Coaches Corner

Meet Coach Cheryl

Written by Coach Cheryl Philp

Growing up in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands with an Italian mother and Scottish father, sport was woven into life from the very beginning.

From gymnastics and karate to rock climbing and swimming, the joy of movement, music and discipline shaped my path early on. 

Gymnastics became my first passion, leading to competition at Junior National Level, with coaching influence close to home—my mother was one of the team coaches.

By the age of fourteen, the path was already clear: coaching was not just an interest, but a calling.  Sports was a huge part of my life and I was lucky to perform at a high level in gymnastics, Shotokan Karate (Kumite - sparring), and when I moved to Asia in 2012, I was pursuing a competition in bouldering and rock-climbing and traveling around Asia climbing and coaching swimming.

Pursuing studies in Sports Coaching and Sports Development, I built a foundation rooted in the belief that sport is more than performance—it is culture, community, and character. This philosophy guided my early experiences, including six transformative years at Happiness is Camping, a camp for children with cancer in the United States.

As Pool and Lakeside Director, my job was to ensure every child had access to water-based adventures at the pool and at the lake, while also dedicating efforts to fundraising so that camp remained free for families and their siblings, while partnering with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre who provided an on-campus medical centre.

These years instilled a profound awareness of the fleeting nature of life and the immeasurable abundance we are blessed with each day; this experience deeply impacted me and continues to impact me on a daily basis.  In the most positive of ways, living life fully and happily is my goal!  

Returning to Scotland, I pursued the high-performance swimming pathway, balancing multiple jobs to sustain my coaching passion. As an ASCA Level 5 coach, I have been privileged to guide athletes to national titles and medals, but more importantly, to witness countless stories of growth, resilience, and joy. 

My coaching philosophy is simple: abundance surrounds us. With health, gratitude, and trust, anything is possible. Each challenge prepares us for something greater, and each day is a fresh start. 

We are blessed to be surrounded by people who want the best for us.

Thank you for your trust.

Meet Coach Alan Huang

Written by Coach Meg, 5th Dec 2025

 

At HIS, Alan brings that same depth of knowledge and commitment to every session. He’s particularly brilliant with our Yellow and White teams, striking the perfect balance between pushing for success and nurturing confidence. His coaching style is sharp, intentional, and full of care - and his swimmers know he’s 100% invested in their growth.

Outside of the pool, Alan is the undisputed snack master of the staff office, always sharing treats and keeping team morale high. He loves adventure, travel, and anything that gets the adrenaline pumping - but he’s just as happy cheering on swimmers at competitions, where his energy and encouragement never waver. And if you need proof of his dedication? Alan travels all the way from Ningbo every weekend just to coach here at HIS. That’s commitment.

Coach Alan is talented, humble, and an integral part of our aquatics family. Whether he’s offering advice, helping run competitions, or quietly spreading his expertise, he makes our team stronger every single day.

Meet Coach Meg ShaulWritten by Coach Rob West, Nov. 7th, 2025. 

Meet Coach Meg, affectionately known by her many titles: The Dark Horse, The Megster, Norwich's Finest and Vibemaster. Her skills and expertise far exceed her 24 years, making her an invaluable part of our team. 

A versatile talent, Coach Meg has not only earned her stripes as a talented swimmer and educator but has also become our go-to guru for design, marketing, and PR. When she's not writing curriculums or assessments, you'll find her leading the Yellow Team and guiding lower school groups with finesse. 

Starting her aquatic journey at age five, Meg became a regional competitor in the 100 and 200 Backstroke, favouring the 200 Back as her top event. Her passion for water didn't stop there—she dove into water polo at university and proudly claims her place in a BUCS champion team. 

With a Swim England Teaching qualification under her belt by age 16, Meg has been inspiring swimmers of all ages ever since. Lifeguard certified and equipped with a BA in Communication and Media (stay tuned for her future media endeavours!), she also holds a PGCEi in Secondary Physical Education. Her two years in Jeju, South Korea, saw her thrive as a PE teacher and swim coach, all while being the sage mentor her students adore. 

In her free time, Meg is a sporting enthusiast, driven by all things Norwich City and the thrill of trying new sports. A globe-trotter with a mission to visit every continent before 30, her adventures are as vibrant as her personality. Yet, even amid her travels, Meg treasures the simple joys of cooking, watching TV, and socializing with friends in Hangzhou and Shanghai. 

Coach Meg is the glue that holds our Aquatics Team together, and we are incredibly fortunate to have someone of her calibre and charisma leading the way. 

