Our Coaching Team

Our Coaching Team 2024

Jo Biddle

Jo joined CAS in 2022 and has a vast amount of swimming and synchro knowlege to share.  Jo has extensive experience in swim teaching and synchro, and has run specialised lessons for children on the autistic spectrum in the United Kingdom.  Jo is a very friendly and outgoing coach who motivates her athletes and the wider team all at once.  Jo has become a very valuable member of our team and currently coaches the Mini-dolphin and Dolphin teams. 

Nellie Manning

Nellie is currently studying at Canterbury University and brings a wealth of experience as a former Small Strokes synchronised to our Team.  Nellie has strong skills in choreography and developing routines to meet the skills of the athletes she coaches.  We are very fortunate to have Nellie with her strong focus on athlete wellbeing and 'balance is better' foundations.  

Leticia Hart

Leticia was a competitive synchronised swimmer for over 7 years, 5 of those years as part of the New Zealand team.  She has competed at multiple International Competitions including Oceanias, Spanish and Swiss Opens as well as the FINA World Champs in Barcelona 2013 and Kazan 2015.  During her later years as an athlete she started her coaching journey teaching young children basic swimming and synchro, and then coaching her local school synchro team at Nationals.  Leticia joined our club in 2017 after moving to Christchurch to study. Leticia is a valued member of the CAS team and was acknowledged Nationally in 2022 with an Artistic Swimming New Zealand Service Award.

Kylie McEwen

Kylie is a former synchronised swimmer, now mum of two juggling, family-life, work and coaching.  Kylie has a strong focus on the individual athlete journey, supporting them along the way.

Andrea Solzer

We have welcomed Andrea back to the world of Competitive Synchro and are thrilled to have her on board.  She brings a wealth of synchro skills with her and is totalled focused on our athletes enjoying their pool time and bringing out the best in everyone.

All Senior Coaches are police vetted

Trainee Coaches 2024

Catriona Smart and Zahra Baird