still wrapped around her feet, so they were perfectly fine!

She leaves us with this very practical (and slightly painful) piece of advice: “Don’t swim into the turn bars—it hurts.” Wise words, Devyn. We hope your future includes many fast turns, 15 meters underwater, and zero injuries.

Devyn’s family speaks to how she met a wonderful group of friends and thoroughly enjoyed her time in the NKB community. And truly, she brought just as much warmth and determination into that community in return.  Devyn, your unassuming leadership, thoughtful approach, and no-nonsense perseverance have quietly shaped those around you. We can’t wait to see what you do next, just promise us you'll get new swim socks eventually.

Maizie Moustgaard
If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes on deck with Maizie Moustgaard, chances are you’ve already been pulled into one of her endless conversations, likely mid-activation, post-warm-up, or while casually inspiring half the team with her bubbly energy and welcoming spirit. Maizie has made an indelible mark on NKB over the last decade with her trademark charisma, enthusiasm, and uncanny ability to make everyone, from our youngest Junior Barracudas right through to our seasoned coaches, feel right at home.

Maizie is graduating from St. Mark and heading to Eastern Michigan University, where she’ll be soaring as an EMU Eagle, continuing her swimming journey and diving into Health and Exercise Science with a special interest in prosthetics. No doubt she’ll bring the same determination, heart, and humor she’s shown in the pool to her studies and beyond.

She’s been a part of NKB for 10 years, the first of which was in Junior Barracudas before quickly moving to the competitive team. Through it all, she has shown commitment and determination, and while her FLY has brought her plenty of success, we remain eternally optimistic that breaststroke mastery is just around the corner. Really. Any day now. We believe in you, Maizie.

Her advice to the next generation of swimmers? “Being early means you’re on time. Embrace the pain—it doesn’t last more than 1500m in a race or 120 minutes in practice. Eat well. Sleep better.” Wise words from someone who has truly lived the swimmer’s life, with grit and grace.

Maizie doesn’t need anyone to sing her praises, but we’ll do it anyway. As her parents shared, “Her kindness, charisma, and grit speak for themselves. We are so proud of her commitment and tenacity, even when things felt harder than she thought she could handle. We can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead.”

Maizie, thank you for the laughter, the leadership, and the constant chatter. NKB is better because of you, and we’ll be cheering you on, breaststroke and all, wherever your journey takes you next.

Nolan Pejic
Some swimmers take a lifetime to climb the ranks, but Nolan Pejic did it in just three years. From his early days as a FitSwim participant, unsure what a swim meet even felt like, to becoming an Elite athlete, in every sense of the term, Nolan’s journey has been one of grit, growth, and undeniable determination.

A proud graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School, Nolan is headed to the University of New Brunswick this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration, where he'll continue his swimming career with the UNB Reds Swim Team. But don’t be fooled by the calm demeanour.  This is an athlete who thrives in the grind. Just ask anyone who watched him rise to the challenge of training camp: 10 days, 6000 meters a day, plus dryland. Some flinched. Nolan wore shock on his face, but got to work. 

His story isn't just about performance, it's about passion. Nolan recalls his very first meet, invited by Coach Mike to jump into competition before he even really knew what racing felt like. He nervously took the chance and hasn’t looked back since. One empty lane, one spontaneous final swim, and a wave of cheers from teammates were all it took to ignite what would become a lasting love for the sport.

With the NKB Competitive Team, Nolan has embraced challenge after challenge, even adopting a new “favourite stroke” each year until—naturally—the Individual Medley claimed his heart. Because why master one when you can work at perfecting them all?  (Is the IM still your favourite?)

But behind the hard work is a story of even deeper resilience. After the heartbreaking loss of his mom, swimming and the NKB community became a second home for Nolan. His journey has been about more than medals (though there have been plenty of those, too). It’s been about connection, leadership, and building the strength of character that will serve him well far beyond the pool.

As his dad Fedja shared: “Nolan's journey with NKB has shaped him into a remarkable young man… from his first splash to his final race, Nolan's journey with the NKB has shaped him into a remarkable young man who's ready to, pun intended, dive into his adult future. The club has instilled in him teamwork, perseverance, and a passion he’ll carry with him to the next chapter of his life at UNB.”

Nolan, your quiet determination, deep character, and full-hearted commitment have left a mark on this team. Whether you're crushing an IM set or just pushing through the last round of dryland, you lead by example, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next.  

Jordan Schaepper
There are swimmers who train hard. There are swimmers who compete fiercely. And then there’s Jordan Schaepper, who does both, and somehow still makes time to greet every teammate with a smile, offer an encouraging word to a nervous younger swimmer, and strike up conversation with just about anyone on the pool deck, no matter where they are in their own swim journey.

As he graduates from John McCrae Secondary School, he’s mapped out the next step in his journey with intention, ambition, and heart. While he’s deferred university until Fall 2026, he’ll be moving to Toronto in the meantime to train full-time at the High Performance Centre Ontario. It’s a bold move, but anyone who knows Jordan knows he’s going to succeed. His dream? To keep swimming at the highest level for as long as possible.  And then what?  He’ll stay in the sport he loves, intending to give back as a coach or through working with one of our leading swim organizations. With plans to study Media and Communications, Jordan is setting himself up to tell the stories of swimming just as well as he’s lived one.

His time at NKB spans four years with a total of nine years in the sport, marked by milestones both in and out of the water. Jordan has represented provincial teams, trained at national camps, travelled with NKB to international meets in Mexico, Florida, Spain, and the Grand Cayman, and even competed at the World Cup. But perhaps even more memorable are the connections he's made and the relationships built through shared early mornings, impossible sets, quiet encouragement, and poolside celebrations.

Jordan's ability to meet people where they are, to bring warmth and welcome to every interaction, and to remain grounded through it all is a rare gift. Whether it’s a brand-new Junior Barracuda or a veteran teammate chasing a cut, Jordan finds a way to connect in a way that says, “hey, I’m right here beside you and we’ll see this through together.”

As he graduates, his message to his mom and his NKB family is heartfelt and full of gratitude.  “My mom has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me, both in and out of the water. If there's one piece of advice I can give, it's this: find someone who gives you unconditional support, someone who tells you what you need to hear, exactly when you need to hear it and wants your happiness above all else.” 

Turning to his teammates, he said, “Always follow your dreams and, more importantly, believe in yourself. There will be tough sets, early mornings, and setbacks, but keep pushing.”  He continues, “I’m incredibly thankful for the four years I’ve had swimming under Coach Scott. From the skills he's taught me to the opportunities he’s given me, I’ve grown tremendously. I know I’ll always be welcomed back to his pool deck, and that means the world to me…. And lastly, listen to your coach. They genuinely want what's best for you, even when the advice is tough to hear.”

His mom echoes the same sentiments.  “As Jordan graduates and moves on from NKB, I’ve been thinking about the amazing journey we’ve had through swimming. From early mornings and long car rides to meets and milestones, every moment has meant so much.  NKB has truly become like a second family, and the Sportsplex a second home. We’re so thankful for all the support, encouragement, opportunities and friendships over the years. It’s been about more than just swimming—it’s been about growing up, learning, and making memories. I’m so proud of Jordan—his dedication, hard work, and how he handles both challenges and success. Swimming has taught him so much that he’ll carry with him for life.”

Jordan, your journey so far has been inspiring, not just for the medals or meets but for the way you’ve walked beside others the whole way. The swimming world is lucky to have you, and we can’t wait to see where your next lap takes you.  Your NKB family is always cheering for you.