1:1 COACHING
BRING THE BEST IN YOURSELF. IN THE WATER AND OUT.
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Whether you want to progress in freediving, feel more at ease underwater or prepare for a specific challenge, we’ll start where you are.
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Online worldwide · In person in Newcastle
Let’s get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.
“Michaela knew exactly what I needed to do differently.”
After years of struggling with DNF, I started 1:1 coaching with Michaela. She recognised that I needed to focus on mental strategies first. One month later, I competed at two pool world championships and received white cards in every discipline.
Beyond the results, I now freedive with much less fear, anxiety and stress—and far more enjoyment. Her ability to pinpoint what needs to change has made an incredible difference.
Natsuko Saito (Team USA)
“The confidence she instilled in me is something I’ll always cherish.”
After failing part of my Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) assessment, I reached out to Michaela for help. She created a tailored programme with specific underwater drills and sourced equipment to simulate the assessment.
Her commitment and support gave me confidence and self-assurance that I’ll always cherish. An absolute bloody legend 🤙🏼
Luke
Michaela doesn’t just teach you to freedive — she helps you connect deeply with yourself and the water. Her calm confidence, intuition, and genuine care create a space where you feel completely safe to grow, push your limits, and rediscover what you’re capable of. Working with her has been truly transformative.
Lisa Mackay
Training with Michaela goes far beyond technique. She blends science and soul, structure and intuition, challenge and safety — all with calm clarity and deep empathy. Every session is tailored, grounded, and transformative. You don’t just become a better freediver… you become more connected to yourself.
Trent Jones
For more than 2 years Michaela has been my freediving coach. Michaela created a weekly personalised plan for pool focusing on core strength, CO2 endurance, technique and flexility for DNF and bifins.
Prior to training with Michaela I was in the pool all the time but not getting anywhere. I put my absolute trust in her and have been rewarded with a journey that has a positive impact on every aspect of my life.Â
Bill Cotis
Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge, and I know this partnership will not only lead to increased swimming performance, but also to improved physical and mental health benefits for my team. You're amazing! :)
Paul Sharman, Head Coach NUSwim Swimming Club
WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
In person in Newcastle · Sydney by arrangement
HUET & MILITARY PREPARATION
5 x 2 - hour sessions
SEND AN ENQUIRYConfidence for the Challenge Ahead
After a setback during his HUET assessment, Luke came to me to prepare for another attempt.
Watch moments from our training together and hear Luke share his experience of building confidence in the water.
A woman's perspective.
 As a woman, mum of twin boys and a teenage daughter, and competitive freediver in my forties, I know what it means to pursue your own goals while balancing family, work and everything else life brings.
I also understand how monthly hormonal fluctuations can affect how we feel. Whatever you’re navigating, there’s space here to talk openly about your body, your energy and what you need from training.
Every woman’s experience is different. I bring a willingness to listen and coaching that adapts to you. Together, we’ll work towards your goals with room for recovery, changing priorities and the joy that brought you to the water.
Your ambitions matter, whatever stage of life you’re in.
HOW WE WORK TOGETHERÂ
1. We start with you
Your goals, your experience and what feels challenging. We get to know each other and see whether we’re a good fit.
2. We make a plan
Together, we agree on the focus, format and commitment—online, in person or a combination of both—to suit your goals and your life.
3. We practise, reflect and adjust
You put what you learn into practice. I provide feedback and guidance, and we adapt as your skills, awareness and confidence grow.
With my mentor “Coach of Champions" Martin Zajac in Egypt
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“A good coach can change a game.
A great coach can change a life.”
BEYOND THE NUMBERS
Bill’s story: a bigger goal than a longer dive
Bill’s motivation to start training with me was personal: to become fitter and healthier, improve his life, and be a better dad and husband.
Through consistent training for over 2 years, focus and a willingness to learn, he completely rebuilt his fitness and developed his freediving. Along the way came a 100-metre personal best—and a place on our team for the 24-hour no-fins world record relay.
At 62, Bill shows what can unfold when you keep showing up—for yourself and, in his role as president of Sydney Seals Freediving Club, for others too.
The metres matter. But so does the reason you started—and what your progress makes possible beyond the water.
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Free 30-minute 1:1 call
It starts with a conversation. Tell me what you’re working towards, what feels challenging and where you’d like support—whether that’s freediving, swimming, surfing or preparing for an underwater assessment. We’ll explore the coaching approach that could suit you, discuss the practical details and see whether we’re a good fit. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we talk.
AÂ FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING
Do I need to be an experienced athlete to benefit from 1:1 coaching?
Can we work together remotely?
How much time do I need to commit to training?
How do we arrange sessions across time zones?
How do I find out the price?
COACHINGÂ IN ACTION
