Our Coaches

  • Ascent Multisport athlete preparing to race IRONMAN World Championship in Kona

    Cari Lubenow

    Cari started her coaching career on the pool deck, with over a decade of collegiate synchronized swimming coaching experience. She found her way into triathlon shortly after graduate school, and after 12 seasons of triathlon racing decided to turn her coaching focus to the sport of triathlon.

    With roots in aquatics and synchronized swimming, Cari brings an exceptional eye for precision, efficiency, and disciplined training. As a certified triathlon coach through the Endurance Sport Coaching Institute, she applies evidence-based methods and proven coaching principles to guide athletes at every level. She has successfully coached athletes racing all distances, from their first sprint to full Ironman finishes. Her purpose is simple: to walk alongside athletes as they pursue bold goals and discover what they’re truly capable of. Her vision is to empower triathletes to dream big, train with confidence, and thrive in a supportive community built on connection and shared passion.

    Cari coaches with energy, clarity, and a genuine belief in every athlete’s potential—creating an environment where big goals feel possible and progress feels exciting.

    Credentials and Highlights:

    - ESCI Certified Triathlon Coach

    - IRONMANU Certified

    -TriDot Pool School Instructor

    -2023 IRONMAN World Championship (Kona) Qualifier & Finisher

    -2025 WTC Age Group Championships Qualifier & Finisher for Team USA

  • Ascent Multisport athlete on IRONMAN World Championship Nice bike course descent

    Vanessa Ronksley

    Vanessa has been coaching athletes for more than 30 years, working across a wide range of school and provincial-level sports. With a background in dance, gymnastics, volleyball, track and field, soccer, fitness competitions, and her true athletic love—field hockey—she has spent her life immersed in movement, competition, and the pursuit of personal excellence. Before discovering triathlon, her experience in swim, bike, and run was everyday and approachable: childhood swim lessons, cycling around the neighbourhood and commuting to work, and the occasional fun run.

    When she was encouraged to try her first triathlon, she crossed the finish line and instantly knew she’d found her next chapter. The sport had such a profound impact that it sparked a full career shift, pulling her deeper into coaching, athlete development, and the triathlon community she had grown to love. From that moment on, she embraced the sport wholeheartedly—training with a local community, studying everything she could about swim/bike/run, and immersing herself fully in the process.

    As a trained coach certified through the Canadian Coaching Association (NCCP), Vanessa has since coached triathletes across all race distances, from first-time sprints to full IRONMAN finishes. Her purpose is rooted in empowerment: helping athletes recognize their inner strength and realize they are far more capable than they believe.

    Her long-term vision is to build a community where athletes feel uplifted, confident, and connected—thriving together as they pursue bold goals with courage and joy. Vanessa coaches with warmth, clarity, and an unwavering belief in each athlete’s potential, creating an environment where progress feels exciting and big dreams feel within reach.

    Credentials and Highlights:

    - ESCI Certified Triathlon Coach

    - CAC/NCCP Trained Triathlon Community Coach

    - IRONMANU Certified

    - 2023 WTC Age Group World Championships Qualifier

    - 2024 IRONMAN World Championship Qualifier

    - 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifier

  • Ascend multisport athlete with finsher medal at IRONMAN Honu 70.3 qualified for 70.3 Worlds

    Ryan Tibball

    Ryan’s coaching career spans more than two decades across multiple endurance and performance disciplines, including swimming, cycling, running, and CrossFit. His athletic background is equally extensive, with over 25 years of competitive experience in swimming, water polo, cross-country running, trail and road running, CrossFit, and Triathlon.

    Ryan began competing in triathlons in 1999 and continues to actively race today, bringing firsthand experience and perspective to his coaching. His personal philosophy is grounded in his “why”: a commitment to giving his best, persevering through challenges, and leading by example—regardless of outcome. This mindset shapes both his athletic pursuits and his approach to coaching.

    His coaching style is comprehensive, thoughtful, and inclusive, designed to meet athletes where they are and guide them toward sustainable progress. Ryan emphasizes doing the right training the right way, integrating structured programming with certified recovery methods, strength training, and sound nutritional guidance. This holistic approach allows athletes to train effectively while maintaining balance and long-term health.

    Ryan has successfully coached a wide range of athletes, from first-time participants to World Championship qualifiers, consistently delivering strong and meaningful results. He remains deeply committed to ongoing education and professional development, continually refining his knowledge to better serve his athletes.

    Credentials and Highlights:

    -ESCI Certified Triathlon Coach

    -TriDot Pool School Head Instructor

    -IRONMANU Certified

    -Pose Method Certified Run Coach

    -Stryd Power Certified Run Coach

    -Stages Cycling Certified

    -CrossFit Level 1 Coach

    -CrossFit Mobility Certified

    -CrossFit Endurance Certified

    -IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifier — 2022, 2024, 2025