The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) and Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) are proud to announce the appointments of two highly accomplished professionals to lead their swimming programs.
Sander Ganzevles has been named Head Coach of the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Swimming Program. With a distinguished background as both an elite swimmer and sports scientist, Sander brings a wealth of international experience to the role. A former competitor at European and World Championships, he transitioned into coaching after earning a degree in Human Movement Sciences in Amsterdam. His coaching career includes roles with the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation and the National Performance Centre in Heidelberg, Germany, where he guided athletes to success at the European Junior Championships.
Since relocating to Australia in 2019, Sander has made a significant impact, coaching the Cairns Stingrays and currently leading the NUSport Performance Centre for Swimming NSW. He is also completing a PhD, further underscoring his commitment to evidence-based coaching and athlete development.
Paul Dowey has been appointed Head Coach of the Central Coast Academy of Sport’s Swimming Program. With over 15 years of international coaching experience across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK, Paul is known for his holistic and athlete-centred approach. He currently serves as Head Squad Coach at One by Mingara and plays a key leadership role at Mingara Aquatic Club, where he has led the redevelopment of the swimming pathway.
Paul’s coaching philosophy is grounded in technical excellence, mental resilience, and character development. His global perspective and passion for regional athlete development align perfectly with CCAS’s mission to support young athletes in reaching their full potential.
These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for both academies, reinforcing their commitment to high-performance environments and the long-term development of swimming talent across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Applications for the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport Swimming Programs are now open. Please click the below links for more information:
