Our Coaching Team
Competitive Programme
Rick Burton - Head Coach
Rick is a nationally recognized coach with a long swimming history in Western Canada.
Before joining Swim Ottawa in 2023, Rick was best known as the Head Coach who built a national reputation for the Fort McMurray Swim Club - growing from 18 to 250 swimmers during his 16 years at the helm. While in Fort McMurray Burton coached a number of athletes who progressed to become some of Canada’s best international swim stars. He stepped back from swimming for almost a decade when he transferred his coaching skills to the oil patch as a Quality Assurance Manager. But the smell of chlorine eventually lured him back and he most recently was the Head Coach at the Calgary Winter Club.
Rick is committed to our Club’s vision of creating strong swimmer performance through a positive team culture. Rick believes his job is not just to coach swimmers in the pool, but to help set them up for success in life outside the pool.
Email: headcoach@swimottawa.ca
Andrea Smith - Senior 2 and Age Group 1
Andrea is entering her seventh year with Swim Ottawa, but is no stranger to swimming! Her career spanned 16 years, where she was a member of the Canadian National team from 1995-2000, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, 2 World Championships and 3 Pan Pacific Games.
Andrea began coaching with the University of Calgary Swim Club until moving to Ottawa and starting a Master’s program which operates out of our home pool. She is a level 2 swim coach with over 18 years of coaching experience and will bring her passion and energy to the Age Group 1 and Senior 2 groups this year.
Email: coachandrea@swimottawa.ca
Tracey Matthews - Senior 3
Tracey is an accomplished Masters swimmer, open water swimmer, runner and triathlete. Her passion for sport will be evident the first time you see, meet and talk to her. We are so excited to have her join our coaching team for the 2025-2026 season. She is a fully certified NCCP , swimming 101coach whose passion for aquatics of any kind will be evident the second you meet her. Tracey will be the Prime coach for Senior 3 and compliment our coaching team at all levels. She will bring passion, dedication and an invigorating love of sport each and every day. This attitude will be infectious to all swimmers she comes in contact with.
Email: coachtracey@swimottawa.ca
Connor Michie - Age Group 2 & Junior 2
Connor was born and raised in Ottawa, spending most of his life in and around the pool. Specializing in breaststroke and IM, he competed with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he was a top competitor at uSports and qualified for the 2012 & 2016 Olympic Trials.
Following the end of his swimming career, Connor began coaching with Gee-Gees Varsity Swimming, leading the sprint program and helping the men's team to secure their first ever uSports podium finish. Connor also worked with Swimming Canada, serving as team manager for the Junior National Team and facilitating events with the top coaches in the country. Connor has a passion for science, nature - especially water, dogs, languages, music and literature.
Email: coachconnor@swimottawa.ca
Steve Papai - Age Group 3
With more than 30 years of coaching experience, Steve has played key roles in shaping successful swim teams in the city. This includes coaching local age group swim clubs, high school swim teams, masters swim clubs and running specialized swim clinics/camps for all ages and skill levels. Steve's background has given him a unique perspective, supporting his coaching philosophy that emphasizes the importance of proper stroke technique and strength and, most importantly, a positive and enjoyable experience in the sport.
His journey in swimming began in Nepean at a young age, leading him to qualify for multiple Provincial Age Group Tour Teams and the 1992 Olympic Trials. His swimming continued in university and beyond into masters.
Email: coachsteve@swimottawa.ca
Marshall Wilson - Junior 1
Marshall is the Junior 1 Coach with Swim Ottawa and is entering his fifth year with the club. He previously coached Junior 2 for two seasons and has been a key part of the pre-competitive program since joining Swim Ottawa.
Marshall brings a positive and athlete-centred approach to coaching. He aims to create an environment that is challenging, engaging, and supportive, helping swimmers strengthen their skills, build confidence, and develop a genuine love for the sport.
A lifelong swimmer, Marshall started in the sport at age six and continued through high school and university with Carleton University, where he competed and developed a lasting passion for swimming and athletic performance. Today, he continues to train recreationally while pursuing running and cycling as part of his active lifestyle.
Email: coachmarshall@swimottawa.ca
Precompetitive Programme
Marshall Wilson
Pre-Competitive Lead Coach
Marshall is the Lead Coach of Swim Ottawa’s Pre-Competitive Program, now entering his fifth season in the role. Having coached pre-comp since joining the club, he has played a key part in shaping Swim Ottawa’s development program. As a coach, Marshall is passionate about introducing young swimmers to the sport in a fun, structured, and encouraging environment. He focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and a sense of belonging—helping every swimmer fall in love with swimming while preparing them for success at the next level. Marshall began swimming at age six and competed through high school and university with Carleton University. He continues to stay active as a swimmer, runner, and cyclist, bringing that same energy and enthusiasm to the pool deck.
Coach Julian
Julian is a Grade 12 student at Lisgar Collegiate Institute and plans to study Biology in university. With a strong passion for swimming, he is excited to share that enthusiasm with the next generation of swimmers and help them develop their skills and confidence in the pool.
Coach Ileana
Ileana is a Grade 12 student at Nepean High School who has been swimming with Swim Ottawa since the age of eight. Some of her favourite memories with SWOTT come from swim meets, where she built strong friendships and gained confidence both in and out of the pool. For Ileana, being a great coach means understanding each swimmer’s individual needs and creating an environment where every child can have fun, feel comfortable, and grow their love for the sport. Next year, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts and Science, focusing on chemistry.
Coach Kasimiro
Kasimiro is a Grade 10 student at Nepean High School who has progressed through nearly the entire Swim Ottawa program. He has a deep passion for swimming and is eager to share his love for the sport with younger generations in the club. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue engineering at university while also competing at the varsity level.
Coach Penny
Penny is in her eighth year of swimming with Swim Ottawa and is thrilled to be coaching for the first time this season. Having progressed through every level of the pre-competitive program, she’s excited to now be on the other side of the deck—sharing her experience and enthusiasm with younger swimmers. Go SWOTT go!
Coach Matilda
Matilda is a 15-year-old swimmer with a decade of experience in the water, including six years at a competitive level. For her, being part of a team means supporting her teammates, listening, and lending a hand whenever needed. She views coaching as an opportunity to share both the technical skills of swimming and her love for the sport, guided by patience, understanding, and dedication. One of Matilda’s favourite memories comes from her time swimming with the Garrett Park Ladybugs in the United States, where weekly themed home meets brought swimmers and coaches together in fun and creative ways. Looking ahead, she hopes to study medicine at university, inspired by her strong interest in health and first aid—an interest that first motivated her to become a lifeguard