Meet the Speed Mechanics team
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Khyl Orser: The Journey Behind Speed Mechanics
As a young athlete, I was never the biggest guy on the field. In fact, I was often overlooked simply because of my size. But what I lacked in stature, I made up for with speed. That gift opened doors for me, helping me earn spots on teams and granting me opportunities that others thought were out of my reach. Sports have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. They’ve shaped me, taught me lessons, and created opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise-and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
But my journey wasn’t without its challenges. I was lucky to have a few great coaches who believed in me, who inspired and mentored me. Yet, I also encountered coaches who didn’t. Their doubts lit a fire inside me, a drive to prove my worth, not just to them, but to myself. It wasn’t always the healthiest motivation, but it made me stronger. It fueled my passion for sport and eventually led me to where I am today-a coach who wants to help every athlete succeed, no matter what they’re up against.
In university, my dream of representing Canada was still alive, but I had to make a tough decision. I loved hockey, but I knew it wasn’t going to take me where I wanted to go. So, at 19, I made a leap into speed skating. Learning to skate on those long blades was a challenge that took months, but I was determined. I had a dream, and I wasn’t giving up on it. Yet, after I got the basics down, I hit another wall-I couldn’t find a coach in Victoria to help me with long track sprint distances. No matter where I turned, the guidance I needed wasn’t there.
So, I did what I’ve always done: I figured it out myself. I created my own training programs, dove into research, and asked every expert I could find. After months of searching, I was finally connected with Derek Hansen, a speed coach in Vancouver who was working with Shani Davis, the world record holder in the 1000m and 1500m. That connection changed everything. Derek became a mentor and a friend, teaching me more about speed and training than I ever thought possible. He showed me what true mentorship looked like-and I knew I wanted to give that same gift to others.
After seven years of chasing speed in circles, I decided to try something new-cycling. It was here that I found my true passion for speed and the joy of lifelong friendships in sport. Competing at nationals and even in international races, I discovered the pure fun that sport could bring. But eventually, I knew it was time to retire from competition and dedicate myself fully to coaching. That passion took me to St. FX University in Nova Scotia, where I honed my craft for two years before returning to my hometown of Victoria.
When I came back, I saw something that troubled me: a gap in the support for young athletes. There was no clear pathway for kids with dreams like mine, no roadmap to guide them from early development to top high school teams, college, or beyond. I knew firsthand how difficult it was to navigate that journey on your own, and I wanted to change that. I wanted to create a space where athletes didn’t just dream big-they had the support, mentorship, and coaching to make those dreams a reality.
That’s when Speed Mechanics was born.
My vision was simple: create a facility that offers expert coaching tailored to each athlete’s development, a place that grows with them. But I wanted to do more than just train athletes-I wanted to build a community. I brought in Continuum Health Centre to centralize rehab and injury care, ensuring that every athlete could get the support they needed to stay healthy and pursue their goals. Speed Mechanics isn’t just a gym; it’s a space where athletes of all ages and levels can thrive, no matter their dreams.
My journey has taught me that sports are about so much more than just competition. They’re about building resilience, forming lifelong bonds, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. At Speed Mechanics, that’s what we’re here to do-to inspire and educate, to push athletes to greatness, and to create a space where dreams can become reality. I’ll continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this is the best training environment in Victoria and on the Island, a place where anyone can come to chase their goals and leave better, stronger, and more inspired.
Khyl Orser
CREDENTIALS:
Masters of Exercise Science in Strength & Conditioning – Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (NSCA) – Australian Professional S&C Coach (ASCA) – Altis Sprints Coach Accredited – NCCP Sprints & Hurdles, Track Cycling, and Weightlifting Coach – Raced nationally and internationally in track cycling and speed skating – 3x National medallist in sprints – Track Cycling.
