Matt Welsh OAM to lead Genazzano swim team as Head Coach

Genazzano FCJ College recently announced Matt Welsh as its new Head of Aquatics and Head Swimming Coach for 2021. Matt joined the College Sports Department in October 2015 as a Performance Mentor and has been working closely with students and staff to deliver not only swimming coaching and programs but also motivation and wellbeing activities.

Matt’s role as Head Coach will see him working with Genazzano students from Prep to Year 12 as part of the Sports and Physical Education curriculum, as well as the College’s swim programs, GenSwim and GenAquatic.

Matt has a strong connection to the College and Genazzano pool, with two daughters at the Junior School and a son in the Genazzano Early Learning Centre. His wife, Lauren Newton, is an alumna and he also trained in the pool himself, during his preparations for the 2000 Olympics.

This lasting association coupled with Matt’s passion for education, fitness and swimming makes him the perfect candidate for this critical role at the College, shares new Principal, Mrs Loretta Wholley.

“We are so pleased to have Matt leading our swimming team and program at Genazzano”, she said.

“As a former Olympian and father, he is well placed to train, motivate and encourage our students, while also understanding the fundamental principles of the College – our Catholic faith and FCJ Charism; and commitment to providing opportunities for young women (and boys in our ELC) to reach their full potential”.

“Not all of our students will be competitive swimmers but we take enormous pride in providing an opportunity for all students to learn to swim and be confident and safe in the water”.

Similarly, Matt Welsh shared his excitement for his new role at the College.

“I just love Genazzano and everything it has to offer, so taking on this new role seemed like a natural step”, he said.

“For me, swimming is so much more than just a sport and way to keep fit, it’s been my life and has led to so many other opportunities outside of the pool”.

“Having been at the College for 6 years now, I know the girls well and the community; and can truly leverage all my skills (not just in the pool) to help them achieve their goals”.

“Our comprehensive training program focuses on sprint work, fitness and more; and can help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in the pool and the classroom”.

Matt’s background includes delivering seminars about stress management, energy management and wellbeing to other athletes and corporate groups, which he’s adapted for a school environment.

All students at Genazzano participate in the school swim program as part of the Sports and Physical Education curriculum from Prep to Year 6 and Aquatics from Year 7 to 10. The College also offers swimming training from Years 3 to 12, as part of its 26 co-curricular sport offerings, as well as water polo and triathlon activities.

Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic Day and Boarding School in Kew offering a co-educational Early Learning Centre and all-girls’ environment from Prep to Year 12. It offers students a rounded education that prepares them to become resilient, adaptable and confident women.