Meet the Coaches

 As a competitive swimmer, Andrea began her swimming career with the Abbotsford Whalers.  She was a member of Canada’s National Team for over 5 years and was an Olympic Finalist on the Women’s 4x100 meter Freestyle Relay representing Team Canada at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout her career, she has been a Canadian Record holder, Canadian Champion, 1995 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist for Canada, and was inducted into the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame for Outstanding Lifetime Achievements in the Sport of Competitive Swimming. 

After competing in swimming, Andrea coached competitive swimming for over 7 years, including 3 as the Assistant Coach of the Abbotsford Whalers Swim Club and 2 as the Head Coach of the Mission Marlins Swim Club. In addition, she coached a full-time winter swim team in Calgary with the Kalos Swim Club. 

Andrea holds a Masters Degree in Exercise and Functional Fitness from the Faculty of Kinesiology within the University of Calgary. Her areas of education included advanced exercise physiology, sport training periodization, strength & conditioning, sport psychology, advanced biomechanics and nutrition. This Program placed a heavy emphasis upon exercise physiology and anatomy as they related to elite athletic performance. Andrea has completed extensive training within the University of Calgary’s Human Performance Laboratory, where she was under the tutelage of some of Canada’s most successful Exercise Physiologists. As part of the Program, she worked with many teams and Olympic Athletes within the Canadian Sport Centre-Calgary, performed fitness testing for the Calgary Flames and collected research data for several special populations 

As a mother of 3 children, who are all swimming for the Whalers, Andrea is looking forward to using her expertise, experience and knowledge to help provide the swimmers of the Abbotsford Whalers the best opportunity to reach their maximum potential in the sport of competitive swimming while maintaining a fun yet competitive atmosphere.

 This season Gabby will be joining Abbotsford Whalers as Assistant Head Coach. This is Coach Gabby's 14th year with the Abbotsford Whalers. Gabby has a passion for the sport of swimming and working with children and youth. She began her coaching journey at 10 years old, volunteering with developmental swimmers. As well as coaching Gabby is a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the City of Abbotsford. Gabby is a Coach that recognizes the importance of balance and makes sure swimmers recognize what within the sport brings them joy.

Gabby manages our Junior Whalers Program, overseeing the coaches and creating practices and programs for developing swimmers. Gabby finds great joy in seeing children new to the sport of swimming flourish after our Junior Whalers Program.

Gabby is ecstatic to get back to the Summer Season. She's happy to be back for another season of supporting all swimmers in developing skills in and out of the water.

Olivia is pleased to welcome everyone to the upcoming summer season. She has been actively involved with the club since 2016, with a particular interest in the 100-meter breaststroke event. She began her coaching journey in 2021, marking her fourth year in this role. This year is her first year as an Assistant Coach. She is eager to work with both returning and new swimmers to assist them in reaching their full potential in the pool.

She is committed to fostering an environment that emphasizes excellence among all her athletes. Olivia believes in the significance of creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels motivated to improve while supporting their teammates. Her principal objectives include prioritizing proper technique, promoting sportsmanship, and cultivating camaraderie. She emphasizes that teamwork is essential for the success of the swimmers and that collaborating can forge lasting friendships and memorable experiences.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Olivia has a strong interest in science and technology, especially in biology and engineering. She is pursuing her passion for STEM at the University of Victoria, where she is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

She wants to express her gratitude to all Whalers for their commitment to the Summer Season and looks forward to the opportunity to compete once again!

Arwen’s been part of our club family for 7 years—first as a swimmer, and now as a dedicated coach. She stepped into coaching at the end of summer 2023 and is returning with even more expertise and enthusiasm to share. She started her coaching journey at age 12, volunteering with our youngest swimmers, and has since developed a keen eye for helping athletes refine their technique.

With her experience as a former Swim Instructor at Swim Fins, Arwen has learned how to break down skills for swimmers of all levels. She focuses on creating a supportive environment where athletes can develop their skills while enjoying the sport she loves.

When she’s not on deck, she’s wrapping up her senior year before starting UBC’s intensive Science One program this fall. But swimming is still a huge part of her life, and she’s excited to keep growing as both a coach and an athlete alongside her team this season!

The upcoming 2025 summer season will be Erin’s first summer as a Coach. Erin first joined the team in 2019 for the first time in the competitive swimming scenario. She began her coaching journey at age 11, volunteering with the developmental groups to help build their skills as well as her experience as a coach. Along with that, Erin is also a certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor and seeks to work for the City of Abbotsford as soon as she may. Erin, as a coach, recognizes the importance of enjoyment when coming to the pool to practice.

Aside from that, Erin is entering her Senior year of high school and plans to pursue post-secondary education in a Bachelor of Applied Science program.

Erin is thrilled to start her first official summer season as a coach and is happy to be back in a leadership role. 

 Coach Sophie brings over 10 years of swimming experience and a deep dedication for teaching young swimmers. Her drive for helping children and fostering their growth in the water started at the age of 12 when she began her volunteer journey with the club. Sophie is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where swimmers can develop both their skills and confidence. She believes in making swimming fun while also emphasizing teamwork, perseverance, and individual progress—particularly with young swimmers.

Sophie is a certified Lifeguard and Swim instructor. She will be entering her final year of high school and plans to pursue a career in Pediatric nursing. Outside of coaching, Sophie enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and her dog. With her compassionate demeanor and enthusiasm to help swimmers, Sophie is eager to begin her first official season as a coach and watch her swimmers grow.