Bios

JOHN GROOTVELD
Since taking over as Head Coach in 1994, John Grootveld's vision has brought the Toronto Swim Club to where it is today; a highly respected swim club with nationally recognized coaches and world-class swimmers.

As TSC's Head Coach, John oversees and reviews the advancement of every TSC athlete from introductory to elite levels. John's dynamic personality and strong ambition makes him a great leader on and off the deck.

As a former competitive swimmer himself, John was a silver medalist in the 200 metre breaststroke at the Canada Games in 1993. John swam for 16 years with the North York Aquatic Club and the University of Toronto, making CIAU All-Canadian in 1992 and was ranked among the top 80 swimmers in the world in the 200m breaststroke.

John holds a Teaching degree (BEd) and a degree in Physical and Health Education (BPHE) from the University of Toronto and has been coaching competitive swimming since 1992.

Many swimmers that John has coached have set several Provincial and National records and have represented Canada on various National teams.

John is a Level III certified coach who has received many provincial and national coaching awards and recently coached for Canada on the World Cup circuit in Europe, the World Open Water Championships in Spain, the World Youth Championships in Mexico, Tri-Nations National team in Quebec and Pan American Games Team in Rio de Janeiro.

In addition, John has coached several other provincial, national and youth teams, including the Canada Games Team and the Canadian Jr. and Youth Australian Tour Team.


BOB HAYES
Bob has been with the Toronto Swim Club since 2000 and has been recognized as one of the premier age-group coaches in the country. Bob Hayes brings his youth and energy to the important job of coaching our most elite Silver swimmers.

In the past decade Bob has coached our 11-14 year olds swimmers 12 Ontario and 9 National Age Group records. Having coached many Provincial and National age-group champions, Bob has received several Domestic Coaching awards of excellence for coaching and is a Level II certified coach.

His expertise in teaching techniques to our swimmers, combined with a well balanced coaching philosophy have given Bob a favourable reputation for coaching our athletes to become top swimmers.

Prior to coaching with TSC, Bob was a top level National swimmer. In 2000, while studying at U of T, Bob was awarded the University of Toronto Athlete of the Year. In 2001, Bob won 3 World Cup Medals in all three Backstroke events.

Bob is also a certified as an Elementary School Teacher. He is currently working as a substitute teacher along side his coaching duties.


VICTOR DELAC
As TSC's Head Development Coach, Victor Delac has the tremendous responsibility of coaching our youngest swimmers, many of whom have become the highest ranked swimmers for their age in Canada. He has coached swimmers to Ontario and National Records.

Victor's well-balanced coaching philosophy incorporates a strong focus on technique with a great sense of humour. His goal is to build the athlete's endurance and fitness level while maintaining their love for swimming.

Approachable and helpful, Victor gives the swimmers’ parents a good understanding of what is expected of their children.

In addition to coaching with TSC, Victor spent five years as the Head Coach of the Ryerson University Swim Team, where he coached Provincial and National medalists. He also helped in setting up an aquatic program for the Toronto Parks and Recreation Department.

Victor has been teaching in the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) for the past 8 years. His roles range from Athletic Director to Head of Physical Education and Health. Victor holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and has been with the Toronto Swim Club since 1996. Victor is a Level II certified coach.


BYRON MACDONALD
As Head Coach of the University of Toronto Varsity team, Assistant Coach of the TSC National group and President of the TSC Board of Directors, Byron MacDonald not only assists in the training of our elite swimmers, but also shapes the growth and development of the Club itself.

Byron is a former Olympic finalist in the 100 metre butterfly and has been with U of T since 1978. In this time Byron has produced over 100 international swimmers and has been the Head Coach of numerous Canadian teams, taking them to international competitions. A valued and respected coach and mentor, Byron has repeatedly been awarded "Coach of the Year" by his teams.

Assistant Coach to the 1992 Canadian Olympic team, Byron proudly watched as one of his swimmers won a bronze medal.

Byron is the proud father of three children including one former Gold II TSC swimmer, who is a current member of the UofT Varsity Blues team.

Byron is a Level III certified coach.


ASHLEY BRADBURY
Ashley's experiences as a swimmer have shaped her coaching skills and, with her work with the Silver, Bronze and Development, she has become a valuable asset to the TSC staff. Ashley ensures that every swimmer who gets into the water comes out with confidence and a greater feel for swimming efficiency. Her swimmers come to swim because of the positive and energetic environment that she creates.

