Gordon's Path

Coaching has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. It all began when I was just 13 years old with the Norfolk Hammerheads Aquatic Club (NHAC), where I volunteered to help out on deck. At that age, I didn’t fully grasp how much I would grow from the experience, but thanks to the mentorship of Trent McNicol, I quickly developed a passion for guiding others in the sport that had already given me so much.

Working with young swimmers at NHAC taught me the importance of patience, encouragement, and consistency. I wasn’t just teaching stroke technique I was helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a love for sport. Trent’s mentorship shaped the way I thought about coaching: it’s not just about creating fast swimmers, but strong people.

That foundation led me to coach at the Wolfville Tritons Swim Club, where I took on a larger role, overseeing athletes who qualified for Provincial-level competitions. It was here that I began to understand the importance of structured progression. I learned how to design programs that pushed athletes while still keeping the joy in the sport. Seeing swimmers hit their goals and knowing I had a hand in that was a feeling like no other.

Later, I had the opportunity to be an Assistant Coach with Acadia Swimming, where I was mentored by Kris Bell. Coaching at the university level was an entirely different experience. I worked with USPORT qualifiers and AUS medalists, and I witnessed firsthand the intensity and discipline required at that level of performance. Kris taught me how to manage training loads, build individualized plans, and handle the mental side of sport lessons that apply far beyond the pool.

What I Learned Along the Way:

Leadership & Mentorship

• How to inspire and lead athletes of all ages
• The power of being a consistent and reliable figure in an athlete’s life
• The importance of learning from strong mentors (Trent McNicol & Kris Bell)

Communication & Relationship Building

• How to tailor communication to different age groups and personalities
• The value of listening before giving feedback
• Building trust through honesty, empathy, and showing up every day

Training & Performance

• Designing training programs that balance challenge and recovery
• Understanding athlete development at both age-group and varsity levels
• Managing mental preparation and race-day performance

Patience & Adaptability

• Accepting that progress is not always linear
• Adapting plans based on athlete needs and unexpected circumstances
• Embracing the small victories and learning from the setbacks

Purpose & Growth

• How coaching at a young age shaped my own confidence and discipline
• That coaching is as much about personal growth as it is about sport
• The joy of watching others succeed and knowing you played a part in it

Coaching gave me purpose at a young age, and the lessons I’ve learned continue to influence how I approach life, work, and leadership. I’m incredibly grateful for every swimmer I’ve coached and every coach who guided me. The pool deck was just the beginning but the growth continues.