A Speed With Style coach in a branded jacket watching a squad session from the pool deck
Meet the team

Check out our highly skilled staff, and who will be teaching your kids.

Every instructor here is a current or former squad swimmer. The founders first, then our supervisors and squad coaches, then the instructors.

The founders

Who built the program

John (JJ) Williams

Head Coach & Founder

Swimming since age 4, competing in the pool and surf lifesaving since 8. Selected for the Western Suns state surf lifesaving team, numerous state swimming medals, 21st of 301 solo swimmers in the 2022 Rottnest Channel Swim, 11th of over 2,000 at the 2023 Busselton Jetty Swim, plus a state kayak title and top-state junior tennis along the way.

But JJ was never taught his strokes correctly. He had to restructure every one of them as an adult, and is now technically faster than when he trained 11 times a week at 18. That experience is the reason SWS exists: teaching correct technique from the start is far easier than fixing it later.

Dr. Nigel Williams

Child and Adolescent Behaviour Specialist & Founder

Nigel's background is in child and adolescent behaviour, specialising in children with behavioural challenges, and in helping young athletes execute high-level performances while still having fun. He has lectured in child and adolescent development at Murdoch University.

With JJ, Nigel designed the SWS program to build the correct neural pathways for efficient swimming, in a fun, engaging way. He's the reason our coaching runs on process, not pressure.

Leesa Munro

Operations Manager

Leesa brings a background in operations, events and venue management, including time as a Surf Life Saving Club Manager. She comes from a swimming family: her husband is a swimming coach and both daughters are dedicated swimmers and water polo players, with her youngest in the SWS program since age five.

She's the one who keeps the day-to-day running smoothly, so coaches can focus on coaching, and the first voice you'll likely hear when you call.

Ross

Pool Deck Manager & Supervisor

A winter swimmer with silver and gold national relay medals and current state age records in individual and relay events. Two premiership water polo teams, surf-sports coaching, and paddling support for multiple Rottnest Channel soloists.

"I draw on both sides of my journey, athlete and coach, to help others build confidence and capability in the water." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

Val

Supervisor

Reached state qualifying times at age 12 and still trains with the SWS adult and open squads. Has swum the Busselton Jetty Swim three years running, plus many other open water events, and is training to swim the Rottnest Channel in a team with other SWS instructors.

"Fly is my favourite stroke, but these days distance freestyle is the dream, anything over 400m!"

On pool deck

Supervisors & squad coaches

JaySupervisor & Squad Coach

Swimming his whole life, water polo to national level from 13 to 18, then back to squads at SWS. Completed the Rottnest Channel Swim in a duo, won the Geo Bay Swim in a duo (with JJ), was nominated for the Swimming WA Ben Beale Award, and holds state qualifying times in the 50m through 400m freestyle.

"I love understanding how to move through the water efficiently, and the community around swimming: always friendly, supportive and encouraging." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

Grace LSupervisor & Squad Coach

Winner of the state and national AUSTSWIM Best New Swim Teacher award for 2022, and a multiple Rottnest Channel Swim finisher who also swims the Busselton Jetty Swim.

"I love creating a positive learning environment, building confidence and helping swimmers improve every session while keeping it fun and supportive."

AvaSupervisor & Squad Coach

Grew up in the water, surf lifesaving at Coogee Beach, six years of water polo, and an SWS student since day one in 2018. Now swims squads 3–5 times a week and is about to swim to Rottnest in a team with Grace, Val and Annabelle.

"The biggest reward is that 'lightbulb moment' when a swimmer finally nails a new stroke or technique, it's unbeatable. And I'm still a bit of a child myself, so there's never a dull moment in my classes!"

MitchellSupervisor & Squad Coach

Started at six, in squads by eight, then competitive swimming. Previously taught in a level-based swim school, and much prefers staying with the same swimmers from beginner all the way to squad, teaching them properly the whole way.

