Club coaches

Nikki has been a member of BSSC in various capacities since she was around 8 years old. She first started coaching for Bishop’s Stortford nearly 15 years ago while she was still a swimmer. At that time she coached our younger swimmers for a few years as well as teaching for BSSC Learn to Swim for much of that time. Nikki took a step back from coaching when she went to university but always kept her toes dipped in with our Learn to Swim and the club. As soon as she finished her undergraduate degree and moved back to Stortford, she came back to teaching with LTS permanently and then took over as Head of Swimming in 2021.

Nikki has recently returned to coaching and is particularly enjoying working with our young Rookies as they make the challenging but exciting transition from lessons to club swimming.

Outside of the club Nikki is a solicitor with a local law firm, volunteers for two water rescue charities, and tries to swim or row when she can find the time. Nikki can often be seen around and about in Bishop’s Stortford so if you ever see her, feel free to say hi!

Ashley has coached at an extremely high level all his life, initially focussing on swimming where he worked with James Gibson and also helped coach the GB Paralympic hopefuls. He then broadened his coaching to take onboard Water Polo as well as swimming where he coached multiple players to the GB team. He is head coach at Bishop’s Stortford College, a role he will continue to hold whilst he integrates some BSSC coaching duties.

‘I am thrilled to join Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club’s coaching team and look forward to an exciting and successful future together. I am eager to meet everyone in March and begin this new chapter.’

Darren was a national swimmer himself and has decades of experience coaching at all levels. He was assistant head coach at Harlow Penguins and more recently was the head coach at Dunmow Atlantis for 8 years until deciding to take a step back at the end of last season. Darren is a legend amongst his swimmers, and we look forward to him building that relationship at the club.

‘I’m really looking forward to meeting the team and all the swimmers and working with you all for a successful future, exciting times ahead team.’

‘I am excited to be appointed as the new head coach at Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club. I’m delighted to share that Darren Tucker and Ashley Bygraves will also be joining the existing coaching team. Together we look forward to creating a successful future for BSSC. We can’t wait to get started and meet everyone in March.’

Jamie was the assistant head coach at Dunmow Atlantis for 5 years, and was coaching there for 10 years.  A keen swimmer himself and also someone who has competed at all levels as a youngster, Jamie brings a wealth of experience to the club. He also works as a coach at Bishop’s Stortford College and will continue with that role as he takes up the head coach duties for BSSC.