Meet Coach Lynn Lu 卢颖

Written by Coach Meg Shaul, Oct. 31, 2025. 

Coach Lynn Lu has been with HIS for just under a year, and in that time, she’s become a steady and respected presence in our aquatics team. With her calm energy, thoughtful teaching style, and quietly competitive streak, Lynn has built strong connections with students and staff alike. 

Lynn has a background in Social Sports Guidance and Management, and certifications in ASCA Level 1, Lifeguarding, and Coaching. With these, she brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful teaching style to the pool. 

Lynn’s approach to coaching is rooted in the idea of “reciprocal growth” - guiding others to swim while constantly refining her own skills. She’s passionate about helping students move from nervous edge-clingers to confident gliders, celebrating not just technique, but the courage and trust that come with learning to swim. 

Her lessons are fun, engaging, and full of gentle encouragement. Lynn has built lovely relationships with our younger swimmers, and it’s clear she enjoys connecting with them. Her temperament is steady and focused, always striving for the best and making sure every step is taken with care. She’s also a quiet force of positivity in the staff office, boosting morale at competitions and keeping spirits high during busy weeks. 

Outside of the pool, Lynn is a fitness enthusiast who finds joy in cycling scenic trails, exploring new cities, and sharing stories about her two beloved cats (who, by all accounts, are just as charming as she is). She’s also undefeated in our department’s weekly Duolingo competition - a testament to her work ethic and her impressive progress in English, which continues to shine through in her teaching. 

Coach Lynn is sweet, driven, and deeply committed to her craft. Whether she’s planning a lesson, cheering on a teammate, or showing off cat photos, she brings warmth and dedication to everything she does. 

Meet Coach Tao Wang 王涛

Written and published by Coach Meg Shaul

Whilst this coach needs no introduction to most of our students, it’s time we officially spotlight Coach Tao Wang - a quietly charismatic force on our aquatics team. Tao brings a unique blend of athleticism, precision, and warmth to everything he does, and it’s no surprise he’s become a student favourite.

Before stepping into the world of swimming, Tao was a national-level rower, competing across China and earning podium finishes in single sculls, double sculls, and men’s eight events. His rowing background gives him a rare kind of “aquatic intelligence” - a deep understanding of rhythm, balance, and power in water. And while he’s traded oars for goggles, that same mastery now fuels his coaching.
 

Tao’s approach to teaching is thoughtful and holistic. He doesn’t just drill strokes - he builds water sense.  Whether he’s guiding a nervous beginner or refining the technique of a triathlete, Tao’s coaching is always tailored, always intentional. 

He’s been at HIS for nearly a year, but it feels like he’s been here much longer. Tao has built strong relationships with our lower school swimmers, who run to him at lunchtime and beam when he’s on deck. Parents seek him out for advice, and our aquatics staff value his grounded, mature perspective. Known affectionately as our “handsome coach,” Tao’s temperament is just as attractive - kind, calm, and full of big brother energy (the dependable, quietly cool kind).  
 

Outside of coaching, Tao is a sports enthusiast with a creative streak. He’s passionate about photography and drone videography. His eye for detail, both in and out of the pool, is part of what makes him such a special educator. 

Coach Tao is a rare mix of athletic insight and emotional intelligence. His journey from rowing to swimming has shaped a coach who teaches with depth, leads with kindness, and connects with students in ways that truly matter. 

Coaches Corner: Meet Coach Rob West

Written and published by Coach Meg Shaul

Rob West has been immersed in sport from a young age, with a strong background in both swimming and football. While he enjoyed playing football, it was swimming where he really found his stride, competing at the county level and captaining his club, Pioneer 79. He began coaching at just 15, and that early start laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for working with young athletes.

Rob studied Sports Development and Coaching at Northumbria University, followed by a Primary Teaching PGCE at the Institute of Education in London. His teaching journey has taken him around the world - from Libya to Shanghai to Saigon, Vietnam, where he spent 11 years leading school-wide swim programs, heading PE departments, and serving as Vice Chair of SISAC, Saigon’s International School Sporting Conference.

Since joining HIS in Hangzhou, Rob has made a huge impact. He’s brought fresh ideas, high energy, and a clear vision for Lower School swimming. He’s the kind of person who sees what needs doing and jumps straight in - no fuss, just action. Rob sets high standards, but always makes sure fun and enjoyment are part of the process.

