MEET OUR COACHES​​​​​​​
HEAD COACH
HEIDI STOPPS
LEVEL 1 & 2 TEACHING / LEVEL 1 & 2 COACHING / OPEN WATER LEADER​
Heidi has been swimming for as long as she can remember, starting in the pool and gradually transitioning to open water, where she now spend most of her time. What Heidi loves most about swimming is the freedom it brings and the wide range of opportunities it offers, from racing to challenging yourself across both long and short distances.
​​
The thing she loves about swimming is how it brings people together. She enjoys seeing swimmers achieve their goals and support each other, whether they’re just starting out or competing at a high level.
​​
At 17, Heidi qualified as a swimming teacher, working with everyone from babies to adults and beginners to advanced swimmers. In 2023, she joined Brackley Swimming Club, where she later qualified as a swimming coach and, most recently, an open water leader.​​
TEAM COACH
LUCY CROOKES
LEVEL 1 & 2 TEACHING​
Lucy has been passionate about swimming from a young age. She began with regular lessons before moving into club swimming, where she trained and competed for eight years as part of a team.
​
As a coach and teacher, Lucy loves helping others develop such an important life skill while also supporting swimmers to achieve and surpass their personal goals. She finds it especially rewarding to see swimmers grow in both confidence and ability throughout their journey.
​
Lucy qualified as a swim teacher at 17, and after graduating from university she returned to teaching full time. Alongside her work at Brackley and coaching for the club, she still enjoys swimming herself and is also a keen runner.
TEAM COACH
JO HUMPHREY
LEVEL 1 & 2 TEACHING ​
Jo is a lifelong water lover, swimming coach and a proud mum of two. Jo first fell in love with swimming as a youngster competing at county level, and that passion has only grown over the years.
​​
These days, you will find Jo poolside (occasionally in the deep end!) helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, improve technique and discover the pure joy of being in the water. Whether it's teaching toddlers their first splash or fine-tuning strokes for competitive swimmers, Jo believes swimming should always be fun, empowering and you carry with you for life. ​
​
Jo's goal - to pass on a love of swimming to the next generation because the water's for everyone, and it's never too early (or too late!) to dive in.
TEAM COACH
FIONA BRAITHWAITE
LEVEL 1 & 2 COACHING ​
Fiona started coaching at Brackley Swimming Club shortly after both her children joined. She felt as she was already spending a lot of time at the swimming pool watching her children swim, stepping into a coaching role felt like the natural way to get involved and support the team.
​​
Coaching has given Fiona so much pleasure seeing swimmers grow in skill and confidence when in the water.
​​
Outside of the pool you will find Fiona enjoys running and cycling - activities that fuel her interest in fitness and endurance sports.​​
