Nichole Gaines is the Head Swim Coach for the Rockford Marlins Swim Club. Coach Gaines brings a wealth of experience to her role with the Marlins. Prior to joining the Marlins in 2016, she was the Head Coach of the Belvidere YMCA Barracudas, where she managed the age group swim team and grew the team to 91 swimmers. During her tenure in Belvidere, she and her staff coached 24 swimmers to State Championships and 18 swimmers to Regional Championships, with several placing in the top 10 at those meets. Since joining the Marlins, Coach Gaines has helped to grow the team by 68%. She has developed and implemented a comprehensive training program that has sent 42 swimmers to Regional Championships, 13 to Age Group State Championships, three to Central Zone Championships, one to Senior State Championships, one to Speedo Sectionals, qualified five for NCSA Age Group Championships, and sent 11 swimmers to the Open Water State and Open Water Zone Championships. Coach Gaines believes in communication, enthusiasm, and engagement with all swimmers in order to create an environment of unity through hard work and fun. As a former Marlins swimmer herself, she is proud of the rich history behind the Rockford Marlins Swim Club, and she is excited to help the team continue its legacy.