Golden Dragons Athletics Department

Coaching Philosophy

Success in youth coaching should not be measured solely by wins but equally by technical improvement, development of understanding, and fostering enjoyment in playing the game.

Experience in Sports

As a student I participated in Soccer, Australian Rules Football, Hockey, Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, and every other sport I could access recreationally. Through college and into my 30’s I played predominantly Soccer, Basketball and Australian Rules Football, winning regional/state championships in all three sports. More recently, I have taken up the sport of triathlon, competing 2 half-Ironman events and hopefully some full-length Ironman events in the near future.

Coaching Experience

• 6 Years High School Boys & Girls Soccer
• 4 Years Program Manager at Henley High School Sports Academy
• 2 Years Soccer Coach at Australian National Youth Championships (U13/U15)
• 1 Year Futsal Coaching at Australian National Youth Championships (U13)
• 3 Years High School Boys & Girls Basketball

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

• FIFA / AFC / Football Federation of Australia – ‘C-License’
• American Swimming Coaches Association – Level 1 and 2 Accreditation

Sporting Heroes

Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Gary Ablett Snr.

Coaching Philosophy

Every day get a little bit better in some way and be a good teammate. 

Experience in Sports

The sport I am best at is softball.  The sport I most enjoy playing is curling.  The sport I most enjoy watching live is volleyball.  I ran my first three half-marathons last year in Morocco and participate in any recreational sport on offer except soccer.

Coaching Experience

• Multiple years coaching children’s softball.
• 2 years coaching High School Boys’ Volleyball.
• 3 years coaching Middle School Badminton.
• 3 years coaching FIRST Lego League robotics

Sporting Heroes

Glen Howard, Christine Sinclair, George St. Pierre

Coaching Philosophy

I believe that sports teach children valuable life-long lessons about resilience, fair play and commitment. In my coaching I try and impart all of these things and make my training sessions fun and challenging.

Experience in Sports

During my school years I participated in Soccer, Touch Rugby, Cricket, Tennis and Cross Country. In the past 4 years I have been playing Masters Soccer and have taken up Trail Running and have participated in races around New Zealand. My highlight was completing the Tarawera 100km ultra marathon.

Coaching Experience

●      At most schools I have worked at I have coached Soccer, Touch Rugby and Cricket teams.

●      At Discovery school I was Co-leader of Physical Education (1 MU)- organising school sports teams who play in  inter-school competitions and organising whole school sports days.

Sporting Heroes

Gary Lineker, Lisa Tamati, Jeff Browning

Coaching Philosophy

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”

-       John Wooden

Experience in Sports

I grew up playing Little League baseball and city league basketball, both starting in 4^th grade. I started volleyball in middle school and continued playing all three sports through high school. In university I played several sports different years at different universities.

Coaching Experience

• 5 Years High School Boys Basketball
• 3 Years High School Girls Volleyball
• 2 Year Middle School Girls Volleyball
• 2 Year Middle School Boys Basketball
• 1 Year High School Boys Football (Soccer)

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

Sporting Heroes

Drew Brees, John Wooden, Larry Bird, Peyton Manning

Coaching Philosophy

In everything you do as a coach, make a positive difference.

Experience in Sports

From early years, I participated in Rugby and Athletics. Throughout university I played Rugby and served on the universities All sports council for two years. I also played Rugby for the local town club and we won the regional trophy twice. When I started my teaching career I was a member of the regional Athletics Association and served as the Head of Sports at my previous school for two years coordinating Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Cricket and Track and field.

Coaching Experience

• 3 years Boys Rugby U/11, U/13
• 1 year Boys Rugby  U/9
• 3 years Track and Field U10-U13
• 3 years MS Touch Rugby 
• 1 year MS Track and Field

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

Boksmart

Sporting Heroes

Jonah Lomu, Usian Bolt, Os du Randt

Coaching Philosophy

Success in track and field isn’t indicated by the number of medals a person wins but by how much they grow and develop throughout the course of the season. I believe every track athlete has the ability to compete and be successful in the sport of track and field and contribute to the team in more ways than one.

