Coaches & Board of Directors

We are here to support your needs. If your questions are related to workouts, meets, events, goal setting, and other swimming related needs, please contact one of the coaches.
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For all questions related to administrative, such as dues, safety, or policy issues, please contact one of the board members.
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Killer Whales Coaching Staff

Bailey Bonnett - Head Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? 2024

What is your coaching background? I’ve had the privilege of coaching championship-level college and club teams across a wide range of competitive settings. My experience includes working with Olympic Trials qualifiers, SEC and Sun Belt champions, as well as PIAA State and WPIAL champions. I take pride in helping athletes reach the highest levels of performance while building strong, supportive team cultures.

What is your swimming background? I started swimming at the age of 4 and competed for the Killer Whales throughout high school. During that time, I became an 8x WPIAL Champion and 4x PIAA State Champion. I continued my swimming career at the University of Kentucky, where I served as team captain for three years and helped lead the team to its first-ever SEC Team Championship. I’m a 14x All-American and competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 2016 and 2021.

What do you enjoy about coaching? What I enjoy most about coaching is watching athletes grow—not just in the pool, but as people. Creating a positive, safe, and encouraging environment is something I strive for every day, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see athletes thrive and gain confidence through the sport.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Have fun, stay the course, and enjoy the process. Progress takes time, and embracing the journey is what makes the results that much more meaningful!

Wynne Kirchner - Assistant Head Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? December 2025

What is your coaching background? background? I started coaching in my hometown just outside of Baltimore, Maryland when I was 16. After a couple years with the summer team I swam for growing up, I became the Head Assistant Coach for Waverly Woods Swim Team and was their Head Coach for the next three summers after that. During that time, I also coached for my club team, Greater Baltimore Swim Association (GBSA) as the lead coach for the 10 & Under program, where some of the swimmers I coached won state titles and are now about to swim in college. After college, I took some time off from coaching and started back with the Flying Fish Heads Masters team and most recently, was the Assistant Head Coach at North Hills Aquatics.

What is your swimming background? I started swimming summer league when I was 7. I swam much of my formative years for the Catonsville YMCA, and switched to GBSA before entering my junior year of high school. I ended up qualifying for Maryland State championships and swam one year in college at York College of Pennsylvania before deciding to hang up the goggles. Ultimately, I got drawn back to the water in 2023 and have since been a very active Masters swimmer for the Flying Fish Heads and have competed and placed top 3 in multiple Masters Nationals meets. I've never been the most naturally gifted swimmer, but I love the process of practicing and striving for improvement!

What do you enjoy about coaching? The positive impact that you can have on a swimmer not just in the pool, but out of it. I still revere many of my coaches from my youth, and they made me a better person. Being able to pass those lessons I learned onto others is an honor I do not take lightly. Swimming is a sport that can be done for life and my goal is to always foster that love for swimming in a safe, supportive, and sustainable environment.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Figure out the 'why'. Whether it is why you swim, why do you want to swim a certain event, or why you are doing something in practice. Knowing the 'why' will help you become a much more confident and knowledgeable swimmer, plus make your accomplishments feel extra satisfying!

Katie McCue Stack - Assistant Head Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? Fall 2012

What is your coaching background? I started coaching when I was 15 with swim lessons. Then moved on to coach the 8 and under team and finally the entire 8-18 Sylvan swim team until I was 22. After college, I was the assistant coach for Allegheny Valley YMCA swim team for about 4 years. During that time, I was also the assistant and head coach for the Highlands Varsity swim team.

What is your swimming background? I started swimming for my local summer league at the age of 4 (those are awesome pictures!) and swam competitively until I completed high school.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I love seeing the sense of accomplishment when a swimmer completes a task he/she has never done before.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Enjoy the little moments each swimming day offers. One day, you will realize that swimming presents the best challenges, friends, and memories sports can offer.