"I love finding the different ways to engage each swimmer individually to reach their potential." Favourite stroke: freestyle, the one that makes you safe in the water.

BrendanSupervisor & Squad Coach

In squads from age 8, then transitioned to triathlon in 2020. As a triathlete and runner, swimming is his cross-training and recovery.

"Swimming teaches me discipline, perseverance and diligence to keep getting better." Favourite stroke: freestyle, the one he can swim most efficiently.

BostonSquad Coach

Competitive since 2020 with multiple state medals in freestyle, butterfly and backstroke, a national-level finalist in freestyle and butterfly, and WA state team representative in 2024 and 2025.

"Swimming challenges me to push my limits and improve every time, new personal bests show the hard work and discipline pay off." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

AnnabelleSquad Coach

Ten years of swimming, state pool competitions, and now mostly open water. Her biggest achievement: swimming solo to Rottnest after qualifying as a 10km open water swimmer.

"You can push yourself to your limits in lots of ways, but mainly it's an escape. You feel so calm in the water." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

OisinSquad Coach

Almost eight years of competitive swimming, four of them with the SWS/Celts squads. Favours sprint and middle-distance events.

"I like all the strokes, which is probably why I love individual medley races so much."

ElkeSquad Coach

In a squad since age 7, and still going. Played water polo at national level, and makes the most of WA's beaches.

"That first dive into the water always snaps me into focus. Once you're in, the hardest part is done." Favourite stroke: freestyle, steady rhythm, quick tumble turns, smooth and strong.

EilidhSquad Coach

Competes at national level and trains with the Celts, coached by SWS. Currently preparing for the Port to Pub endurance race (a swim to Rottnest) as a duo.

"SWS is such a friendly, supportive environment to keep learning and training in." Favourite stroke: backstroke, because she swims it well.

JamesSquad Coach

Learnt to swim at 4, in squads since 9, now with the Celts under SWS coaches. Aiming for nationals in the 50m and 100m backstroke and butterfly.

"It's rewarding to teach kids to swim and to enjoy it as much as I do." Favourite stroke: backstroke.

LiamSquad Coach

A competitive club swimmer since age 9, currently with the Celts. Races the individual medley, 100m, 200m and 400m, and is planning a half ironman in 2027 plus a team Rottnest crossing.

"I love the freedom I get as a teacher and coach, experimenting with different solutions to technical problems. And the positive environment, from co-workers to students."

The instructors

The whole team, in the water

Tap any name to read their story. Several of our instructors came all the way through the SWS program themselves, from learn-to-swim to squad to teaching.

AustinInstructor

One of the first kids to join SWS back in 2018, graduated through the program and squads, and is now an instructor.

"Because we don't have a level system, I teach the same students each week. I get to know their strengths and weaknesses, and the best way to help each one reach their potential." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

RomanInstructor

Quit swimming as a kid because he wasn't enjoying it, then joined SWS at 8, and went from barely completing the surf club proficiency swim to being one of the fastest within a year. One of the earliest SWS swimmers, then SWS squads, now an instructor.

"Swimming challenges the mind and body, but it can also be so social. It's great to have gone from student to instructor." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

LindaInstructor

Came to swimming later in life with a fear of deep water, and was one of JJ and Nigel's very first students. Now a confident swimmer who has trained with the SWS squad, competed in many open water events, and can dive.

"I especially love helping anxious kids overcome their fears, I know exactly what they're feeling." Favourite stroke: freestyle.

SenumiInstructor

Swam consistently for 11 years through school, working up to squads, and still swims for leisure and fitness.

"I really enjoy seeing the improvements in children's swimming. Freestyle feels the most natural and smooth in the water, I like how fast and efficient it is."

KeelyInstructor

From learn-to-swim and pre-squad to competitive swimming in high school, a state finalist who has competed at Australian world championship trials.

"I love how relaxing it can be when it's just you and your thoughts, and the friendships you make training with friends." Favourite stroke: backstroke.

