Sports Staff and Premier Coaches

Head of Basketball - Aaron Young
Boys Basketball Premier Coach

aaron.young@saintkentigern.com

A coach with extensive experience, Aaron started his coaching journey with the New Zealand Breakers professional franchise, spending 6 years with the team between 2014-2019. His first role with the Breakers was with its junior programme. ‘I worked in schools teaching what it takes to be a Breaker’. He then moved on to become their Video Analyst for 5 seasons. Aaron has worked with youth teams throughout his coaching career, including Takapuna Normal Intermediate, where he won a national title at the AIMS Games. 

Most recently, Aaron has been involved with the NZ program as an assistant for the NZU17 & NZU19 age groups. Travelling and competing all around the world has given him great experience and exposure to the highest levels of competition internationally.

He has been Head of Basketball here at Saint Kentigern for 5 years, with great success coming in 2018 when they placed 3rd at Nationals. Last year it all came together, and Saint Kentigern College went on to win the 2019 Secondary Schools Nationals, the first National Title in its history. He has seen the program grow tremendously, with the numbers significantly increasing each year. In 2020, St Kent’s will have 20+ teams competing across all age groups, boys and girls, starting from Year 7/8 right through to the Premier division

Head Of Hockey - Ramesh Patel
Hockey Boys 1st XI Coach

We are extremely fortunate to have the services of Ramesh Patel to oversee the development of our Hockey Programme. His background in sport is absolutely’ top shelf.’ As a player, he competed in four Olympics - 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984 - winning a Gold Medal at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. He played in four World Championships 1973, 1975, 1982, 1986.

 As a coach he has won four Rankin Cup competitions with College 1st XI teams (3 with Auckland Grammar in the 1980s and 1 with Saint Kentigern College 1st XI Boys in 2018) and coached the New Zealand U18 Girls team in 1996 and 1997 in tests against Australia. Ramesh was the New Zealand Hockey Federation Chief Executive for 22 years between 1989 and 2009. He has a background as a maths teacher, so he is familiar with the school environment.

Ramesh started at the College in 2011. For the first 7 years he coached the 1st XI Girls teams and since 2018 he has been in charge of the 1st XI Boys team. The 1st XI Boys won the Rankin Cup in 2018 and came 3rd in 2019. Over the last 10 years the 1st XI Boys have also won the India Shield in 2017, won the Auckland title on 4 occasions and the Super City title on 2 occasions and consistently been a top 3 Hockey team in Auckland. The 1st XI Girls have won the Auckland title on one occasion, have gained a 3rd placing in the Super City competition on two occasions and consistently been a top 4 Hockey Team in Auckland

Head of Tennis and Tennis Academy - Gilles de Gouy
Tennis Premier Team & Academy Coach

gilles.degouy@saintkentigern.com

• On Tour Coach & Sparring Partner (Artem Sitak, ATP # 74 Men’s Doubles Player), Rome, Roland Garros, Queens, Wimbledon…, 2019
• Captain of Women’s Pacific-Oceania Fed Cup team (Asia World Group II), 2020, 2019 & 2018
• Junior ITF & OTF Tour Coach in Oceania, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A 2017-today
• Junior tennis tournament circuits (inc. St Kent’s players) to France, Tahiti & Asia, 2015-today
• Coach & sparring partner of WTA Tour Player, Elena Bovina (3 years top 20 WTA), 2009-2011
• Davis Cup Player (Pacific-Oceania) 2013 & 2014 & Captain (Pacific-Oceania), 2015 & 2016
• Assistant Coach at Saint Kentigern College, Auckland, New Zealand 2019-2020 & 2014-2016
• Tennis Director, Tennis Plus, Ngataringa Tennis Club, Auckland, New Zealand, 2011-today
• Competition Manager for the Under 17’s FIFA World Cup Qualifications (NZ), April 2009
• Physical Education Teacher (1300+ pupil school with 12 sports disciplines), Tahiti, 2006-2009
• National Tennis Coach (Tahitian Tennis Federation), 1999-2009
• Head of National Development, National Coach Trainer, National Coach and concurrently National Technical Director of the Tahitian Tennis Federation, 2003-2007
• Ministerial Counsel to the Tahitian Sports Minister, 2000-2003
• Masters’ in International Marketing from Ecole Superieure de Commerce, Lille, France, 1995
• L2 Theory of Brevet d’Etat Educateur Sportif - National Sports Trainer Diploma from the FFT (French National Tennis Federation, Paris, France), 2009 & Level 1 in 1995
• Tennis Psychological Preparation Degree (FTT, France), 1998
• Active player in NZ Caro Bowl, Chelsea Cup, ITF Seniors & Open Men’s events, 1998- Current

Head of Waterpolo - Kurt Goldsworthy

kurt.goldsworthy@saintkentigern.com

With over 25 years of experience in management and performance excellence, Kurt Goldsworthy has paved a career as a leader enhancing organizations and teams he partners with. As an International water polo coach, he strives to get the best out of the athletes and environment enhancing their experiences to improve team performance.  He has strong project management skills and an ability to see the bigger picture, strategic planning to ensure future-proofing and growth of an organization, teams and athletes. He has a proven track record in leading, mentoring teams and individuals in an approachable and professional manner. 

