Our Coaches
Head Coach: Renan Poirier
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Renan Poirier, the former Assistant Head Coach of Marseille and French Junior National coach for the world junior championships in 2022, as our team's new head coach. With over a decade of coaching experience at the highest levels, Renan brings unparalleled expertise that will take our club to new heights.
Renan began coaching at a local club in France, where his passion and dedication quickly set him apart. He then rose through the ranks to become the Associate Head Coach of the Elite Team at Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille, the most prestigious swimming club in France. He worked alongside some of the world's top athletes, including Florent Manaudou, Fred Bousquet, and Marie Wattel, contributing to numerous international successes, including qualifying six swimmers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Renowned for fostering strong team cohesion and developing personalized training programs, Renan also managed the age group program, overseeing around 300 swimmers. Under his leadership, his athletes won 85 medals at the French Junior Championships and set 14 national age group records between 2016 and 2024. His coaching philosophy, focused on team spirit, technical development, and personal achievement, will elevate Peel Aquatic to the next level.
Renan has also expanded his knowledge through travel. He visited the United States to learn from world-renowned coaches such as Bob Bowman at Arizona State University and Dave Durden at the University of Berkeley, further enhancing his sports science and swimmer physiology expertise. His arrival at Peel Aquatic Club represents a significant milestone for our mission to develop young talents and future high-level swimmers. Renan is committed to applying his extensive experience to help our swimmers, whether beginners or competitors, achieve their personal and competitive goals through high-quality coaching.
Assitant Coach: Emily
After journeying from the serene shores of Vancouver Island, Canada, Emily and her family have embraced a thrilling new chapter in the sun-kissed land of Australia. With three spirited children—Mateo, Miguel, and Liliana—Emily is overjoyed to rekindle her love for aquatics, especially as Mateo dives into the vibrant world of a local swimming club.
Beginning her journey at Saanich Commonwealth Place, which hosts Triathlon Canada's National Performance Centre, Emily developed her love for swimming while working as a swim instructor, lifeguard, and fitness instructor. She enhanced her skills by obtaining advanced certifications as an instructor trainer in first aid and lifeguarding. In 2007, she graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Human Kinetics.
After graduating, Emily brought her skills to Ontario, working as a Fitness and Sports Instructor for the Canadian Forces. Her commitment and knowledge eventually earned her the position of Fitness and Sports Coordinator for a Special Operations Unit. In this role, she was tasked with providing specialized exercise sessions, coordinating sports tournaments, and assisting unit members with injury rehabilitation and coaching.
In 2013, she returned to Victoria to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Massage Therapist. During her studies, she stepped back onto the pool deck as an aquatic and dryland exercise rehabilitation instructor, simultaneously teaching various fitness classes. As a fitness nutrition specialist, her presentations on healthy eating and performance nutrition paved pathways to success for many. Graduating in 2014 with a 3000-hour diploma in massage therapy, she now practices with a strong foundation in evidence-based techniques for treating complex soft tissue injuries.
For ten years, Emily delivered exceptional care at a multidisciplinary clinic, supporting patients from high-performance athletes to healthcare workers, exemplifying her commitment to excellence and wellness.
Now, as she embarks on her journey at Peel Aquatic Club, her recent triumph in completing the Swimming WA Development Coach training program heralds a fresh chapter.
While she may be new to high-performance coaching, her extensive injury rehabilitation and prevention background will weave thoughtful and secure sessions. Emily's coaching philosophy thrives on the essence of connection; nurturing relationships with her swimmers cultivates an atmosphere of trust and respect. She firmly believes that intrinsic motivation, fostered by an inspiring coach, is vital for achieving greatness. Above all, she clings to the belief that swimming should be an exciting adventure!
Coach: Alex
Alex serves as our junior development coach, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to his role. Currently, he is honing his coaching abilities with the expert guidance of our head coach, Renan, who is providing invaluable mentorship. Ales is a qualified swim teacher, Alex also holds a surf bronze medallion, showcasing his diverse skill set.
He completed his Certificate III in Sports and Recreation in 2024 and is on track to earn his Certificate IV in Education Support shortly. Alex connects exceptionally well with our young swimmers, fostering a supportive and engaging environment that inspires confidence and growth.
Michael Phelps
"If you’re not serious about training, conditioning, and practice. You’re not serious about being your best.”
