Meet the 2025-2026 HEAT Coaches

Head Coach Will Barker

Kira Barker

Justin Chen

Chris Freeburg

Cole Grimes

Tina Johnson
Heat Masters Swim Team Head Coach
[email protected]

Where are you from? Urbana, Illinois
Where did you attend school and/or college? I attended Illinois State University, where she received a master’s degree in Communications and an undergraduate degree is in Public Relations.
Why do you coach HEAT? “My greatest joy comes from helping people learn to respect and appreciate the water and ultimately be life-long swimmers," says Tina. "This is truly my passion for life."

Marin McAndrews

Ally Miller

Where are you from? Savoy, Illinois
Where did you attend school and/or college? I attended Illinois State University. I currently teach 2nd grade at Carrie Busey Elementary School in Champaign.
Why do you coach HEAT? I was a swimmer that grew up going to HEAT. Coach Will was also my high school coach! I want to give back to the swimming community in Champaign.
What is your favorite set to swim or to assign to the team? I always loved 10x25 STAR with Coach Will telling silly Dad jokes in the middle of it!
What is your favorite food? Pasta

Nolan Miller

Where are you from? Savoy, Illinois
Where did you attend school and/or college? I swam for Champaign Central High School and have 2 degrees from the University of Illinois.
Why do you coach HEAT? I coached for Will when I was in high school and college - for STORM and have always loved coaching. Now that my kids are swimmers, I wanted to give back.
What is your favorite set to swim or to assign to the team? Red sets!
What is your favorite food? Sushi or Sweet Tarts.

Emma Newman

Hannah Newman

Aby Olson

Where are you from? Urbana, Illinois
Where did you attend school and/or college? Urbana High School ; Eastern Michigan University; Illinois State University
Why do you coach HEAT? Mainly for my love of the sport of swimming, and because my kids also swim!
What is your favorite set to swim or to assign to the team? In the past, I would say, 30x100 fastest ave. However, more recently, I like 4x[50 pace + 50ez]. I like giving this during rest periods to help swimmers get a better "feel" for the paces they are shooting for.
What is your favorite food? This is tough, but I'm going to have to go with pizza. Anything goes.