Our Coaches
At Thirsk White Horse Swim Team, our coaching team is at the heart of everything we do. Passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to swimmer development, our coaches work with athletes of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their personal best, whether they are learning competitive skills, striving for county qualification, or pursuing national ambitions.
Our coaches create a positive, supportive and challenging environment where swimmers can develop their technique, confidence and love for the sport. Through carefully planned training programmes, individual guidance and a commitment to continuous learning, they ensure every swimmer has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
More than just coaches, they are mentors and role models who inspire commitment, resilience and teamwork both in and out of the pool. Together, they share a common goal: helping every swimmer enjoy the journey, celebrate their achievements and become the best version of themselves.
Get to know the team behind the poolside success of Thirsk White Horse Swim Team
Alan Hutchinson – Head Coach. Level 3 Swimming Coach
Alan is a highly experienced performance coach who has been developing swimmers for over two decades. Holding the ASA/UKCC Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Swimming (Performance) since 2009, he has coached athletes across every stage of the competitive pathway, from junior development swimmers through to regional competitors and national qualifiers.
Driven by a passion for excellence, Alan believes that high standards create high performance. His coaching philosophy centres on building strong habits, attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement, helping swimmers achieve their goals both in and out of the pool.
A quote that has guided his coaching throughout his career is: “Practice doesn’t make perfect, but perfect practice does.” It reflects his belief that quality, purposeful training is the key to long-term success.
Elaine Ives – Level 2 Swimming Coach
Elaine began her swimming journey teaching babies and toddlers, a role she enjoyed for 18 years before following her son, Alfie, into the world of competitive swimming. Inspired by the sport and its community, she trained as a coach and has now been coaching for over five years.
Known for her clear communication, organised sessions and friendly approach, Elaine believes every swimmer deserves to be treated as an individual. She takes pride in celebrating every achievement, helping swimmers build confidence, develop their skills and enjoy their time in the pool.
Favourite Things to Coach: Pace work and front crawl.
Proudest Coaching Moments: When swimmers share their achievements with her, whether in the pool or beyond. Elaine also loves seeing teammates support one another and celebrate each other’s successes at competitions and events.
Top Tip for Parents: Encourage your swimmer to enjoy the sport first. Swimming is about much more than personal bests – it develops confidence, resilience and skills that last a lifetime.
Fun Fact: Despite spending so much time in and around water, Elaine is actually scared of fish, which makes swimming in the sea a very interesting experience!
Susan Harrison – Level 2 Swimming Coach and Open Water Swimming Coach
Susan has been part of Thirsk Swimming for over 20 years, having first joined the club as a parent when her children started swimming. With previous experience as a swimming teacher and lifeguard, coaching was a natural next step. Today, Susan coaches both pool and open water squads and is also a qualified swimming official.
Susan’s coaching philosophy is simple: help every swimmer believe in themselves. She recognises that success looks different for everyone and encourages swimmers to focus on their own personal goals and achievements.
Favourite Skills to Teach: Open water corkscrew turns (often with hilarious results!), streamline push-offs and dive starts.
Proudest Coaching Moment: Organising the annual Kirsten Trophy, awarded to the youngest swimmer in the former Hambleton district to complete 25 metres unaided. For Susan, it represents the beginning of a swimming journey that can last a lifetime.
Top Tip for Parents: Be part of your swimmer’s journey. From discussing training sessions and galas to helping with kit preparation and volunteering at the club, your support plays a huge role in their success and enjoyment.
Fun Fact: Susan’s day job involves caring for everything from historic coins to stone sculptures, and she even gets to drive a forklift truck!
Louise Summers – Level 2 Swimming Coach
With over 10 years of coaching experience, Louise is passionate about helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, enjoy their swimming, and achieve their potential. She creates a positive and supportive environment where swimmers feel safe to learn, challenge themselves and celebrate their progress.
Louise believes every swimmer is unique and enjoys helping athletes develop not only as competitors but as people. Her coaching philosophy encourages swimmers to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and enjoy every step of their journey.
Favourite Things to Coach: Breaststroke drills, starts, turns and race finishes.
Proudest Coaching Moment: Seeing swimmers grow in confidence and believe in themselves, especially when their hard work results in a swim they’re truly proud of.
Fun Fact: Louise is terrified of heights, making pool sessions with divers practising nearby a real test of courage!
Heidi Lewis – L2 Swimming Coach
To follow
Zoe Murray-Ross – L2 Swimming Teacher and Coach
A teacher since 2004, Zoe brings a wealth of experience in supporting and developing young people. After her daughter joined Thirsk White Horse Swim Team, Zoe was inspired to become more involved in the competitve element of the sport and recently completed her Level 2 Swimming Coach qualification.
Zoe is passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, develop new skills and achieve goals they never thought possible. She believes that success comes from perseverance, encouragement and creating a positive environment where every swimmer can thrive. Drawn towards water, she often says she is like Moana, but these days she is looking more like Moana’s Grandma, the Village Crazy Lady!
Favourite Thing to Coach: Dives.
Proudest Coaching Moment: Watching swimmers achieve something they previously believed they couldn’t do and seeing the confidence that follows.
Fun Fact: Zoe has completed both an Ironman Triathlon and the iconic Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, proving that she loves a challenge both in and out of the water!