Becca Arabia - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? May 2025

What is your coaching background? I’ve been coaching since 1983. I was head coach at AVY, McKeesport YMCA, Sylvan, and Highlands High School. I have attended numerous coaching clinics! I met and was taught by the best! Bob Bowman and Jack Bauerle impressed me the most. Michael Phelps trained at a few of them before he became an Olympian. I had the honor of talking with him at great length. He was very inspirational.

What is your swimming background? I swam from the age of 5. My best events were the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke. (When I swam, you had to touch the wall for your backstroke turn, and your head had to stay above water in breaststroke!) I swam through High School and held many records and qualified for WPIALS and States. I also qualified for Districts, States, and Nationals for the YMCA.

What do you enjoy about coaching? One of the most enjoyable aspects of coaching is witnessing a swimmer's progress—whether it’s mastering a new stroke technique, achieving a personal best, or building confidence in and out of the pool. The transformation that comes from dedication and teamwork is incredibly rewarding.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Being your best is not about overcoming obstacles that the environment or others present; it is about overcoming the obstacles you put in front of yourself!

Keith DeNinno - Strength & Conditioning Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? I officially started with Killer Whales in the summer of 2024, although I started with the FCA high school team the season before.

What is your coaching background? I've coached general fitness and youth athletic development for 15 years. I've coached athletes in many different sports throughout those years, with ages ranging from young kids to college athletes, as well as adults.

What is your swimming background? I do not have a swimming background other than recreational. I was not a swimmer, but that's why I'm the dryland coach! I can swim, though!

What do you enjoy about coaching? I enjoy watching the athletes I coach get better at what they're training for, no matter their goals. I also really enjoy being in a position to help young athletes learn the value of physical activity and the lessons learned in the weight room that transfer to life.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. You have to be fast to win a race, but learning to be fast takes patience and virtuosity.

Matt Harris - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? January 2024

What is your coaching background? I’ve coached masters swimmers, triathletes, athletes, and anyone who wants to embrace movement.

What is your swimming background? I competed in the UK when I was younger, both regionally and nationally, in the Armed Forces. Life took over, though, and it was only when a truly wonderful friend suggested I do triathlons and trained with me that I rediscovered my passion for the water.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I enjoy giving athletes the foundation for a future full of movement and joy from exercise. The smiles and visible pride they show when they move towards or beyond their goal, or feel confident with a new skill is amazing.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Explore the water and how you move through it, and slow down to speed up! Every skill and technique starts with a drill and then practice, practice at every notch of speed you add.

Tyler Harris - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? As a parent to Owen and Adeline, I started with KW in 2022. I started on deck in Fall 2024, supporting the Bronze, Silver, and Gold coaches.

What is your coaching background? I coached summer league for two different teams in Ohio and Maryland, and taught swim lessons. I helped coach a D1 college team as a volunteer while in medical school as well. Professionally, I am a pediatric cardiologist at CHP, where I have leadership roles in Medical Education and work with kids and learners every day.

What is your swimming background? I grew up swimming from the age of 4 in Ohio, where I was an Ohio HS State Qualifier and a YMCA national finalist. I continued my career in college at Johns Hopkins University, where I was an 18-time All-American, team captain, and school record holder.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I love seeing kids get better at any age and at any speed. Seeing a motivated kid work hard and then see that hard work pay off in a huge time drop is a thrill for me every time. We don't get the opportunity as adults to "win" very often, but swimming allows you to put in the work and see the results on a constant basis. Every time I see the green numbers on MeetMobile, it's a win.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Set BIG goals, work smart and hard to improve toward those goals, laugh and have fun with your friends every day while you work, and then celebrate every one of those achievements as hard as you can with the people who got there with you.

Emily Magoc - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? November 2024

What is your coaching background? I have been teaching swimming since the age of 15, both private and group, adult and children. I have coached USA and YMCA swimming in Michigan for about 6 years and am so excited to be a part of USA swimming again in a new state.

