Meet the Coaches
Coach Stan Teokotai-White
Stan has been with Mount Maunganui Swimming Club since the beginning of March 2018 and has had some impressive regional and national successes with our swimmers. Stan's objective is to create and deliver an environment where athletes can achieve beyond their expectations.
'I believe all swimmers have talent and all athletes deserve a chance to see where that talent can take them and it's my job to help them discover that.'
Stan worked as Head Coach at Hillcrest Swimming Club in Hamilton from 2010 to 2013 and then TID Coach at Aquabladz New Plymouth from 2013 until he started at Mount Maunganui Swimming Club in March 2018. He brings 8 years of experience coaching young athletes in the pool and helping them to develop a passion and hunger for success.
Stan has coached competitive swimmers, surf lifesaving athletes, triathletes and masters competitors from local to international level. There are many highlights in his career so far, including in 2010 taking Hillcrest Swim Club from 22nd to the top 4 in Waikato at Waikato Champs and then, in 2012, Hillcrest was Waikato Club of the Year. In 2016 Stan was selected to be part of the New Zealand 'next generation coaches' programme.
Through his experience, collaboration with other coaches and his motivation to grow and learn, Stan aims to deliver a high-quality programme for Mount Maunganui Swimming Club. The club is very excited about what he has to offer.
Stan is happy to discuss swimmers' progress with parents/families, but we ask that parents/families refrain from interrupting training sessions. Parents/Families should either wait until the session is over, arrange a suitable time with the coach for a chat or make an appointment to discuss training progress and goals.
Coach Jack
Jack joined Mount Maunganui Swimming Club late in 2020 as a fitness swimmer but very quickly found himself poolside assisting our Head Coach with managing the morning adult and fitness squads and filling in gaps as required. Jack aims to create an environment where all swimmers feel welcome and comfortable in the pool.
‘I've been swimming most of my life and know first-hand that having to get up at 5 am to chase that black line is not a great motivator. My goal is to create an environment where our swimmers don't ‘dread’ swimming and can see the value in their training.’
Jack has previously been Head Squad Coach at Bartlett Swim School and Assistant Coach for Team Shorebreak. When Jack is not poolside, he can be found at the beach working as the Head Junior Coach for Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club.
If you want to chat with Jack, he can be identified by his funky socks, cap and sunglasses. Good conversation topics to distract Jack include Star Wars, Marvel, surf lifesaving, current events and the weather. Jack dislikes the colour green, the idea of pineapple on pizza and meals that don't include meat.
Coach Claire
Claire joined Mount Maunganui Swimming Club in early 2024 as our Assistant/Junior Coach.
'I was a high-school swimmer in Singapore where I grew up and also took part in water polo, synchronised swimming and triathlon. I still take part in Masters Swimming, and I am involved in surf sports.
I have taught and coached swimming for over 20 years, and enjoy seeing swimmers develop enjoyment of the sport, as they get fitter and faster, through good stroke technique. I love talking about swimming techniques and drills!
My coaching belief is to have a consistent approach, and to encourage an environment where swimmers want to keep showing up.'
