2020 Coaches Bios

How long have been you coaching swimming?

I have been coaching the Wave since March of 2018. Before joining the Wave, I was an assistant senior coach for the Waukesha Express Swim Team. My first coaching was with the South Central Swim Team in Janesville, WI, where I coached for three seasons while I attended College in Whitewater, WI.

Swimming Background:

I started swimming for the Onalaska Fighting Tuna when I was six and then swam for the Wave until I was 18. After high school I continued my swimming career at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, where I swam all four years, specializing in middle distance freestyle. 

Favorite Swimming Event:  

1000 freestyle

Favorite part about coaching: 

My favorite part of coaching is seeing athletes achieve a goal or overcome obstacles they previously thought were impossible, whether that be a time, a state/national cut, or completing a set in practice.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to play golf.

Name: Chris Babinec

Group: Novice and Junior

Swimming Background: Chris swam for the Y for 5 years and has been coaching for the past 20 years!

Favorite Event: 400 IM

Favorite Part About Coaching: Chris loves working with children and building relationships with them. She also finds joy helping them accomplish new skills and improving

In her spare time Chris likes to watch her children in their activities.

How long have you been coaching swimming? 

I have been coaching Wave for roughly six months now! I also spent a year coaching the Stevens Point Dolphins YMCA (SPDY) swim team in 2016. 

Swimming Background:

I started swimming when I was six years old and swam for SPDY. I competed with this team until I graduated high school. I also swam all four years of high school on the varsity team for Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH). 

Favorite Swimming Event:

My favorite event has changed many times over the years. When I was young I swam a mix of everything, but mostly fly. Moving into middle school I did a lot of 200 IMs for school, and  500/1000/1650 for club. During my high school years, I swam 100 free and 100 back. 

Favorite part about coaching:

My favorite part about coaching is building relationships with the athletes and helping the swimmers achieve their goals. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to hammock in the bluffs or spend time at the beach while reading Harry Potter books. 

How long have been you coaching swimming?

• 5 years

Swimming Background:

• WIAA State Runner up 100 fly in 2010
• 3 time NCSA Junior National Qualifier
• Holds the UWGB freshman record in the 200 free
• Named Newcomer of the Year in 2012 for the Horizon League
• Named Newcomer of the Year in 2012 for UWGB
• Subway Athlete of the Year 2014
• Holds 6 UWSP school records
• WIAC Swimmer of the Meet 2015
• Holds 2 WIAC records: 200 free and 500 free
• 11-time WIAC conference champion
• 3-time UWSP MVP
• 2-time NCAA qualifier

Favorite Swimming Event: 

• 500 Free

Favorite part about coaching: 

• My favorite part of coaching is getting to know each of the athletes and encouraging them; whether it’s at practice or at a swim meet. I also enjoy sharing my passion of swimming with the athletes knowing that they share the same passion for the sport.

What you like to do in spare time?

• Participate in triathlons
• Baking
• Play with my two cats
• Garden