What is your swimming background? I started swimming competitively at the age of 4 at Freeport pool. I moved to indoor YMCA swimming and swam year-round all the way through high school and college where I graduated as team women's team captain in 2008. I got back in the pool with the Flying Fish Heads Masters swim team in 2023.

What do you enjoy about coaching? Whether it comes to them quickly or not, it always brings me joy to see a person who is trying hard to learn a skill and have it just finally click for them, or finally hit a time goal. I love seeing the pride it brings and also feel a sense of pride myself for having helped bring them to that moment.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Pay attention to your coaches and HAVE FUN!

Rebecca Rice - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? April 2025

What is your coaching background? Head Coach, Greater Pittsburgh Aquatic Club (2019 – 2022), Assistant Coach, Woodland Hills Aquatic Club (2016 – 2018), Assistant Coach, Zones All-Star Team (2015 – 2017), Head Coach, Monroeville Marlins (2012 – 2016), Assistant Coach, Monroeville Marlins (2010 – 2012)

What is your swimming background? Monroeville Marlins ages 4-16, Gateway Senior High School - 4-year WPIAL qualifier in 100 Fly, 200 IM, 50 Free, 1 year PIAA qualifier, Slippery Rock - 1 year

What do you enjoy about coaching? I enjoy watching the athletes achieve their goals. I love the way the swimmers learn discipline, work ethic, teamwork, resilience, self-motivation, and respect for the sport and their peers in and out of the water. I love working with all ages and skill levels.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Swim smarter, not harder. Streamline and strong underwaters off EVERY WALL and BLOCK!!! Good habits in practice create good meet habits. My number #1 tip... Swim Smart, Swim Fast, and have FUN!!!

Finn Ruff - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? I started swimming with Killer Whales in 2020 and started coaching in the fall of 2023.

What is your coaching background? I have been an assistant coach for the Community Swim Club Swim Team for the last four years.

What is your swimming background? I have swum for the Community Swim Club Swim Team since I was seven years old, for Killer Whales for three years from my sophomore to senior year of high school, and for the Fox Chapel Area High School varsity swim team for three years.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I enjoy watching swimmers improve and seeing them have a fun time while doing it.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Make the most out of your swimming career because it goes by fast!

Oscar Ruff - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? I swam for the Killer Whales swim team for nine years. I started coaching in the fall of 2024.

What is your coaching background? I have been teaching swimming since the age of 15 with both the Killer Whales Swim School and at the Community Swim Club.

What is your swimming background? I began competitive swimming with the Community Swim Club Swim Team when I was 7 years old. I started with Killer Whales when I was 9 years old. I am a previous Sectional Qualifier, Zones Qualifier, WPIAL qualifier, and past Killer Whales Record holder. I swam and lettered for the Fox Chapel Area High School varsity swim team for four years.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I enjoy helping out the athletes who are eager to improve! Anyone wanting to should have a chance to get faster or learn a new skill.

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? Always set goals for yourself. They help hold you accountable and give you something to look forward to!

Lindsay Martin Wood - Assistant Coach

When did you start with Killer Whales? September 2019

What is your coaching background? I am USA Swimming and Level 3 USMS certified and have been coaching swimming technique to adults and children in and out of the water for several years. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation coach and love helping others improve their mental clarity and fortitude.

What is your swimming background? I grew up around swimming. My dad was a swimmer and ASCA level 3 swim coach, and I've been blessed with moral and technical support from the start. Despite competing at a high level from age 5 through high school, I paused to pursue field hockey in college. I resumed swimming when I came to Pittsburgh for graduate school and currently train/compete with the FFH. I am a nationally (USMS) and internationally (FINA) top-ranked backstroker.

What do you enjoy about coaching? I love helping others -- in any capacity. This is a remarkable opportunity for me to be for others who I needed when I was a young swimmer. So much of becoming a good swimmer has to do with our mindset, so cultivating a good attitude is imperative. Seeing that translate from the pool and into daily life is beyond satisfying!

What one tip can you give universally to your swimmers? BE KIND. Always. And streamline!