The Courts & Ridges Lightning Coaching Team

Coaching Staff

Head Coach Nick Mason has swum competitively since the age of seven. He began year round swimming in second grade and continues to swim division one at the College of William and Mary. Eleven intensive years of swimming has granted him an appreciation and complete comprehension of all aspects of the sport. In addition to knowing proper stroke mechanics and technique, he also understands the importance of a positive group environment and motivation. He has coached in a variety of settings, and looks forward to returning to the Courts and Ridges Swim Team for a successful and fun summer!

 

Assistant Head Coach Kristen Murphy swam for 4 years at JMU and studied Health Science. She moved to Charlottesville, VA, where she was a swim instructor and age-group coach for CYAC (club team); during that time she was fortunate enough to coach alongside a 1984 Olympian, Theresa Andrews. Coach Kristen also was the head coach for the Crozet Gators summer team for 2 years before returning to graduate school in Los Angeles (USC). She returned to club coaching in 2006 with the Blue Waves (1 year) and have been an age-group coach with Curl-Burke since 2007. Coach Kristen was Lightning Assistant Coach in 2007 and 2008.

Coach Kristen and her husband have 2 daughters, Paige (6) and Sadie (8 months). She enjoys Masters swimming, traveling, and the outdoors.

 

Assistant Head Coach Ruth Brunelli has been coaching for the Courts and Ridges Lightning Swim Team since 2005. She will be coaching the 6 and unders and 7 & 8's this year, along with helping the head coach with the other age groups. Coach Ruth lives in the Courts and Ridges with her husband, Tom, and her 3 children: Alex, Matthew and Adele. Alex and Matthew will be swimming on the team again this year. Coach Ruth is also a Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She was a swimmer growing up and enjoys sharing her love of the water with the kids.