Meet Coach Sophie
- TRAINING EXPERIENCE:
I have been working as a swimming teacher, coach, lifeguard, and camp leader since 2017.
- NATIONALITY:
Irish 
- LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS SINCE:
2022
- LANGUAGE/S:
English, German
- POOL LOCATION:
Den Haag, Rotterdam, Leiden, Kids
Profile:
I come from a family of swimmers and started swimming very young. I grew up by the sea in Ireland, so swimming was both for fun and for safety. Many of my favourite childhood memories included water and it has always been an integral part of my life. Quickly I realised how much I loved it, and jumped into competitive swimming. I swam competitively for almost 8 years, representing Leinster and Ireland on a few occasions. After I stopped I soon became a teacher and coach- and here I am today!
I am a recent graduate of Leiden University where I completed a Masters’s Degree in International Relations.
Coaching Style:
I believe that confidence is key. The hardest muscle in your body to train is your brain and I always keep that in mind with my beginner swimmers. Being relaxed and comfortable in the water is always my priority with swimmers who are just getting used to the water and developing those key fundamental skills.
I think it is vital that people understand why they are doing something, so I aim to always clearly explain each drill or new technique.
With my coaching, I am very detail-oriented. As an excompetitive swimmer, I have maintained my eye for catching small issues within a stroke. I always focus on the smaller details as they all come together to help create the best possible outcome for the swimmer.
Swimming Certifications, Achievements, and Recognitions:
- Level 1 Swimming Teaching, Swim Ireland (2018)
- Level 1 Swimming Coaching, Swim Ireland (2016)
- Level 2 Swimming Coaching, Swim Ireland (2019)
- Level 1 Open Water Coach, Swim Ireland Conversion Course (2022)
- Received various medals at Regional and National Swim Meets
Specialties:
Over my 6 years of teaching and coaching, I have had a lot of different types of students. From babies to people who have recently retired, I’ve seen it all! I enjoy helping beginners gain their confidence and belief.
As I’ve mentioned, I believe that the brain is the toughest muscle to train and I think my relaxed nature helps swimmers work towards gaining that confidence.
I also enjoy more advanced swimmers. With my keen focus on stroke improvement I think I have succeeded in helping swimmers progress through their swimming journey.
“Your body can withstand almost anything. It’s your mind you need to convince.”
Our Adult Swim Classes
Your Personal Swim Coach will help you become a more confident you, a stronger, fitter and healthier you, a happier, care-free you and ensure your success in learning to enjoy and feel safe in and around water!
Beginners
If you cannot swim at all and are fearful and/or challenged in water generally.
If you have taken classes before and failed, join our beginners groups and we teach you how to float first.
Stroke Improvers
If you can float and swim but are afraid of deep water.
You can swim but are complete exhausted after swimming 1 lane.
You can join the intermediate or A group and enjoy our support with the first moves in the deep water.
Advanced
If you have no issues in the deep water and able to swim two laps without getting exhausted.
you can join the diploma groups or sportclass, come weekly or book individual lessons. Objective is working on stamina and improving techniques.