Matt Pedersen

Head Coach
Senior 

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Matt is the Head Coach of the Sackville Waves Aquatic Team. Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario he enjoyed a humble swimming career with the Region of Waterloo (ROW) swim club and Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) Golden Hawks Varsity Swim Team. While at WLU he began his coaching career with ROW at the grassroots level. This began a 15 plus year coaching career working with Fundamentals, Age Group, and University swimmers with ROW and WLU. After completing his undergrad he taught ESL in Republic of Korea then returned to Southwestern Ontario to complete his B.Ed from Western University in London, Ontario. He will be Completing the NCCP Level 3 Coaching Certification this year.

Matt had the opportunity to take Kitchener-Waterloo based swimmers to the International Children’s Games in 2009 (San Fransisco, USA) and 2015 (Alkmaar, Ned). 

In 2024, while Head Coach for SWAT, Matt was named to the Team Nova Scotia coaching staff for Canada Summer Games in St. John's, NFLD

Matt believes that coaches give the athletes the tools to be better than yesterday. Everyone’s success is in their own hands and there is pride and responsibility in improvement and performance, for each individual and their teammates. The athletes are the artists of their own success. He is looking forward to mentoring a young coaching staff and building the passion for coaching and swimming within the staff and club. Matt is looking forward to what everyone is looking to build and achieve in this new SWAT swimming season!

Mike Balmaceda

Senior Assistant and Para Coach

Michael Balmaceda is entering his second year as a coach with the Sackville Waves Aquatic Team (SWAT) and has been a dedicated swim coach with the Special Olympics Nova Scotia Sackville Bedford Region since 2016. His commitment to athlete development and inclusive sport has made a lasting impact across the province. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Michael was named the Special Olympics Nova Scotia Sackville Bedford Coach of the Year in 2024.

In the 2022-2023 season, Michael took on a leadership role as part of the St. Margaret's Bay Breakers Executive, where he was responsible for coach development and overseeing the club's coaching program. His efforts helped foster a supportive, growth-focused environment for both athletes and fellow coaches.

In 2025, Michael served as coach for the Special Olympic and Paralympic Program Swimmers representing Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Games in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. His coaching expertise and positive leadership helped guide athletes through one of Canada's most prestigious multi-sport events.

Michael was also selected as Head Coach of Swimming for Special Olympics Team Nova Scotia for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. This appointment recognizes his dedication to athlete development, inclusive sport, and excellence in coaching. In this role, he leads Team Nova Scotia's swimming program and supports athletes as they prepare to compete on the national stage.

As he returns for his second season with SWAT, Michael is excited to support the club's ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility in sport. Drawing on his experience in Para swimming and Special Olympics programming, he is passionate about advancing SWAT's vision of fostering an inclusive environment through its Para swimming program, creating opportunities for swimmers of all abilities to develop, compete, and thrive.

Michael's coaching philosophy can be summed up by one of the guiding pillars of his style:

"Fun is Fast."

This belief reflects his commitment to creating an environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best while enjoying the sport they love.

Elyse Daniels - Novice

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Hi everyone! My name is Elyse, and I’m so excited to be your Novice Coach and Waves Coordinator this season. I’ve been coaching since 2023 and have absolutely loved working with swimmers of all ages and levels. I’ve also been a competitive swimmer for the past five years, with my favourite events being any sprint butterfly or freestyle event.

I’m currently working as a lifeguard, am a certified swim instructor and I’m NCCP Community Coach-Trained. I'm also in the process of completing my Fundamentals Coach certification.

Right now, I am taking courses at Arizona State University and working toward my longterm goal of becoming a physiotherapist. One day, I hope to open my own clinic where I can combine my love of sports with helping others stay active and healthy.

When I’m not in the pool, I enjoy cycling, playing piano, spending time outdoors, and expressing myself through art. I’m really looking forward to the season and can’t wait to see everyone’s progress in the water!

Ben Phillips - Junior

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Gavin Holman - Tidalwaves

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Hi, I'm Gavin and I've always had a love for swimming. I started at 6 months old, learning basic skills through the Red Cross program until I joined SWAT's newly formed mini waves in 2019 at age 10. I'm now a AAA competitor and would love to be a part of someone else's competitive swimming journey.

When I'm not on deck for swim practice, I'm there working as a Lifeguard. I'm also recently certified as a Swim For Life Instructor. 

I'm currently a grade 10 student at Millwood High. I enjoy biking, video games and working out in my spare time.

Sam Strapps - Mini Waves Coach

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

 - Mini Waves Coach

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Joel Phillips - Mini Waves Coach

Email: matt@swatswim.ca

Hey! My name is Joel, and this year, I will be back helping the Mini Wave swimmers. Before coaching, I swam for 6 years on SWAT and making it to our senior program and East Coast level meets. I look forward to working hard and seeing everyone grow to the best of their abilities this year!