Swim Instructors

Children wearing goggles sit on the edge of the pool at the West Seattle Health Club, splashing water with their feet after their swim lessons.

Meet Our Instructors

Whether you're learning the basics, refining your techniques, or seeking a challenging aquatic workout, our instructors are here to guide, inspire, and elevate your swimming journey. Scroll down to get to know each of our talented instructors, and discover the perfect match for your aquatic aspirations.

Barbara, swim instructor.

Barbara

As a water baby my swimming career began before I could walk.  The water is my second home, and my goal is to enable anyone, any age, to learn to be safe and, hopefully, enjoy it as much as I enjoy it. I'm trained and certified American Red Cross water safety instructor and lifeguard, but I adjust my lessons to enable any student to learn. I've taught here since 2006, so WSHC is my home away from home.

A person stands with arms crossed and smiles near an indoor swimming pool, wearing glasses, a black t-shirt, black shorts, and a smartwatch—representing the confidence of West Seattle Swim Coaches.

Henry

I began swimming at the age of four and joined Cascade Swim Club, a local swim team in the Seattle area, when I was seven. I stayed with the team for the next eleven years, developing both my skills and love for the sport. I served as captain of my high school varsity swim team for three years and have been working as an aquatics instructor since I was sixteen.

A woman stands by an indoor swimming pool, wearing a sleeveless red top and gray leggings, smiling at the camera—one of the friendly West Seattle Swim Coaches ready to help swimmers succeed.

Isabelle

Hi, I’m Isabelle—a passionate and experienced swim instructor with five summers of teaching under my belt. I’m 23 years old and bring energy and enthusiasm to every lesson, drawing on nine years of competitive swimming experience. I love being in the water and sharing that passion with swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Whether I’m introducing the basics to young children in a fun, engaging way or helping advanced swimmers fine-tune their technique, I’m dedicated to helping every student grow and succeed in the pool.

A young girl in a black swimsuit stands at the edge of an indoor swimming pool, smiling at the camera. Swimmers, lane dividers, and West Seattle Swim Coaches can be seen in the background.

Ligaya

I've been swimming competitively since I was 6 years old and have over six years of team experience across Seattle. I started with CAAT, now known as SMAC, in 2013, then swam with the Rainier Beach Tsunamis from 2015 to 2016, where I qualified for the All City Meet. From 2017 to 2020, I swam with the West Seattle Dolphins and qualified for both Regionals in 2018 and State in 2018 and 2019.

In 2024, I earned my American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, and I'm excited to take the next step by teaching others how to swim.

A young woman with long red hair stands smiling in front of an indoor swimming pool with lane dividers and blue-and-white flags, representing the West Seattle Swim Coaches.

Sophia

Hi, I’m Sophia! I’m a swim instructor with over 4 years of teaching experience and 5 years of lifeguarding experience, and I’m passionate about helping swimmers of all ages build confidence and skills in the water. As a former competitive swimmer for 8 years and current Seattle University nursing student, I bring a patient, encouraging approach focused on safety, growth, and fun. I actually learned to swim right here at West Seattle Health Club, so it’s especially meaningful to now help others succeed in the water!

A young woman stands by the edge of an indoor swimming pool, smiling at the camera. Blue and white pennant banners hang overhead, hinting at her pride in being part of the West Seattle Swim Coaches community.

Nikol

Hi, I’m Nikol! I’ve been involved in swimming for most of my life as a former competitive swimmer and member of the Ukrainian National Team. I love helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, improve technique, and feel safe in the water. My teaching style is patient, supportive, and focused on making swimming both fun and rewarding for beginners and experienced swimmers alike.

Maddie, Swim Instructor

Maddie

Hi, I'm Maddie! I've been passionate about swimming for most of my life, competing with King Aquatic Club and Seattle Metropolitan Aquatic Club, as well as serving as captain of the Kentwood High School swim team. My experience includes over five years of lifeguarding, four years of swim coaching, and teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're just getting comfortable in the water or looking to improve your technique, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every swimmer can build confidence and succeed.

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