Head Coach - Melissa Pehrson
Coach Melissa is a 10th year swim coach. She began competitive swimming at the age of five and continued to swim competitively throughout high school. Melissa taught swimming lessons and worked as a lifeguard for several years. She has always had a love for being in the water and is excited to continue her journey as a coach. She credits her love of swimming to her coaches and hopes that she can pass on that same passion for the water to each swimmer she works with.
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Assistant Coach - Krista Pierce
Coach Krisra brings over 9 years of coaching experience to the pool, including 3 years as the Head Coach of the WHS Coyotes Girls Swim & Dive team. She is both the Senior and Prep Level Coach for the Williston Sea Lions, helping swimmers at all stages of their development - from their first strokes to their final meets. In addition to coaching, Krista has over 10 years of experience in swim lesson instruction, lifeguard training and water safety education, making her a well-rounded leader both on deck and in the water. Krista's love for the sport began when she became a competitive swimmer in 5th grade. She now holds an ASCA Level 5 Certification. Her coaching philosophy goes beyond the lanes: “We’re not just coaching swimming – we’re coaching people.” Understanding that many swimmers may choose not to compete past the high school level, she values the opportunity to help shape character, confidence and discipline that lasts long after the season ends. Outside of the pool, Krista is a busy homeschool mom of four and runs a small business, called Sweet Whimsy Cookie Boutique. Life is full- but full in the best way. She’s deeply grateful for the chance to coach and considers it a true privilege that parents trust her to help guide and impact their children both in and out of the water.
Assistant Coach - Maria Adkins
Info coming soon!
Assistant Coach - Emily Westphal
Info coming soon!
Assistant Coach - Drea Erickson
Although swimming is still a new concept for Drea, she first got involved in the swimming world about 6 years ago when both her sons started in the sport! She has volunteered a lot of her time helping coaches on deck and last year was her first year officially assistant coaching. Along the way she has learned many new things and looks forward to continuing growth alongside all the Williston athletes. She has a competitive background as an elite gymnast and over 8 years of coaching experience, including 3 years as a Head Team Coach for gymnastics! She is passionate about coaching and helping young athletes crush their goals—making it her job to provide them with the tools to make it happen inside and outside the pool!
Junior Coach - Airabella Carter
Coach Bella is starting her third year as a Junior Coach, but has been in the water swimming with the Sea Lions for almost 10 years! As a teammate, Bella has always loved helping the Coaches with the younger athletes and leading cheers. As a Coach, Bella loves bouncing between all the levels and getting in the water with the athletes to help them develop their technique and learn to love to go fast. Bella is excited to continue to develop her coaching style and learn from Coach Melissa and Coach Krista. Bella has taught lessons for the ARC for several years and has successfully completed the Angle Fish Training Program and loves being a part of the adaptive class sessions. She also leads the youth Swim Fit class. During the school year, Bella also swims for the WHS Coyotes Girls Swim & Dive team and will graduate from WHS in 2026! Outside of the pool, Coach Bella is an avid traveler. She loves spending time in the mountains and at the beach, but is also completely happy to spend a day at home with her friends or little brother in the sunshine with an iced London Fog.
Junior Coach - Ava Shold
Info coming soon!
Dry Land Trainer - Shaleena Layton
Info coming soon!