ATHLETE CV
USPORTS National Women’s Rugby Champions – 6x CFL Draft Picks – 4x USPORTS Conference Champions – Football, Rugby, and Women’s Soccer – 5x Varsity records in Track & Field in a single season – 8x USPORTS Football All-Stars – 3x National MVP’s – Women’s Hockey and Men’s Soccer – UCI Track League Bronze medallist – Multiple Pan Am Games Medals 1x Junior World Champion Track Cyclist – Multiple National titles in track cycling, road cycling, and the criterium – 4x Masters National record holders in track cycling – 2x Masters World record holders in track cycling- 3x Jr National Champion Track Cyclist – Bronze medallist at the Asian Games in Ice Dance – Multiple Provincial Track Cycling medals and jerseys – 1x Jr National T&F Sprinter
Steve Mackinnon
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapist – CSCS Strength Coach –
ATHLETE CV
10 years of experience working in professional Rugby: Head S/C Women’s 15s (2nd Place Rugby World Cup 2014) / Return to play Specialist Women’s Rugby 7s (2016 Rio Olympics Bronze medal) / Head S/C coach Women’s Rugby 7s – Running Summer training for Professional Hockey Players (all levels from Western Hockey League to NHL) – Multiple seasons working in University and College with Both Basketball and Rugby (Men and Women’s) – Coached Powerlifting at a world’s level – Experience working with athletes from a broad spectrum of sport (MMA/ Boxing / Rowing / Swimming)
Samantha Butts
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelors of Kinesiology, UBC / BCAK – Practicing Kinesiologist
Strength & Conditioning Coach (NSCA)
First Principles of Movement – 12 week mentorship program
Moment Physical Therapy – 12 week mentorship
Russian Kettlebell Certification
Assistant Coach with KBCU (Kettlebell Coach University)
ATHLETE CV
6+ years working in active rehabilitation and sport preparation
Chronic pain management & back to activity acute rehab
Speed Training with Westcastle International Academy
Kelowna Ringette Summer Camp Dryland Training
One on one strength training & rehab services for wide range of athletes
Group, virtual strength coaching for women ages 19-75
Tyler Low
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelor’s of Kinesiology – UVIC (in progress)
VIJHL Saanich Predators (2022 – 24)
VIJHL Westshore Wolves (2022)
Former Speed Mechanics AP & Momentum athlete (2021-2023)
Saanich Braves/Victoria Admirals T1 U15/U18 (2018-2022)
ATHLETE CV
10+ years as a power skating and hockey skills coach (On-ice experience working with all ages and levels of players from NHL, AHL, NCAA, WHL, BCHL, CSSHL, BCEHL, JPHL and minor hockey.)
VIJHL Westshore Wolves Student AT (2025)
Victoria Reign female hockey summer camp S&C
Victoria Admirals U13 T1 S&C and on-ice testing (2025)
Zech Pilgrim
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelors of kinesiology, Camosun College April 2026*
World Rugby Level 1 coach a process of finishing L2
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist CSCS (In Progress)
Senior men’s premier rugby player/ representative with Castaway Wanderers Rugby Club
Former athlete of Rugby Canada Development academy – Pacific Pride
Camden Rams Rugby Club – Sydney, Australia
Junior and Senior Alberta Wolfpack 15s and 7s
Hunting Hills High-school Football two time central Alberta champion
ATHLETE CV
Speed Mechanics S&C since July 2024
Speed Mechanics intern April-June 2024
Rugby skills coach for athletes at club and provincial level. 8+ years experience
Backs and Scrum-half specific coach in various levels of rugby 5+ years experience
Keanna Hasz
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelor’s of Kinesiology – CBU (in progress)
Certificate in Sport Management NYU
NCCP level one gymnastics
USAG (USA gymnastics)
Lifesaving Bronze Medallion
EMT certified
Junior Team Canada surfing 2018-2020
CSUSM Surf Team 2023-2025
USS Girls Soccer team Captain
ATHLETE CV:
Gymnastics Coach/ Coaches Development for Pacific Rim Gymnastics 2018-2025
City Soccer Club S&C Coach (San Diego)
D1 College Development S&C – Olympus Movement Performance
Island Swimming
Westcastle IA
Layritz Intermediate Baseball
Victoria Admirals
CW Rugby U14 Girls
Alex Mah
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelors Of Kinesiology, Camosun College
Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS)
Practicing Kinesiologist (BCAK)
Soft Tissue Release Level 2 (CATA)
Former Ice Hockey Player and Track and Field Sprinter
Athlete CV:
5 Years Working In Strength And Conditioning
2 Years Working In Clinical Rehabilitation As A Kinesiologist
Rowing Canada
Paralympics Canada
Olympic Weightlifting Clubs
Team BC Ice Hockey
Saanich Braves Ice Hockey
Saanich Tigers Lacrosse
Youth Track and Field Development
Rugby Clubs
Men’s Soccer Teams
Colette Hopkins
Apprentice in Mental Performance Consulting – M.Sc.
Colette Hopkins M.Sc., M.A., B.Sc., B.A. is an Apprentice in Mental Performance Consulting (Apprentice Member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association). She recently graduated with a Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States and is pursuing certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®).
Full Bio and CV coming.
Oli
Coach Oli the Beagle, the illustrious Head of Security and Lead Greeter at Speed Mechanics and Continuum Health Centre, takes his role very seriously-except when it’s time for belly rubs. His keen sense of smell ensures no crumb is left uneaten, and his watchful eyes track every squirrel, ensuring the facilities remain “intruder-free.” When he’s not pawtrolling or greeting clients with enthusiastic tail wags, Oli can be found taking strategic naps, carefully planned for maximum productivity. A true professional, Oli has never let a snack pass through the door without a thorough inspection.
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