NickInstructor

Terrified of the water until age 4, and hasn't stopped swimming since. Moved to SWS in 2018 for stroke correction with JJ and has trained with the SWS squad ever since. Top-3 swimmer in his year three years running, and a state surf lifesaving finalist in 2022 and 2023.

Favourite stroke: butterfly.

JadenInstructor

Squad swimmer from Year 4 to Year 10, teaching since the end of Year 10. Still finds swimming both relaxing and a great way to stay fit.

Favourite stroke: breaststroke, the first stroke he competed in, and the most fun to swim.

EstelaInstructor

Swimming for as long as she can remember: competitive squads when younger, surf lifesaving and ocean swimming since 2020, including the Busselton Jetty Swim a couple of times, with a team Rottnest crossing in her sights.

"I love the dopamine after a swim, and swimming with mates just makes it that much more fun."

AdeleInstructor

Learn-to-swim, then eight years of competitive squads and the school swim team from Years 7–12. Has competed at states in short and long course, reaching the top squad at her club.

"I love the challenge and the team environment, it's fun." Favourite stroke: breaststroke.

Grace AInstructor

Swimming in SWS squads since 2021 and racing open water since 2023, proudest of completing the City to Scarborough 5km swim.

"I love swimming because of the friends I've made." Favourite stroke: freestyle, for long distance, it's the most efficient stroke.

AyamiInstructor

Competitive from a young age, with experience in squad training and pool racing.

"I love the discipline and structure swimming provides, it keeps me focused and gives me a mental reset." Favourite stroke: freestyle, natural, smooth and strong.

RubyInstructor

Started swimming at 2 and has loved it ever since, 15 years in, a long-time squad swimmer with numerous open water events behind her.

"Swimming makes a positive impact on my mental and physical wellbeing." Favourite stroke: breaststroke.

EmilyInstructor

In the pool from the first moment her parents could manage it, squads from age 8–9, then competitive pool and open water racing with a number of successes.

"Swimming lets you challenge yourself, but it's also alone time where I can switch my brain off." Favourite stroke: breaststroke.

Sam DInstructor

Lessons since before he can remember, a competitive squad swimmer for many years, and still swimming regularly today.

"Swimming is relaxing and intense at the same time." Favourite stroke: butterfly, the most powerful and satisfying to swim.

CallumInstructor

Over eight years in squads, currently swimming for the Celts Swimming Club and chasing his eighth school swimming carnival win.

"I love the community swimming brings, and that even when you race others, the most important thing is your own swimming." Favourite stroke: all of them. He's never been able to pick.

ZaraInstructor

Part of swimming clubs most of her life, in the country and in Perth.

"I love SWS for its positive environment and friendly community, and its commitment to teaching." Favourite stroke: breaststroke, calming, with a nice momentum.

EthanInstructor

A sprinter at heart, always looking to improve, in squad or just general swimming.

"Freestyle gives me a thrill I don't think any other stroke can match. And everyone at SWS is friendly and helpful to each other."

ThomasInstructor

Swimming since he was very young, including squad swimming in South Africa before coming to Australia.

"My favourite thing is working with kids in small groups and building strong connections, watching them become confident, skilled swimmers is very rewarding." Favourite stroke: breaststroke.

TadhgInstructor

Has competed at national level for Surf Life Saving WA and is a Rottnest Channel Swim soloist.

"SWS is a very positive environment and all the instructors are awesome." Favourite stroke: fly, he enjoys pushing himself.

NatalieInstructor

A former squad swimmer who finds swimming helps her live in the moment and relax.

"I love watching children's confidence and skill being built in the water." Favourite stroke: freestyle, the one that moves you fastest.

IsaacInstructor

What this team has done in the water

Rottnest Channel solo swimmers AUSTSWIM National Best New Teacher 2022 State medallists & national finalists WA state team representatives National-level water polo players Every instructor a squad swimmer

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Prefer to talk? Call Leesa on 0409 898 232 or email admin@speedwithstyle.com.au.

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