I am happy to be called Daniel, but I also commonly get called Dan.

I have been apart of SOPAC since I was a baby, working my way through the mums and bubs classes, all the way to the top squad, its been a massive part of who I am and I’ve always wanted to give back to the club for that reason. I was lucky enough to get asked to help out with some squads throughout last year, and developed a passion for coaching.

I visiting SOPAC as a learn to swim student and a squad swimmer for almost 19 years, soon after I got a job as a learn to swim instructor and I worked my way up to being a squad coach. SOPAC swim club has always felt like a second home to me, and being able to be apart of its future is something I am very excited about.

In the first 30 days, I plan to get to know Age Development 1 and 2 a bit better. Age Development 1 had been my squad for a few months leading up to the Christmas break, during which I developed a close rapport with the squad. Even though I have had interactions with Age Development 2 towards the end of last year, I never had the opportunity coached them, so for the next 30 days I plan understanding them as a squad, as well as individuals.

In the first 60 days, I will predominantly be focusing on Technique based sessions for the squads. I believe its imperative that swimmers in this young age bracket have a training scheme revolving around technique work, establishing a solid foundation which speed can be built on.

In the first 90 days, we will start utilising the skills and technique learned earlier on, and learning who to transition those skill into a race scenario. Our goal will also be to become accustomed with race days and the general procedure that needs to be followed during.

Every extra meter you do is what makes you better, whether its what puts you ahead of the competition, or simply helps you achieve your swimming goals, its about the hard work you choose to put in that helps you get there in the end. With saying that, none of that will mater if there is no passion behind what you do, enjoy the moments you have in and around the pool.

As long as both parents and swimmers can communicate honestly and respectfully, then I am satisfied. A professional relationship between coaches, their swimmers, and their parents is vital in a squad situation, and this relationship with succeed with honest and respectful communication.

I believe that the key attributes that have made me a successful coach and were a big part of why I was selected for this role are my love and passion for the club and the sport, as well as my communication skills and knowledge of the sport. As an old SOPAC swimmer, I have a great interest in seeing and being a part of the future of the club.

I believe that I offer my swimmers an opportunity to grow in the sport they enjoy, whilst being in an enjoyable and supportive environment.

I don’t have a family my own. I have my Mum, Dad, and a brother who also used to swim at the club.

I have two dogs named Charmander and Caesar, who are both two years old and are incredibly lively.

In my spare time, I like to hang out with friends and family, stay on top of uni work. Watch tv and listen to music.

Although I don’t have a particular favourite genre of music, I am a massive music fan, and am very passionate about live music and supporting musicians.

I enjoy all food, but I think burgers are my takeout food of choice.

Pursue what you are passionate about, it’s always important to chase after a goal that you have, whether it be in swimming or any element of your life. One of my dad’s favourite sayings is “do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” It’s something I’ve really taken on board and whole-heartedly agree with.