Ashley competed at the Junior National level and is a former recipient of the TSC President's Trophy, awarded to swimmers that exemplify all the best qualities of dedication, commitment, perseverance, and social well being.

Ashley obtained a degree in Arts and Science from the University of Toronto in 2009. She has been coaching with TSC since 2004 and is a currently working on her Level II coaching certification. In addition, Ashley has assisted Swim Ontario and Swimming Canada as a Team Manager at various swim camps and competitions. Along with her coaching duties, she is working as the full time office administrator for TSC.


DAVE LING
Coming soon...


LESLIE MACUMBER
Leslie began her swimming career with the Mississauga Aquatic Club then headed south to join Swim Atlanta. Some of her accomplishments include Dean's List for Academic and Athletic Excellence, Governor's Honors Awards, and Student Athlete of the Year. She was a four-time Varsity Letter recipient, holding many local records, then had a brief experience as an exhibition swimmer with the Yellow Jackets.

Her interests include distance running, Master's swimming, triathlons, as well as teaching and practicing yoga. She is currently pursuing graduate studies as well as coaching qualifications.


CAYLEY PIMENTEL
Cayley Pimentel has been swimming with the Toronto Swim Club for 10 years, and has been coaching with the club since 2007. She is currently in grade 12 at St. Joseph’s College, and plans on attending University in the fall.

Her very colourful personality and positive approach to coaching make a lasting impression on the children she works with. We are pleased to have Cayley working with the Bronze 4 swimmers this season.


NIKI REMEK
Niki was a competitive swimmer for 12 years. She competed for TSC at the Junior National level and was also a member of the U of T Varsity Blues swim team.

Niki obtained an Honours degree in Arts and Science from the University of Toronto in 2008. She has been coaching with TSC since 2007. She has worked with both the Silver and Bronze groups and has helped them develop good technique as well as endurance in their training. Along with her coaching duties, Niki works as a Media Planner at an advertising company in Toronto.


JEN BUTTON
Prior to coaching with TSC, Jen swam for the Region of Waterloo and was a member of the Canadian National Team for eight years. Her competitive swimming accomplishments include a Silver medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, an Olympic Team member in four events at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, a bronze medal at the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships, a Bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Jen was the first female in Canadian history to go under 1 minute in the 100m Butterfly.

Jen obtained a degree in Physical and Health Education (BPHE) from the University of Toronto and a MSA from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and has been coaching competitive swimming since 2005. She is currently employed for the Canadian Olympic Committee.


ANDREW MACDONALD
Andrew has been with the Toronto Swim Club since 2000. Andrew brings his knowledge of swimming technique and his winning personality to TSC.

Andrew swam competitively for the University of Toronto and is a former National Medalist in the 200 butterfly. As a swimmer, Andrew used superior technical ability to get himself to the top. This technical knowledge has become a valuable resource for many swimmers who benefit from Andrew's coaching.

Andrew is a Level II certified coach.


LIZ WARDEN
As a 2004 Canadian Olympic team member (placing 11th in the 400 I.M. in Athens), and 1998 Commonwealth Silver medalist and many time national champion, Liz brings a wealth of experience to the Toronto Swim Club.

In 2006, Liz began her post swim career teaching Jr. Kindergarten with the Toronto District School Board and coaching the Bronze and Introductory levels. Liz is currently on maternity leave and is assisting with the Development Groups.
Coaches
JOHN GROOTVELD
Head Coach and Director of Swimming
National, Gold I Coach

BOB HAYES
Head Age Group Coach
Silver I Coach

VICTOR DELAC
Head Development Coach
Bronze I-II, Intro Coach

BYRON MACDONALD
Head Coach U of T Varsity Team
Assistant Coach National, Gold Groups

ASHLEY BRADBURY
Silver II, Bronze III Coach

DAVE LING
Gold II-III Coach

LESLIE MACUMBER
Silver III Coach

CAYLEY PIMENTEL
BRONZE IV Coach

NIKI REMEK
Assistant Coach Silver Groups

JEN BUTTON
Assistant Coach Gold Groups

ANDREW MACDONALD
Assistant Coach Gold, Silver Groups

LIZ WARDEN
Assistant Coach Bronze, Intro Groups