Kaz Suzuki, SOPAC Coach Welcome Interview
SOPAC Swim Club,
Thu Jan 2, 2020 11:43PM
Recently, we asked Kaz to provide us with more information to help us get to know him better in advance of training commencing in 2020.
What do you like to be called at training and by parents?
I don’t mind being called Kaz.
Why did you decide to apply for the role of Coach at SOPAC?
I am looking for a new challenge. Working with SOPAC/Swimming NSW would offer me the opportunity to work in a highly professional environment because SOPAC has a world class facilities and coaching program provides significant coaching experience. I would like to have the opportunity to help with your goals and sharing my broad experience with your team.
What attracted you to SOPAC?
The opportunity to work in partnership with Swimming NSW and world class facilities.
What are your plans for the first 30/60/90 days in the job?
I would like to get to know all the families, coaches and swimmers. I would like to know about the squad program and run the program smoothly.
What is your #1 coaching philosophy?
As competitive swimmers, commitment is needed in addition to hard work. Balance is important in training, between endurance sets, skill sets and quality sets. Life balance is important for training too.
What are your expectations of the swimmers and parents?
My expectation is that swimmers should try to understand and learning something from me. Communicating is one of the key ways to share information with each other. I want swimmers to feel free to ask questions.
What do you think are the key attributes that have made you a successful coach and why you were selected to be Coach at SOPAC?
I have a passion for swimming and will commit to our swimmers. I will help them set goals and believe in themselves, which will help swimmers to achieve their best results.
What do you believe you offer the swimmers?
Experience and knowledge of swimming technique.
Do you have a family of your own? Kids?
Yes, I have Australian wife Fiona and 2 daughters Maya (24) and Emma (19).
No at the moment. We had a Japanese dog (Shiba).
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Self-swimming, riding a mountain bike, watching movies and gardening.
What's your favourite type of music?
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given that you would offer others?
Challenge yourself before giving up
There will be many challenges ahead in life, so don't give up!
Respect each other
Respect is very important in Japanese culture. I would like to teach swimmers about the importance of respect for each other and for coaching staff.
Last updated:
Thursday January 2, 2020 11:50PM