Head Coach - ​Rod Thomas

 

In addition, Rod has education in Business and a degree in Education as well as, emplyment as a case worker,
all which will be an asset to the club. Rod is an organized, highly motivated and detailed directed problem solver,
who believes in the concept of team building, while adhering to professional standards.
 
If you have been to a meet final, you may remember Rod as the coach who shows up in the "Suit & Tie". We know that Rod will support our swimmers and prepare them both on and off the deck, to be the best versions of themselves as indiciduals and athletes. Rod, we welcome you back to Sault Ste Marie and as Hwad Coach of SSAT.

 

Accomplishments

Coach of Northeast Regional All Star Team 2002-2007
Coach of Ontario Paralympic Winter Games Swim Team
Coached Ontario Provincial Medalists
Coached Athletes to Olympic Trials 2004, 2008
Coached Athletes that have accepted scholarships at CIS, NCAA Division I
Canada Games double gold medalist 1989, 2 Time Olympic Trials Qualifier
 
 
 
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Age Group
Chloe Wyslocky
 
I was a competetitive swimmer for just over 5 years but I quit when I started highschool. I am currently studying psychology at Algoma University and spend a lot of my free time playing music. Swimming has always been a passion of mine and I loved competing. I was extremely sad to leave it behind but I am thrilled at the opportunity to coach new swimmers. I'm hoping to help create the same spark I felt in all our new swimmers. Hope to see you on the pool deck. 
 
 
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Future Olympians
Madelyn Bean
 
"Hi! My name is Madelyn; I am a 2 nd year student at Algoma majoring in sociology, and this will be my 2 nd year coaching with Surge. I taught swimming lessons and lifeguarded here at the John Rhodes for a few years before I began teaching privately and coaching with Surge in 2024. My favourite stroke is breastroke and my favourite skill to teach is whip kick. I look forward to creating an engaging learning environment where swimmers can learn and grow to reach their fullest potential not only
individually but as a team!"
 
 
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Riptides & Waverunners
Melody Wright
 
I've been a swimming instructor since 2017.  My first experience with Sault Surge was coaching Waverunners and the very first Riptides group during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons.  I was very excited to rejoin the team in 2024.  My favourite part of coaching is helping young swimmers gain confidence in their abilities and learn to push themselves to reach their full potential, both in swimming and throughout their lives.
 
 
Lyla Watson
 
Coming Soon
 
 
Kama-Anne Bax Leaney
 
Kama-Anne has been passionate about swimming from a young age, competing with a swim club until about the age of 12.

 After a brief break, she later rejoined the competition for her high school swim team in 2016. During which, she began pursuing her lifeguarding certifications—starting with Bronze Star and progressing all the way to the National Lifeguard Service (NLS). She has now been a certified lifeguard for nearly six years and has taught swimming lessons for almost three years. 

Outside the pool, Kama is completing her undergraduate studies in Psychology, with a special interest in development and human resilience. These interests influence her coaching, and aim to create a safe, positive, and supportive environment we swihermmers can grow in both skill and confidence.

 
 
 
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Part Time Coaches
Keelin Maher
 
Keelin has been with Sault Surge for 5 years. 3 years as a swimmer and 2 as a coach. Before the Sault Surge, Keelin was a competitive synchronized swimmer for 5 years. Now she coaches part time. Keelin's favorite stroke to swim is the backstroke and her favorite stroke to teach is the butterfly. Keelin also enjoyswhen the things she taught are shown in the swimmer swimming.