He’s also the heartbeat of our office, keeping the energy up, supporting the team, and inspiring everyone to bring their best. Since arriving in Hangzhou, Rob has rekindled his own love for training, often joining Gold Team swim sessions (and giving the students a run for their money!) or heading out on long bike rides.

Outside of school, Rob is a proud husband to Mong and dad to Toby and Harry, who are in Pre-K and EY1 at HIS. We’re lucky to have Robbo on board - a passionate coach, a brilliant educator, and someone who makes our department better every day.

Coaches Corner: Meet Coach Cathy Feng (封灵)

If you’ve ever seen a swimmer glide through the water with effortless grace, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Coach Cathy Feng in action. But Cathy isn’t just a former elite athlete - she’s a calm, confident, and quietly brilliant presence on our coaching team.

Coach Cathy began swimming at the age of six and joined a professional sports team by 13, eventually training alongside Olympic legends like Sun Yang and Wang Shun. Her resume sparkles with national titles and international medals - including gold at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games - but you’d never hear her brag. In fact, you might have to coax the stories out of her, and trust us, they’re worth hearing.

Her specialty was the 400m freestyle - a race that demands grit, pacing, and serious endurance. That experience shows in her coaching style. Cathy understands long-term effort and the value of staying calm under pressure, and she brings that same steady energy to her swimmers.

Now retired from professional swimming, Cathy brings over 15 years of experience to the pool deck, blending technical precision with a warm, approachable style. She’s a certified National Level Athlete, a Level 3 Social Sports Instructor, and a Level 5 Lifeguard - but more importantly, she’s a natural teacher. Whether she’s leading a group of young swimmers or supporting her fellow coaches, Cathy’s input is always thoughtful, grounded, and quietly impactful.

Despite being the youngest member of our team, Cathy carries herself with maturity and poise. Her ability to switch seamlessly between Mandarin and English is just one example of her sharp mind and adaptability. She’s fast becoming a cornerstone of our department - not just for her knowledge, but for her calming energy and kind spirit.

Outside the pool, Cathy is a curious adventurer. She loves to travel, explore new cultures, and she unwinds with concerts, Korean dramas, or a cozy day at home watching TV. Her time studying abroad even led her to discover a love for walking football - proof that she’s always open to new experiences and ideas.

Cathy is a thoughtful and hardworking Coach, and she's always full of quiet surprises. Her journey through the Chinese swim system has shaped her in powerful ways - some challenging, some inspiring - and if you get the chance to ask her about it, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the strength behind her calm.

Coaches Corner: Meet Coach Natalio Liares

Image 1 above shows Natalio Liares with our HIS mascot!

If you’ve spent any time near the HIS pool, you’ve likely heard the joyful chorus of “Coach Nat! Coach Nat!” echoing across the water. That energy - warm, magnetic, and full of purpose - is the signature of Natalio Liares IV, our Aquatics Coordinator and the heartbeat of the swim program. 

With over 17 years of international experience in aquatics, emergency management, and education, Nat brings a depth of knowledge that quietly powers everything he does. He’s worked across the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China, shaping aquatic programs with a focus on safety, excellence, and joyful learning. At HIS, he’s managed to build an environment where students feel secure and inspired to grow, both in and out of the water. 

But Nat is more than his impressive resume. He’s a generous soul, a nurturing presence, and a tireless worker. When Nat sets his mind to something, it gets done - and it gets done with care. His colleagues often marvel at how he manages to pour energy into every corner of the department: from the pool deck to the staff office, from lesson planning to lifeguard training. But somehow, he still has enough left to take home to his family. 

Image 2 shows Natalio Liares competing in Urban Ultra Extreme 3, 140km race over 45k at night, 40k in the desert and 55k technical trial, in which Natalio came overall 4th place.

Outside of work, Nat is a man of many passions. He’s a devoted father, a musician whose love for guitar once came with long flowing hair and a stage presence that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a rock band. He’s also an endurance athlete who’s conquered Ironman races, ultra-marathons, and adventure races. Just when you think you’ve got him figured out, he’ll casually mention his kayak touring certification or his podium finish in a multi-stage ultra - and you’ll realize there’s always more to admire.  

Image 3 above shows Natalio Liares participating in Ironman 70.3 in Cebu Philippines, 2015. 

Nat’s strength lies not only in what he knows, but in how he shares it. He teaches with heart, leads with humility, and lifts those around him with quiet confidence. HIS is lucky to have him, and we know it. His passion, drive, and unwavering care make him not just a coach, but a cornerstone of our community.