Rockford Riptide Head Coach
Lindsay Thompson
Coach Lindsay was a collegiate swimmer at Grand Valley State University, and has taught swim lessons or coached swimming for the better part of 24 years. She has had the privilege of coaching clubs of all ages and sizes, including the summer camps, USA swim teams, High School varsity and summer club teams. Some of her accomplishments include being named the Macomb Area Conference silver division Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013, as well as the team earning the MAC Silver Sportsmanship Award.
JRR Head Coach
Coach Megan Marn
With 10 years of competitive swimming experience, Megan brings a deep passion for the sport to the Rockford Riptide team. Megan has dedicated much of their life to fostering a love of swimming in young athletes and has been a Red Cross Certified LifeGuard and Swim Instructor.
As the Junior Riptide Head Coach, Megan works with the junior swimmers of the club and finds joy in watching swimmers grow stronger and more confident each week, helping them build not only their skills but also their love for the sport.
In addition to coaching, Megan serves as a Board Member at Large for the Rockford Riptide, where she is excited to have a hands-on role in helping the club grow and thrive. She is also the proud parent of a swimmer in the JRR group, and is grateful for the opportunity to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for competitive swimming with the next generation of athletes.
Outside of the pool, Megan is an avid coffee enthusiast, enjoys hiking and camping with her family, and treasures time spent in Northern Michigan’s beautiful outdoors.
Coaching Staff
Coaches Ross & Jenna Perry
Jenna swam competitively since the age of 7 for the Grand Rapids Gators and Grand Rapids Union High School, and as a coach holds nearly a decade coaching junior swimmers. Ross started swimming competitively at the age of 8 for Rockford Community Ed Swim Team and was part of the team that transitioned to Rockford Riptide. He continued to compete through his college career at Grand Valley State University, and brings 7+ years of coaching at all levels of swimming. Ross and Jenna have 4 children, two of which swim for Riptide team and two for Junior Riptide.
Coach Michaela Godfrey
Michaela Godfrey began swimming competitively at age 6 in Indiana, and continuned throughout high school at Homestead High School and college for Ashland University. Michaela earned her Bachelor's Degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Ashland University and her MBA from the University of Saint Francis. Coach Godfrey also works as the Hospitality Director for Chick-fil-A Walker. In her free time, Michaela enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Coach Mike Anderson
Growing up on deck since age 8, Coach Mike has always felt at home at the pool. Following age group, he continued swimming and playing water polo on club, high school, and collegiate level teams making lifelong friends throughout his journey. After completing his four years of swimming at Ohio Northern University, he went on to become an assistant swimming and diving coach. He's excited to dive back into the world of swimming and foster a positive and fun environment for young swimmers. This year coaching will be extra special as he shared his love of the water with his own daugther in our JRR program. Out of the water, Mike enjoys biking (and coaching the local kids mountain bike team, Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs), fishing in any body of water he can find, and camping with his family.
Coach Allie Kalinowski
Coach Allie began competitively swimming at 8 years old and continued through high school. She was commited to swim collegiately, but was unable to continue due to an injury. Allie recently moved to Grand Rapids after attending Michigan State University, and is happy to join the coaching staff with Riptide! She grew up in Bay City, Michigan, competing for Bay Aquatics USA Team. In her free time, Allie enjoys working out, watching movies, cooking, traveling, reading, and hanging with friends and family!
Coach Braelyn Binkowski
Coach Braelyn is new to our Riptide coaching staff, and will be working primarily with our JRR group. Braelyn loves helping kids build confidence and sklils in the water! She started swimming when she was six years old and continued through college, where she competed for Miami University (OH) as a Division I collegiate swimmer. Braelyn is currently pursuing her PhD at the Van Andel Institute, and is thrilled to be back on the pool deck in a new role - sharing her love for swimming and helping young athletes discover just how fun and empowering this sport can be. Whether it's their first time in the pool or starting to learn the basics, she's here to make the experience fun, safe, and rewarding for every swimmer.
