Our Coaching Team
Head Coach & Director
Ben Close
Ben has been the Head Coach at Selwyn since 2016 and in his time has placed athletes on several National Teams to pinnacle events including the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He has been recognised with National Coaching awards and under his guidance athletes have set multiple Canterbury and New Zealand records.
Ben excells in connecting with athletes to engage them in the programme and creating an environment where their goals can be achieved.
Marketing & Director
Rachel Close
Rachel has been involved with swimming teaching and coaching since 2009. She attained a degree in Sports Business Management in 2014 and is actively involved in the Submerge Aquatics programme with support of coaches and athletes while also working at Lincoln University.
Rachel's passion for health and wellbeing is a driving force in her communication and education to all members of the programme through social media, email updates and promotions.
Assistant Coach - Bailey Tait
Coach Bailey has consistently shown great enthusiasm, dependability, and a genuine passion for developing swimmers. Combined with her experience as a former national-level swimmer and Canterbury representative, her excitement for encouraging swimming as team sport perfectly aligns with the vision we have for the programme.
Bailey's strengths include building positive team environments, and inspiring swimmers to pursue our sport long-term through increased confidence, capability, and creating a wide skill-base for each athlete.
Assistant Coach - Dylan Booysens
Coach Dylan currently leads the Platinum and Masters groups. He holds multiple Selwyn Club age and open records and is also pursuing a new-found sprinting journey that keeps him active in the pool.
Dylan's values of building passion for the water, daily learning and striving for excellence as part of a team, are evident in every session he runs. He has a natural ability to connect to swimmers of all ages and challenge them to be their best.
Keira van der Heijden
Ieuan Edwards