Strengthening Our Performance Pathway – Key Appointments Confirmed

Performance Update – David Lyles Appointed National Youth Coach & International Support Team Appointments

We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Lyles (Phoenix Aquatics) as National Youth Coach (Olympic Pathway) – a pivotal step in strengthening our Performance pathway as we build toward LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

This newly established role will lead the development of a National Youth Programme designed to underpin our High Performance system and better connect emerging athletes with long-term performance objectives. The programme is gratefully supported by new pre-HP investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Lyles will align with Cameron Leslie MNZM in his role as Disability and Para Swimming Participation Manager, where Leslie oversees emerging athletes in the Paralympic pathway.

Lyles brings decades of international experience across both senior and junior pinnacle events. His leadership of the Tri Series team in 2025 laid important foundations for greater collaboration and progression within our pathway. His appointment signals a strong commitment to building depth, capability, and consistency across the youth performance space.

Further details of the National Youth Programme will be shared in the coming weeks as we build towards the 2026 New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships being held in Hastings from 8–12 April.

International Appointments

Alongside this strategic appointment, we are pleased to confirm several 2026 international team roles following an outstanding response to our recent Expressions of Interest call. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who expressed interest. The quality and calibre of applicants reflects the strength of our swimming community and the depth of leadership across our clubs.

Expression of Interest Form Remains Open

For Oceania Championships, Dave Prattley (North Canterbury) has been appointed Team Leader, supported by Janelle Harland (Capital) as Team Manager. Together they bring strong operational experience and athlete-centred leadership to this international campaign.

For Tri Series, Carl Gordon (Wharenui) has been appointed Head Coach, with Brigitte Mahan (North Canterbury) as Team Manager. The duo provides valuable consistency, having both been involved with last year’s Tri Series teams.

We are also pleased to confirm Mat Woofe (Hamilton Aquatics / RPC Waikato) as Head Coach for the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. Woofe brings great international experience to the role, having coached with Melbourne Vicentre and the NZ National Training Centre. He has a strong track record of coaching swimmers to international teams, including recently working with Aquablacks Nikita Howarth, Jesse Reynolds and Rylee Sayer.

These appointments reflect the strength of our community and our commitment to building a connected and future-focused performance system. We congratulate all appointees and thank our wider swimming community for its continued engagement and support.