Our Coaches
Head Coach
Brandi Higgins
Brandi first started with the Whistler Sea Wolves in 2001 and continued as Head Coach until 2009. She then took a five year hiatus during which time she completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Victoria (Coaching). Brandi has been instrumental in establishing the Whistler Sea Wolves Swim Club as a valuable member of Whistler’s recreational community.
As we move into the 20205-2026 season, Brandi will coach the Competitive Focus program only. This change reflects Brandi’s desire to focus her time and expertise on building the club’s competitive program. She will maintain oversight of all WSWSC programming, however, and will design the seasonal coaching programs and work directly with the coaches leading the Development and Performance groups,
Brandi’s qualifications include being a Trained Level 3 Swimming Coach, a Community Sport Triathlon Coach, and an M.Ed. in Coaching Studies. Brandi comes from a swimming family, with her husband David Higgins being a former competitive swimmer at the national level, and her son Kieran swimming with the Sea Wolves all the way through until the end of high school.
Coach
David Higgins
David Higgins officially joined the Sea Wolves coaching staff after being a guest coach and technical advisor for the past five years. David was a competitive swimmer with the Kelowna Aquajets, UBC Varsity Team, and the Vancouver Dolphins, and has worked as a coach in Kelowna and Abbotsford. He brings a love for the sport and a focus on sprinting technique to the Whistler Club. David is NCCP Level 1 certified.
Assistant Coaches
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.
Junior Coach Program
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 will complete her NCCP certifications when she is eligible. 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.
Olivia Persson
Olivia joined the Sea Wolves when she was 8 years old and has spent many hours in the Meadow Park pool under Coach Brandi’s instruction. Olivia has completed the NCCP Community Sport Coach certification and she also has her National Lifeguard Pool certification.
Olivia hopes to help your children build the skills, confidence, and enjoyment they need to make swimming a lifelong source of fun and accomplishment.