Our Competitive Coaching Team
Niallan Collier
Head Coach
Hi Everyone!
I'm looking forward to working with all of you in my sixth year as Head Coach of the Kootenay Swim Club. I was introduced to the sport of swimming at a later age after moving to Canada from Taiwan. Once I fell in love with the sport, I joined the Kootenay Swim Club in its first ever year, and continued to develop my stroke and with the 100 Fly, Back and Breast being my favorite events. I have worked with some of the most influential coaches in Western Canada as an athlete and continue to stay in touch with them now as a coach.
My coaching career spans 10 years and counting with experience in BC and Alberta before returning to the Kootenay Swim Club. I throughly enjoy working together with athletes and their families in helping bring the best out of the region.
Outside of coaching, you can find me at my Convenice Store in Nelson or studying as I continue to work towards my PhD.
Sonora White
Lead Coach - Castlegar
Hey Everyone!
I'm looking forward to coming back to Kootenay Swim Club for my seventh year as a coach! I began my swimming career at the Kootenay Swim Club and during my 10 year swimming career I became a Volunteer coach and worked my way up from there. There's a rumour that I started out as a breastroker and that is in fact true! If you ask me now however, my favorite event is 200 Back.
When I am not on deck you'll find me at Selkirk College in the Rural Pre-Medicine Program where I hope to eventually switch to Pharmacy.
In between both those gigs you'll find me in my car listening to Bruno Mars at Full Volume
Emily Laidman
Competitive Coach
Hi Everyone!
Firstly, I'm super excited to be joining Kootenay Swim Club as a comp coach! I've been a long time swimming with Pacific Coast Swimming and Island Swimming, although it's been a bit since I've gone to a swim meet as a swimmer! Personally, my favourite events are 200 Breast, 200 Back, and 400 Free.
My coaching career starting with Pacific Coast Swimming and I have coached at Island Swimming and Kamloops Aquatic Club. It seems like I tend to find swim clubs wherever I move to, because I enjoy coaching and connecting with the kids while helping them improve!
Outside of coaching, I'm big into the outdoors and I also work a full time job to stay extra busy.
If you see me on deck please come say hi - but be warned, I do throughly enjoy a chat!
Our Non-Competitive Coaching Team
Corbin Anderson
Non-Competitive Coach - Castlegar
Hey Everyone!
This will be my first year coaching Kootenay Swim Club but it definitely isn't my first rodeo. I have been involved in the sport of swimming for 20 years. Over the past 8 years I have spent my time coaching in several different organizations throughout the interior of BC. I look forward to seeing everyone this season and working with you on deck at the pool I call home.
Xochilt Ramirez
Non-Competitive Coach - Nelson
Hi Everyone!
This is my second year coaching Kootenay Swim Club but you may have seen me on deck for many years before that! I'm originally from Nicaragua and grew up in Italy. I used to swim in Italy during my youth before being reintroduced to the sport as a coach last season.
Outside of coaching I work as a lifeguard at the Nelson pool and I also manage the Nelson Boxing & Athletics Gym.