Coach Brooke Junker
Brooke started swimming at age four with KP until she was 17. She also participated in IHSA Sectionals and was a USA swimmer from age 7 to 15. She started coaching the pre-team at 13 and giving private lessons. Since 2020, Brooke has been the Head Coach of the summer team. She also coaches HP volleyball and currently plays Beach Volleyball for McKendree College.
Coach Danielle Wildermuth
Danielle has always been a lover of all things pool- and water-related. She started teaching swim lessons at 15 at the old Belleville Public Pool. After they closed, she moved to the YMCA and Scott Air Force Base pools. While there, she taught swim lessons, was a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor, and eventually a swim team coach. She has had the pleasure of coaching at the Midwest conference for 10 years, starting at Westhaven and then a few years at Dorchester. While in college, she swam for Lindenwood-Belleville for three years. She is a High School Science Teacher at Belleville East, where she carries on her love of teaching kids. She loves the area and is excited to continue her swimming journey with the KP StingRays Swim Club this year.
Coach Melissa Kettler (pre-team)
Melissa is a dedicated advocate for water safety and swimming education. Her love for swimming began in her early childhood, when she was surrounded by her family's love for water activities. At age 8, she joined the swim team at Westhaven, where she cultivated a deep passion for the sport. Melissa's commitment to swimming extended beyond competition. She embraced roles as a lifeguard and swim coach, imprinting her enthusiasm for swimming upon others. During high school and college, she found fulfillment in competition and teaching swim lessons at the YMCA. Melissa has taught swim lessons for 25 years and looks forward to working with young swimmers again.
For Melissa, swimming is a fundamental life skill. Her dedication to imparting this skill to as many young learners as possible reflects her belief in the enduring importance of water safety and proficiency. In her eyes, swimming is not just a sport but an invaluable asset anyone can develop and refine throughout their lives.
