Meet the Coaches
Our Coaches are a vital part of the success of our practices and swim meets. Without them, our team would not be possible. Please be patient with them as they strive to provide a fun and instructional environment for our children.
Coach Heath Brinke will serve as the Head Coach for the Eagle Ridge swim club for all age divisions 7-18. Originally from Alaska, he moved to North Carolina in 2000 and relocated to Eagle Ridge just over 4 years ago. He has 35 years of experience directing and coaching various athletic programs. Heath has been seen poolside over the past few years supporting his children, grandchildren, and club swimmers. In the past, Heath was a National and Collegiate level swimmer, held various certifications and endorsements including swim & water safety instructor, Lifeguard, CPR, and Emergency Medical Technician. Most recently held the position of Director of Soccer at the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association.
He is excited to be back in the water and returning to his first passion - Swimming!!! We are proud to have Heath join us this year. His experience and knowledge of the sport will bring a new fun and competitive atmosphere to the program.
CJ is a rising Junior at Vernon Malone College and Careers Academy where he will be studying in their Bio-Pharmaceutical Technology program. He has been swimming for the Eagle Ridge Swim Team since 2018 and in 2021 CJ was a kid catcher, helped with younger age group practices, and was the recipient of the Coach's Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship. In 2022 he was an asset as one of our Junior Coaches.
This will be Coach CJ's second year as an Assistant Coach for the Soaring Eagles. This year he completed his Lifeguard Certification with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid through Triangle Aquatics. He also swims year-round for Raleigh Swimming Association and plays football for Southeast Raleigh High School. When CJ is not swimming, you will most likely find him on the football field or playing some sort of musical instrument. He is currently learning bass guitar but he also plays the alto saxophone, the tenor and bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, keyboard, and accordion. CJ has been an influential role model for his 2 younger siblings and loves to share his passion for swimming and music with them.
CJ is so excited to be back in the water this year and ready to teach your little ones all he knows!