Our People
Blair Hughes
Director of Swimming & Head Coach
Blair is passionate about developing technically strong swimmers while fostering habits that lead to success both in and out of the pool. He believes in creating a positive team culture built on respect, accountability, continuous learning, and supporting one another. He is equally committed to giving back to the community and helping athletes grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Blair holds a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and is a Swimming 201 Certified Coach. He has also completed the Triathlon Community Coach course. Alongside his wife, a registered massage therapist, Blair has owned and operated a successful massage therapy clinic. Committed to lifelong learning, he plans to pursue an online master’s degree and his Swimming Level 3 Certification.
Blair’s coaching career began in Medicine Hat as an Assistant Head Coach before advancing into Lead Pool Coach and Head Coach roles with clubs across Alberta. Throughout his career, he has coached numerous provincial and national qualifiers, medalists, and provincial team members. A number of his athletes have gone on to set provincial records, represent provincial, junior and national teams, and continue their swimming careers in both U SPORTS and NCAA programs.
In 2019, Blair helped establish a summer swim club in Medicine Hat that continues to operate today. Throughout his coaching career, he has also enjoyed mentoring and developing fellow coaches, helping strengthen the sport both in the pool and on deck.
Jennifer Thistle
Coach
Coach Jenn brings a lifelong passion for aquatic sport and athlete development to the pool deck. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and is a Swimming 101 Certified coach, along with holding ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.
Jenn has a background as a competitive swimmer, which laid the foundation for her coaching career and deep understanding of the sport. She has also competed in triathlon events, giving her experience in multi-sport training, endurance development, and the mental resilience required for competition.
Throughout her coaching career, Jenn has worked with several swim teams and a wide range of athletes. Her experience includes coaching with a para swim team, where she developed inclusive coaching strategies and individualized approaches to support athletes with diverse abilities.
Coach Jenn is passionate about creating a positive, supportive, and technically focused training environment. She emphasizes proper stroke technique, athlete confidence, and long-term development while helping swimmers reach their personal goals in and out of the water. Her coaching philosophy centers on building strong fundamentals, fostering resilience, and encouraging a lifelong love of swimming.
When not on the pool deck Coach Jenn can likely still be found around water. She enjoys paddleboarding, camping, chasing her many Nieces and nephews around, and spending time with friends and family. Coach Jenn continues to work in recreation therapy as a therapy assistant and provides support to students in the Parkland School Division as an Educational Assistant.
