Heidi Toft, the Head Coach of the Evanston Masters Wild Catfish since 2003, is a lifelong Evanston swimmer. While swimming for Evanston Township High School, Heidi became the Illinois High School State Champion in 1990 and All American in 1989 and 1990 in the 50 free. She went on to swim for Arizona State and was an All-American in 1992. Heidi continues to stay active in swimming by competing with Evanston Masters at meets and by completing two Ironman Triathlons.
In addition to coaching Evanston Masters, Heidi also coaches Evanston Wildkit Swimming Organization
and the Evanston Girls' High School Swim Team. Heidi has a knack for tailoring workouts and stroke technique instruction for a wide variety of skills from those new to organized swimming all the way
up to post-collegiate swimmers.
Amy Bottorff has been coaching with Evanston Masters since Fall 2007. She started swimming at age 8 with Evanston's WSO program, and went on to swim and play water polo at ETHS. Amy began coaching in high school with Evanston's learn-to-swim program. In college, she lifeguarded, taught swimming and water polo, and helped coached the Boston University Master's team. Amy currently works at a major bank and lives in Chicago.
Meghan Claney is a first year coach with Evanston Masters, who previously coached and competed with the NASA Masters at Northwestern from 2002-2008. Meghan also coached at Glenbrook North High School from 2003-2004. Her competitive swimming experience includes four-year All-State honors in Illinois with Glenbrook North from 1993-1997, and four-year Letter Winner for LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 1997-2001. She is currently teaching 4th grade in Vernon Hills and living in Chicago.
Garth Huskey has been coaching with Evanston Masters Wild Catfish since the fall of 2005. He began his swimming career as an age group swimmer for the Lake Forest Swim Club and later swam and played water polo at Lake Forest High School. In college he worked as a lifeguard and private swimming instructor. Garth has continued his swimming career by competing at the state meets for us since joining the team.
Ricky Murphy's swimming career began at a young age at the behest of a pursuing black bear. The chase had led to a crucial - life saving and changing - decision. Was I strong enough, at six, to swim across the raging Arkansas River? Alas it was to save my life and I have never stopped since that day. Be it baby pools, bathtubs, uni natatoriums, oceans, or the Great Lakes; I will race there and back, then hang out to blow bubble rings.
Amy Statton joined Evanston Masters in 1994 and has been coaching the beginning level group for several years. Amy swam age group with The Oak Park Swimmers (TOPS) and continues to stay active
in swimming by competing with Evanston Masters and occasionally competing in triathlons. Amy has participated in USMS Masters Classes with Michael Collins, Dara Torres and Rowdy Gaines.