Nathan Heier

Head Coach, Vegreville Lasers Swim Club

Growing up in northern Alberta, my parents took me swimming from the time I was very young. I loved being underwater and splashing around with them. Around Grade 3, my parents signed me up for swim club, and from there I discovered how much I enjoyed competing alongside friends and racing at swim meets.

At first, I never really swam to win — I simply loved being part of the team, having fun, and earning participation and placement ribbons at events. At the end of one swim meet, during the awards ceremony, I received third overall in my age group. I remember being surprised because there were so many other swimmers competing. I wondered, “How did I earn that many points?” From that moment on, I began taking swimming a little more seriously, while still making sure it stayed fun.

My desire to become a swim coach came from wanting to pass on the integrity, discipline, and enjoyment that swimming taught me. Swimming builds integrity by teaching athletes to finish the race and learn from mistakes, including disqualifications. It also builds discipline through practice and preparation for the races ahead. Without preparation, we are never truly ready for the challenges that achievement requires.

I am still a new swim coach, and I hope this will become a lasting opportunity for years to come. We had an excellent first season, from watching first-time swimmers compete at meets to sharing laughs during silly and challenging practice drills. I look forward to even more excitement and growth in the seasons ahead.