Head Coach & Director of Swimming

Coach Ryan MacDonald has led the Parkland Pirates Aquatic Club through more than a decade of steady, intentional growth, with a focus on long-term athlete development, strong team culture, and sustainable competitive success. His athlete-centered coaching philosophy emphasizes mastery of fundamentals, accountability, mental resilience, and character—preparing swimmers not only to perform, but to lead.

Over the past 10 years at Parkland, Coach Ryan has overseen the development of a structured, values-driven program serving swimmers across the full athlete pathway. Under his leadership, the Pirates have expanded participation, strengthened internal coaching systems, and produced consistent provincial- and national-level performances. Emphasis has been placed on technical excellence, training consistency, and building athletes who take ownership of their development while contributing positively to the team environment.

Across his broader coaching career, Coach Ryan has coached championship-level swimmers in every stroke and distance, including open water, and has guided athletes who have progressed to collegiate programs in both Canada and the United States. His experience spans learn-to-train, age-group, and high-performance environments, providing a comprehensive perspective on athlete progression and long-term development.

Coach Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Health Science and is an ASCA Level 5 International coach through the American Swim Coaches Association. His prior military service has strongly influenced his leadership style, particularly in the areas of preparation, discipline, and calm decision-making under pressure.

He lives in Stony Plain with his wife of over 25 years, and their children are currently attending college. Coach Ryan remains deeply committed to the long-term growth of the Parkland Pirates and the athletes and families they serve.

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.

Coach Heidi was an age group standout in track and field, where she set age group state records in the 400m and was nationally ranked in the 200m, 400m, 800m mile and high school cross country competitions, Heidi also played on a nationally ranked club soccer team; as well as, swam on her high school swim team.   

In swimming, Coach Heidi began teaching in Bel Air, MD, where she taught and led a summer lesson program of over 300 kids over the summer. She is experienced teaching children with specialized needs; as well as, instructed swim lessons on and off for various clubs over a 5 year period. In 2019, she began teaching Pee Wee Pirates and has served the Pirates as a volunteer at many hosted meets. Heidi’s competitive experience and teaching background has prepared her well to coach competitive swimming.  Since becoming a NCCP certified competitive swim coach, Heidi’s swimmers have shown a love for swimming, proficient stroke technique, and improved racing skills.

In addition to her coaching duties, Heidi has strong administrative and communication abilities that she has developed in her years in business leadership.  

This coach is awesome!