13/05/2026
There have been a few changes in the coaching team recently. Claire has jumped at the opportunity to do her teaching qualifications, with swimmers from Taumata Primary enjoying seeing her on campus.
We have been extremely privileged with the return of Sharon Hough as a coach. Many of our past swimmers still count Sharon as being influential in their development. Sharon is currently away on leave for another few weeks.
It is a very warm welcome to our newest coaching team member: Kess Strongman. Kess will be working across a number of levels, including adult fitness, so please take the opportunity to say hi and make her feel welcome.
This will see us have a coaching team of 3 males and 3 females providing ultimate balance in experience and delivery - something Liz van Welie Aquatics are very proud of.
Finally - Kess was asked to respond to some 'get to know you' questions. Enjoy her responses. Looking forward to seeing coaches and swimmers at the upcoming Club Night and splash for Cash
Kess Strongman:
Why swim coaching?
Swimming is my passion, my favourite sport to take part in, teach, coach etc. - there's no activity I'd rather be doing. Personally, it helps me clear my head, keep fit and ground myself as life changes. It has been a constant for me while I have moved across the world and to be able to spread my passion to others is such a huge privilege.
What has been your coaching pathway to here?
Started volunteering as a swimming teacher at 14, then got my first job at 16. I continued teaching as a part time job at university until I went to summer camp and began to start coaching pre-teens and teens. I started my first summer at camp as just a lifeguard and finished my fifth summer as pool director and head of swim-learning. Most recently I moved to New Zealand where I secured my first full coaching role at Omanu Swim Club. My own passion for swimming and learning helped to fuel my coaching skills and push me to the new heights of competitive swimming at Liz Van.
Tell us about your swimming pathway over the years
I have been a swimmer as long as I can remember, swimming competitively at national level in the UK before taking my training into my own hands continuing to train for fitness to this day. Moving to New Zealand opened a new pathway of long-distance and open water swimming, regularly doing laps of the Mount. With my newfound-coaching knowledge I am now keen to start pushing myself to stronger levels of swimming re-introducing speed work back into my regular workouts.
Has there been a coach, a teacher, or an adult who has positively impacted on your decision to stay in swimming over the years?
Martin Scott, my childhood club (Seagulls) swim coach. Just someone's dad and a volunteer but he consistently showed up every week, made swimming fun and showed us that we had a community at the pool as well as a team. Made me want to be a coach.
What has been your biggest learning up until now?
Dedication is stronger when born from enjoyment. I have never seen such improvement from anyone in the water until I started to introduce intentionally "fun sessions". Learning while playing seems to be the fastest method and once someone is looking forward to being there, they suddenly start to genuinely see improvement as it is no longer a chore but a challenge.
What are your goals long term?
I'd love to be the head coach of a squad one day.
What do you hope to bring to Liz van Welie Aquatics?
Enthusiasm and passion for learning and swimming.
What should a swimmer expect from being coached by you?
A fun but thoughtful attitude to learning with strong dedication to each individual as well as the squad as a whole.
What keeps you busy outside of coaching?
Surf, swim & gym.
What do you do to unwind?
Making sourdough bread & baking, reading & collecting shells.
What would you want to eat for your birthday meal?
Thai food buffet
What music or podcasts do you listen to?
70s music and comedy podcasts.
Best book or movie recommendations and why?
No clue, just watch whatever makes you happy.
What’s one thing about you that people might not guess?
A botanical garden is my favourite place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.