Experience in Sports

My time in track started when I was in middle school and progressed all the way through to the collegiate level. As a high school student I competed in track and field as well as American football for all four years of my high school career. In high school I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 4x800m relay that broke the school record which has yet to be bettered. My track and field events were the 400m and 800m runs. After high school I received a scholarship to compete in American Football and Track in college running the 400m and 800m at the collegiate level.

Coaching Experience

• 6 Years High School Boys / Girls Track and Field
• 1 Year Collegiate Level Men/Women Track and Field

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

National Federation of High School Sports – Track and Field

Sporting Hero

Steve Prefontaine.

Coaching Philosophy

Work hard, be balanced, put in 100% and enjoy the game!

Experience in Sports

As a student I participated in Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Swimming and any recreational or intramural sports available. I played basketball outside of school through Grade 12 on a top Ontario team. In University I coached secondary students and refereed a variety of sports, while getting a Bachelor of Kinesiology. I have since continued playing basketball, running for enjoyment, and hopefully will be back into many more sports activities here in Hangzhou!

Coaching Experience

5+ Years Girls Houseleague Basketball Coach

2 Seasons Triathalon Water Training Coach

2 Years Girls Grade 4-6 Basketball, Track-&-Field, Soccer, & Volleyball Coach

1 Year Juvenile Girls Basketball Assistant Coach

1 Year Girls Basketball Coach at HIS

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

NCCP Level 1 Learn to Train

Sporting Heroes

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lisa Leslie

Coaching Philosophy

A successful team is one who shares common values and understandings of the importance of skills such as collaboration, integrity, and effort.  

Experience in Sports

I have always been passionate about athletics.  I believe physical education is a great way to teach and practice teamwork and problem-solving skills.  As an adult, I maintained this passion by participating in soccer leagues and running clubs.  I have completed two Chicago marathons and one sprint triathlon. 

Coaching Experience

1 Year Girls MS Soccer Coach @ HIS

Sporting Heroes

Mia Hamm 

Coaching Philosophy

In all my coaching roles I aim to provide a challenging environment that is also supportive while encouraging all students to try their best on the sports field. During coaching sessions, I strive to develop fundamental skills that young athletes can apply throughout their sporting careers.

Experience in Sports

In my youth I participated in many sports ranging from Soccer, Cricket, Rowing, Track and Field, Hockey and Basketball. I excelled in Soccer as child being accepted into various youth academies playing as a goalkeeper.  By the time I reached college I still had a passion for the game and was selected in the 1^st team for my university, while at the same time playing hockey socially. More recently I find myself coaching Soccer more than I play it, but my love for playing the game has not diminished.

Coaching Experience

4 Years High School Boys / Girls Football (Soccer)

2 Years Primary School Boys Football (Soccer)

2 Years Soccer Goalkeeper Coach

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

South African Hockey Association – Goalkeeping Level 0 license.

Sporting Heroes

Hakeem “The Dream”Olajuwon, Peter Schmeichel, Siya Kolisi

Coaching Philosophy

I am excited about activities that support comraderie and collaboration among teammates and find great value in mixed sports such as Ultimate Frisbee that allow girls and boys to play together on the same team. I encourage students to try new sports and to become lifelong athletes, which supports many aspects of personal growth.

Experience in Sports

I grew up hiking, bicycling, kayaking and camping with my family and was encouraged to be active from a very young age. I began skiing at the age of 10 and fell in love with winter sports, spending time in the mountains of Colorado before moving to Hangzhou. I also played tennis at the varsity level in high school and college as a team captain. Recreationally, I enjoy bicycling, hiking, mountain biking and running and love exploring my surroundings.

Coaching Experience

• 1 Year coaching Middle School Ultimate Frisbee at HIS
• 3 Years coaching tennis at a summer camp in California
• 3 Years volunteer ski coaching for Disabled Sports of Eastern Sierras

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

First Aid/CPR training

Sporting Heroes

Venus & Serena Williams and Picabo Street

Coaching Philosophy

As a coach I want to inspire athletes to find their potential and enjoy the sport of running. I strive to help each athlete that I work with grow as a runner on the team and as an individual. I believe it is important for each athlete to learn the principles of running form, strength training, endurance, nutrition and rest so that they understand what they need to do to continue to improve and stay healthy. I want to help beginning runners find a sport that they enjoy and can participate in through their lifetime.

