Coaching Team
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Giannis Valkoumas - Head Coach |
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My name is Ioannis Valkoumas and I have been the Head Coach for Worksop Dolphins since September 2019.
I was born in Thessaloniki (Greece) and I have been a swimmer for over 15 years. My best stroke was butterfly and I have been Greek National Team member, Greek National Champion, National Record holder in 50m and 100m butterfly, Balkan Champion and Balkan Junior Record holder in 50m butterfly. I have participated in European Championships, Junior Olympic Games, Multination Meetings and Mediterranean Games.
After the end of my swimming career, I took a bachelor degree from Physical Education and Sports Science Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with specialisation in Swimming and Lifeguarding. Subsequently, I finished my Master’s Degree in Sports Science with focus on Swimming Biomechanics. I also finished my PhD studies which also focuses on Biomechanical analysis of Swimming.
My swimming coaching experience started at 2002 as a National Team Assistant Coach. All these years many of my swimmers have been National and International Swimming Champions and I feel extremely blessed that I have the opportunity to work with so many talented young athletes.
My entire coaching philosophy could be characterised by 3 words: Trust, Hard Work, Mentality
My favourite quote is: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle |
Gianna Valkoumas - Assitant Head Coach |
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My name is Ioanna Piastopoulou and I was born in Thessaloniki (Greece). I have been a swimmer for 15 years, my best stroke was butterfly and I have been Greek National Team member, Greek National Champion, National Record holder in 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly and Balkan Champion. I have participated 2 times in European Championships with final participating, World School Championship with final participating and Multination Meetings.
After the end of my swimming career, I took a bachelor degree from Physical Education and Sports Science Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with specialization in Swimming and Lifeguarding. Subsequently, I finished my Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Physical Education and Sports Science Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
I have been coaching since 2004 and I believe that hard work and the right mentality lead someone to success.
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Bailey - Swimming Coach |
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I have always had a passion for teaching children to swim, having worked at multiple swimming schools, both teaching and working in management. I enjoy helping children learn this life-essential skill. I decided to make a career change, I initiated this by taking my coaching qualification. This helped me develop a more in-depth knowledge about the sport and because I wanted to view swimming in a competitive way. my love for swimming grew from there. I now enjoy competing in triathlon’s and aim to complete an iron man race in the next few years! |
Jenny - Swimming Coach |
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Swimming has been a big part of my life from being young, this has led to my interest in helping shape swimmers as well as the biomechanics that are used. During my time coaching and teaching I have developed a passion for helping children to better their swimming and understand the reasons behind why we perform different strokes in the way that we do. I am interested in furthering my knowledge through courses and further education and I am excited for what the future holds! |
Pheobe - Coaching Assistant |
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Without doubt swimming is, and will always be, my favourite activity. I still love learning and competing as a swimmer but having the chance to share my skills and passion with new swimmers is something I enjoy, value and take very seriously. The club is a super friendly place to learn and whatever level your confidence or skills are at we’re here to help you become a better swimmer. |
Izzy - Coaching Assistant |
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Hi i’m Izzy, as well as coaching for Worksop Dolphins I also swim for the club, gaining both county and regional times. I really enjoy passing on my knowledge to our younger swimmers, I get a kick out of helping them to be the best swimmers they can be, all while making it fun for them. I have always had a deep passion for swimming and I couldn’t imagine where I would be now without it. |
Ella S - Coaching Assistant |
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Hi, I'm Ella. I help to coach our B Squad & C Squad asell as the Swim School |
Luke - Coaching Assistant |
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Hi. My name is Luke and I am one of the coaching assistants . I learnt to swim from an early age and used to be a member of the Worksop Dolphins swim squad. I enjoy being in the water with the children, supporting and encouraging them whilst they are learning to swim. |
Alice - Coaching Assistant |
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I'm Alice. I Swim in the Regional Squad and help in coaching the County Squad |
Ella W - Coaching Assistant |
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Hi, I'm Ella. I swim for the club in the County Squad. |