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.
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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.
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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
Dave Prattley
Dave is the latest addition to our coaching team bringing a range of coaching experience back into the Canterbury region after working with one of the largest clubs in the country. Having placed athletes on multiple National Teams over the past two decades, as well as coaching athletes to regional and national records, his passion and professionalism shine through on pooldeck.
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With athletes front-of-mind, Dave has great attention to detail and is always working to help create independent thinkers and high achievers.
Assistant Coach
Hannah Bates
Hannah has been coaching at Selwyn since 2021 after retiring as a competitive swimmer at a National and International level. She currently holds multiple Canterbury records and has represented New Zealand at several pinnacle events.
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Since joining the coaching team, Hannah's belief in all members of the team and encouragement for them to seek self-improvement has helped create a culture of growth, learning and striving for excellence.
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