Coaches

Meet Our Coaches

At Reading Royals, our coaching team brings together a wealth of experience, passion, and creativity to help every swimmer reach their full potential.

From introducing beginners to the joy of artistic swimming to guiding elite athletes toward national and international success, our dedicated coaches inspire confidence, teamwork, and a love for the sport.

Each coach plays a vital role in fostering a supportive, motivating, and fun environment where swimmers can grow in skill, strength, and artistry — both in and out of the pool.

Kate Coupar - Head Coach

I’m Kate, and I am Head Coach of Reading Royals Artistic Swimming Club. I have been with the club since 1984 and competed until my late 20s. I started coaching at 18 and have always found it extremely rewarding.

My coaching experience has been very varied, having worked with many domestic and international coaches at all levels, from club through to Senior GB. I have also been fortunate to travel with GB athletes and squads to competitions, including World Championships.

I am passionate about helping athletes develop the building blocks of the sport, creating routines, and encouraging them to push for the next step in their progression. I am involved across all levels within the club, with a particular focus this season on National Championships.

Claire Burnett-Kerr - Coach

I have been involved in artistic swimming for over 25 years, starting as a swimmer at the age of 8 and moving into coaching in 2011. I am passionate about creating a welcoming, fun, and encouraging environment where athletes can develop their skills, grow in confidence, and enjoy the unique teamwork and creativity that artistic swimming offers.

I am a Level 1 Team Manager, a Level 2 Coach, and a Level 3 Judge

Emma Adams - Coach

I have been a L2 coach since 2017 and a coach with Reading Royals since January 2025. I am also a L2 judge and the assistant coach for the South East Regional Squad. This season I am working with a combo squad as well as a technical duet.

I used to do Artistic Swimming when I was younger (age 11 to 18) and re joined as a Masters swimmer in 2014. This has taken me to some fabulous places around the world, such as Budapest, Rome, Hungary and Slovenia.

Outside of artistic swimming I love music, creating things and all things Disney

Di Hughes - Coach

Caitlin O'Malley - Coach

Caitlin is a former synchro swimmer from the East Region. She has been a coach at Reading Royals since 2019, when she moved to Reading to attend university. She coaches both figures and routines.

She is a Level 2 coach.

Tara Dakovic - Coach

I’m Tara, and I have been a member of the club for many years, first as an athlete and now as a coach. I swam with the club all the way through to the National Championships squad and also trained with the GB Junior squad.

I am a Level 2 swimming teacher and am currently completing my Level 2 Artistic Swimming Coach qualification. At present, I work with the 13–19 Division 2 Combo squad as well as a Junior Free Duet for National Championships. I love helping athletes at all levels to improve and reach their goals.

Helen Barrand - Coach

I started with Reading Royals when my daughter joined the club, and even though she is no longer involved, I have continued to support the club. I hold a Level 2 Team Manager qualification and a Level 1 Coach qualification.

I am currently the Team Manager for two squads and also coach up to Grade 3.

Jo Paterson-Neild - Assistant Coach

My daughter joined Reading Royals in 2016 and I soon found myself on poolside!

First as an extra adult, then doing a bit of flexi with the Fun Groups. I gained L1 Assistant Coach in 2018 and I ran the Fun Groups for a year. In 2025 I qualified as a L1 Judge.