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! |
Alice T- Swimming Coach |
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I was a competitive swimmer for over 10 years, specialising in 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle. I have multiple British and English National medals, including being British Champion in the 400m freestyle. I was also part of the England Talent Pathway for 4 years and have represented my county and region at national levels.
Following my competitive swimming career I found a love for swimming teaching which I have been doing for the past 2 years. I have gained swimming teaching qualifications and also have a bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science. I want to use my knowledge and experience to help inspire and coach young swimmers to develop into successful elite athletes.
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Savi - Swimming Coach |
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I started my love of swimming growing up in Sri Lanka when I was 5, playing in the small pool while my dad swam in the big pool.
I lived swimming growing up through countless cold early mornings and went on to swim at a national level in Sri Lanka where swimming is a major sport.
My career as a swim coach started in the UK while I studied for my degree and masters in HR.
The main focus of my teaching approach is technique. I believe you can only fulfil your true potential in speed and stamina with the best technical basis.
I love being a swim coach; using a firm, fair and encouraging approach to help someone develop in this tough discipline.
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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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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 and 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 and ejoy helping out with the swim school. |