Experience in Sports

I ran cross country and track in high school and have continued as a recreational runner ever since (30 years of running and racing). I have participated in hundreds of road and trail races, including more than 35 marathon (42 km) and ultra-marathon races in the United States and China. I have completed four 100-mile (160 km) races in the mountains of Colorado, California and South Dakota. I love the challenges, beauty and camaraderie of running and the opportunity to share it with others.

Coaching Experience

13 Years Middle School Cross Country

12 Years Middle School Track and Field

3 Years High School Cross Country

1 Year Middle School Ultimate Frisbee at HIS

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

Road Runners of America Coaching Certification

Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certifications

Sporting Heroes

Eric Liddle, Steve Prefontaine, Joan Benoit, Meb Keflenighi, Deena Kastor, Killian Jornet, and Nick Clark

Coaching Philosophy

Focus on only what you can control. It can be easy to be distracted or to try and do everything. But ultimately, your best comes when you practice and play by executing on your key responsibilities and playing with an attitude. It's not about what has happened, the mistakes you've made, or the success you've had. It's about the next thing you're going to do. Focus on your next play.

Experience in Sports

I participated in Soccer, American Football, Wrestling, Ultimate Frisbee and Track and Field. I also have participated in most every other sport I could access recreationally. I have coached and played in conference, state, and regional championships.

Coaching Experience

1 Year College Women’s Volleyball Assistant Coach

12 Years Boys Volleyball Varsity Coach

3 Years  Boys Volleyball Junior Varsity Coach

1 Year Boys Soccer Varsity Assistant Coach

1 Year  Boys Soccer Junior Varsity Coach

5 Years  Track and Field Varsity Coach

4 Years  Cross Country Varsity Coach

1 Year  Girls Softball Varsity Assistant Coach

1 Year  Girls Volleyball Junior Varsity Coach

5 Years Middle School  Track and Field Coach

4 Years Middle School  Cross Country Coach

3 Years Middle School Girls Volleyball Coach

2 Years Middle School  Floor Hockey Coach

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

K-12 Athletics Coach Class A License

Favorite Teams

Iowa State Cyclones, Pittsburg Steelers

Coaching Philosophy

A student athlete is first and foremost, a student. As such, I believe that academic performance, interpersonal, and family relationships must take priority before setting foot on the pitch. These attributes will prove essential when being part of a team as one has to exhibit team work, commitment and willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of the team.

Experience in Sports

I have been playing soccer recreationally for as long as I have a memory.  My love for the sport has taken me to various major soccer world-class competitions as a spectator including:

• 2004 Copa Libertadores final, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2016 Copa America final , New Jersey, USA
• 2018 World Cup Quarter Finals, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
• 2019 Champion’s League FInal, Madrid Spain
• La Liga Barcelona & Real Madrid matches 2017-2019

Coaching Experience

• 3 Years High School Boys Soccer - Khartoum American School, Sudan.
• 7 Years High School Boys Soccer - Hangzhou International School, China.

Sporting Heroes

Leo Messi, Carlos Valderrama

Coaching Philosophy

I strive to teach students that due to regular physical exercises, not only can develop the beauty of the body and the harmony of movements, but also form a person's good character.

Experience in Sports

As a professional swimmer I participated in FINA competitions, International Short-Course Swimming Championships, National Games of the People's Republic of China, and National Swimming Championships. After starting professional swimming training from a young age, I have won the Asian Championships, the national championships, and the placed top-8 in FINA competitions. I have 20 years of professional swimming experience and guó jì jí jiàn jiàng title.

Coaching Experience

4 Years Fuzhou University Swim Team Coach

2 Years HIS Dragons Swim Team Coach

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

Swimming Instructor– Middle Level

American Swimming Coaches Association – Level 1 and 2 Accreditation

Sporting Heroes

Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Caeleb Remel Dressel

Experience in Sports

Growing in in Latin America, I played scholastic and club sports that are popular in that part of the world. The main sports were football (soccer) and basketball.  After graduating from the American School of Tegucigalpa, Honduras I played collegiate soccer in the United States.

Following universities studies, I continued to play soccer while also coaching soccer and basketball at the club and high school level.  

