COACHES
Meet the Team
DAVID PENNY
Born in Middleton, Nova Scotia, David has called Bridgewater home for most of his life. He has been a coach for more than 40 years, starting with karate in the late 70’s and switching to competitive kickboxing in the late 80’s. Finally, in the early 1990s, David opened Bridgewater Boxing and brought amateur boxing to the South Shore. For David, seeing his students progressing and building confidence is the most rewarding. He believes strongly in boxing as a healthy outlet for youth. A level 3 certified coach who can coach at the Canada Games and Nationals Goals, David teaches classes that are fun but productive. David inspires the best in his students and has motivated generations of boxers and kickboxers with his positivity and encouragement - not to mention an infectious sense of humour.
HEATHER PENNY
Born and raised in Bridgewater, Heather Penny has been boxing for over 7 years. Initially starting boxing to improve her balance, she progressed and completed her Level 1 Boxing Canada Coaching course in 2018. For Heather, the atmosphere of the club, the friends she has made, and all the fun times, are what keep her coming back. As a coach, Heather supports Dave in the Stress Reliever class, running the warm-up and doing focus pad work. She is known in the DMC community for her warm smile and biting wit.
MELISSA CROSS
Melissa Cross, known by the DMC community as Missy, is from Pleasant River and has been kickboxing with DMC for over 14 years. Missy loves kickboxing for its variety: no two workouts are the same – and kicking is fun! A coach for over 4 years, Missy has completed her Level 1 Boxing Canada Coaching course. As a kickboxer, Missy is all about speed and power, while coaching is an opportunity to meet new members of all different fitness levels. Around the club, Missy is known for her welcoming and friendly personality and her students appreciate her patient and encouraging approach.
DENICE TEED
Born in Brier Island, Denice Teed has been kickboxing with DMC for over 12 years. For Denice, her love of kickboxing comes from the dynamic and always-changing nature of the sport. Kickboxing is an excellent workout and lots of fun – as well as an opportunity to meet new people. As a coach, Denice enjoys watching her students grow and progress while learning more about herself. She has completed the Level 1 NCCP coaching certification and has developed her coaching skills under Dave’s mentorship. Denice’s students love her for her fun and uplifting attitude and her classes full of laughter.
CHRISTINE ANDERSON
Christine has been coaching for over 2 years. She has been involved in the sport for 6 years and completed her coaching course in 2018. As a competitive boxer, Christine has won 3 provincial titles and has participated in international tournaments representing Nova Scotia - including the Canadian Olympic Qualifiers in 2019. As an athlete, Christine understands boxing and fitness theory and enjoys helping her community and sharing her knowledge. Christine has also completed the Officials Course (Level 2), allowing her to officiate at local competitions around the province of Nova Scotia.
PETER STUART
Peter Stuart grew up in Bridgewater and has been boxing and coaching for over 30 years. He participated in the competitive circuit from 1989 through to 1996 and won the Nova Scotia provincials in 1994 (lightweight) and 1995 (light welterweight). Peter received his National Coaching Certification alongside David Penny in 1991 and has a wide range of coaching experience not only in boxing, but also kickboxing, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockey. Peter enjoys helping athletes to learn and improve - this is what motivates him to continue. Around the club, Peter is known for his sense of humour and his direct and encouraging coaching style.
KIM GIESE
Originally from Alberta, Kim joined DMC in 2021 after moving to Bridgewater. With no prior experience in boxing, she wasn't sure if it would be the right fit but it was "love at first punch". She completed her NCCP Boxing - Instruction training in spring 2023 and has been further developing her coaching skills under Dave's mentorship. For Kim, her enjoyment of coaching comes from her desire and passion for boxing, fitness, and teaching. Around the club, Kim is known for her tough workouts, welcoming attitude, and warm sense of humour.
