Our Coaches

David Higgins

David officially joined the Sea Wolves coaching staff after spending the past five years as a valued guest coach and technical advisor. A lifelong swimmer, David competed with the Kelowna Aquajets, the UBC Varsity Team, and the Vancouver Dolphins, and has coached in both Kelowna and Abbotsford.

He brings a genuine love for the sport, a sharp eye for sprinting technique, and a commitment to helping every swimmer reach their potential. David is NCCP Level 1 certified and continues to walk the talk—recently returning to competitive swimming and racing at the BC Masters Swimming Provincials.

Philly Ssenyonjo

I’m excited to bring my passion for swimming and community to Whistler Sea Wolves, where I’ve been coaching since December 2024. My journey began in Uganda as a lifeguard and competitor in lifesaving meets, where I learned the true meaning of discipline, focus, and resilience. I also founded a nonprofit swimming club to provide underserved communities in Uganda with opportunities to connect with the water and build confidence.

As a certified Community Sport Coach (NCCP), I focus on helping each swimmer develop a strong athlete mindset, improve their flexibility, and build strength through dry land exercises. For me, coaching goes beyond technique—it’s about inspiring confidence and a lifelong love for the sport.

Being part of these young athletes’ journeys is such a learning experience, and I grow alongside them at every practice.

The Whistler Sea Wolves initiated the Junior Coach Program in the Spring of 2018.  The Program is meant to ensure quality coaching staff through a training program that sets our own swimmers on the path to become successful instructors, and, in due course, qualified NCCP swim coaches. The Junior Coaches are drawn from the Platinum (Senior) group of swimmers, and must be actively swimming and competing to continue in the program. The Junior Coaches will develop their skills through being mentored, working on deck with younger swimmers, shadowing of qualified coaches, and working through a theoretical component based on the NCCP Level 1 course. 

Maggy Smith

Maggy Smith had been a member of the Whistler Sea Wolves since 2016 when she joined as a new swimmer at age 7. Maggy is keen to mentor under her much loved coaches Brandi and Dave, who have coached Maggy through personal growth and successful competitions. Maggy has completed her NCCP Community Sport Coach certification, and will continue to take coaching courses as they are available. Maggy has also completed her National Lifeguard Pool course as well as her Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor course.

Maggy’s goal as a coach through her love for swimming combined with her enthusiasm to teach is to prepare swimmers mentally and physically for competition while being a positive team member and inspired individual.