Coaching soccer brought a number of interesting experiences and rewards.  Many of the high school teams I coached were regularly ranked in the Adidas USA Top-Twenty polls and in 2001 my high school team finished the season as the top-rated team in the United States. Additionally, I was happy to have the opportunity to coach many players who played at the university, professional and international level. 

Coaching Experience

• 23 Years High School Boys / Girls Soccer
• 5 Years High School Boys / Girls Basketball
• 12 Years Soccer Coach at the club level (U15-16)
• 6 Years Soccer Coach at university summer soccer training camps
• 4 Years Soccer Coach for the US Olympic Development system

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘C’ license
• Accreditation with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)

Coaching Philosophy

In addition to the benefits of exercise, swimming is the best way to keep a person’s spirit fresh.

 Experience in Sports

I learned to swim when I was only 3 years old because my Mom was a professional swimmer in China. After 3 years I joined in pre-professional team until high school. I got 1^st class swimming level in China and as a teenager won a few championships. I started to coach when I was in high school and continued during my University years and beyond.

 Coaching Experience

1996-2002    Chenjinglun Swim Team Assistant Coach

2010-2012    Shanghai Community International School -  Swim Team Coach
2012-2015    Shanghai American School - Swim Team Coach

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

Swimming Instructor-Swimming Coach - Middle Level

American Swimming Coaches Association – Level 3

Sporting Heroes

Michael Phelps, Ian Thorpe

Coaching Philosophy

I am most inspired by student athletes who are always striving for improvement, are committed to pushing themselves when it’s challenging, and are encouraging of their teammates. I see athletics as an opportunity to instill the habit and love of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Experience in Sports

As a young child I began running with my parents and have never seen a reason to stop! During middle school and high school, I was involved in cross country and track. As an adult, running, biking, hiking and kayaking have become my favorite ways to stay active and recharge. Although I enjoy all of these activities, I am most passionate about running. While I enjoy distances that range from 5Ks to marathons, half-marathons are my favorite events to run. Recently we have formed a wonderful community of faculty runners at HIS and have competed in several individual and team events together.    

Coaching Experience

1 Year HIS Cross Country Coach (LS / MS/ Varsity)

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

CPR/First Aid trained

Sporting Heroes

When I think of inspirational athletes, the first person who comes to mind is my dad.

Coaching Philosophy

As a coach, I understand the responsibility, the opportunity and accountability I have to my team, my school and my parents. With that, I take on the function as a role model to our youth. Before the game is ever played, I believe the essential skills must be adequate to be successful and the basic rules must be understood. Respecting the game, respecting your opponent and respecting yourself are my vital guiding elements of coaching. My mentors in coaching are Jimmy Johnson, Sparky Anderson and Bobby Knight.

Experience in Sports

As a student and as an adult, I have coached and participated in basketball, baseball, wake surfing, water skiing, paddle boarding and surfing.

Coaching Experience

• 4 Years High School Boys Basketball
• 3 Years Middle School Boys Basketball
• 1 Year Elementary boys/girl Basketball
• 35 Years teaching boys/girls Surfing, Wake Surfing and Water Skiing

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

• Australian Sports Commission: Community Coaching General Principles  

Sporting Heroes

I have numerous sports heroes as I was introduced to sports at the age of four by grandfather, Amos Hayes, who is my first sports hero. Gladly, he spent countless hours with me, developing my skills, especially since the eye doctor at the time told me I would not be able to play sports. Here are my other sports heroes: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Rod Carew, Julius Erving, Scottie Pippen, Pete Maravich, Ivan Lendl, Raphael Nadal, Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Mark Richards, Pat Mulhern, and Kelly Slater

Coaching Philosophy

Table tennis has been a passion of mine for 25 year and continues to this day. One ball with a diameter of 40mm, cohesive force, patience and concentration, can bring so much enjoyment to our students.

Experience in Sports

I have been playing Table Tennis competitively through primary and secondary schools, and during my university years.  After this, I joined a Hangzhou amateur table tennis team. Playing table tennis is still part of my regular routine. I also enjoy bicycling, dancing and playing badminton.

Coaching Experience

4 Years HIS Middle School Table Tennis Coach

1 Year HIS Varsity Table Tennis Coach

Coaching Certifications/Qualifications

First Aid/CPR training

Sporting Heroes

Kong Linghui, Zhang Jike, Wang Nan