Our Coaches
Phil McIlwraith
Phil McIlwraith is an accomplished and passionate ASCTA Advanced Level Coach who currently coaches for Dapto Swim Club and is co-owner of PK Swim School alongside his wife, Kate.
A former national-level swimmer, Phil’s competitive career was halted by a shoulder injury — but his dedication to the sport only grew stronger. Determined to stay involved, he began coaching junior swimmers and quickly discovered his true calling on the pool deck.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Phil combines the discipline of teaching with the art and science of swimming, creating a positive and structured environment for athletes to thrive. He coaches swimmers across all levels, from learn-to-swim through to elite competition, developing technically sound, mentally resilient, and high-performing athletes.
Phil has coached athletes to international representation across both Age and Open categories, with many achieving national medals and finals. His coaching philosophy is built on long-term development, strong technical foundations, and fostering a culture of accountability and team pride.
Phil’s expertise and leadership continue to drive Dapto Swim Club’s reputation as a program that develops not only fast swimmers but also well-rounded, passionate athletes.
Kate McIlwraith
Kate is an experienced and dedicated ASCTA-registered swim coach who brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and educator to Dapto Swim Club and PK Swim School.
A former National Age and Open finalist, Kate competed at the highest levels of Australian swimming, holding State and Country records during her career. After retiring from competition, she graduated as a teacher, but her passion for swimming and athlete development soon drew her back to the pool deck.
Kate is now the owner of PK Swim School, where she oversees the Learn to Swim program and coaches athletes through all stages of their development. She takes great pride in nurturing young swimmers from Learn to Swim through to competitive squads, ensuring a smooth and supportive pathway into performance swimming.
Specialising in middle-distance events and junior program development, Kate has coached athletes to gold medals at National Age Championships and finals at National Open level. Beyond the pool, she has led teams on tours across Australia and overseas, offering her swimmers valuable experiences that build both performance and character.
Kate’s professionalism, teaching background, and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen Dapto Swim Club’s culture and provide a strong pathway from grassroots to elite success.