Work/coaching history - New Zealand Water Polo High-Performance Manager appointed 2019 to the role was disestablished in October 2021.

New Zealand Water Polo Team Roles include:

NZ Men’s head coach 2009-2012, NZ Junior Men’s head coach 2002-2009, NZ Junior Men’s Manager 1999-2001, NZ Schoolboys coach 2000-2002

Head of Cricket - Mark O' Donnell
Boys 1st XI Coach

mark.odonnell@saintkentigern.com

Over the past few years, Mark has successfully coached in a variety of international T20 Leagues, international teams, First-class teams and also a school programme. He prides himself in leading programmes that are based on planning, preparation, communication, excellence and fun. Recent work history and experience includes Specialist batting coach to the Blackcaps tours to UK, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa, assistant coach to the Blackcaps tours to 2x ICC T20 World cups, UK and Australia and Head coach of the NZ A tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Mark has extensive T20 experience from around the world and also has been involved as head coach of the Auckland Aces for many years.

He is excited by the prospect of this role and it is an extension of his vast experience in coaching and he will add significant value to an already successful school programme. He has managed high performance programmes in the past and will bring value to our coaching and other administrative staff.

Head of Rowing - Chris Goudie

christopher.goudie@saintkentigern.com

Head of Football - Brian Shelley
Football Boys 1st XI Coach

brian.shelley@saintkentigern.com

Brian Shelley was appointed Head of Football starting January 2020. Brian is an ex professional football player who has played in Europe for over 10 years. Brian has played at the highest level in football having represented football clubs in both the UEFA Cup and Champions League and has also been capped for his Country Republic of Ireland at U18 & U21 level.

Brian moved to New Zealand 7 years ago and during his time in NZ he has played and coached at national league level. He won the ASB premiership in 2013 as a player. 

Brian has coached rep teams for Auckland Football Federation & Northern Football Federation as well as coaching at the national talent centres. Brian is the current New Zealand Secondary Schools U19 national boys head coach. Brian was also previously Director of Football at Rangitoto college and more recently overlooked the football programme at Selwyn College as the Director of Sport. 

Currently Brian holds the UEFA A coaching licence which is the 2nd highest football coaching qualification word wide.

Head of Rugby - Tasesa Lavea
Rugby 1st XV Team Coach

tasesa.lavea@saintkentigern.com

Tasesa is a proud Old Collegian. He was a boarder from 1996-1998 and is hugely thankful to the College for the opportunities that he was afforded to excel on the rugby field and then continue to forge a rugby career.

Tasesa initially played professional rugby for nine years, firstly with the Melbourne Storm followed by the Manly Sea Eagles, Auckland Rugby, the Blues, the Chiefs, Counties Manukau, Clermont Auverne, Manu Samoa and English Premiership side Sale Sharks. Over the last ten years he has accumulated significant coaching experience with the Chiefs U20, Counties Manukau U19 and most recently as Head Coach and Head of Rugby at King’s College. 

Tasesa has ownership of the whole College rugby programme, taking on the Development Group as well as Head Coach the 1st XV. 

Following the family tradition, Tasesa’s son, Sylas also attends the College.

Basketball Girls Team Coach - Darci Finnigan

Darci attended Saint Kentigern College from 2009-2015 and played in the Premier Women’s Basketball team from year 9. She pursued her dream of playing college basketball in USA for 3 years but unfortunately suffered an ACL, MCL & Meniscus tear in her left knee which cut her college career short.  When back in New Zealand, she was lost and missed basketball greatly. Her Brother, who was year 13 at the time, suggested she come and help out his U19 basketball team while home. She wasn’t expecting to fall in love with coaching but instantly did. It helped her regain the connection she thought she had lost with the game and allowed her to give back to the game that taught her so much.  

“The reason why I decided to coach the Premier Girls at SKC was because of how much my high school coach (Colin Driscoll) impacted me. Without him, I wouldn’t be the person nor player I am today. I want to be able to have an impact on these girls like he did for me, as I know how important coaching can be to teenagers, both in development of their skills but also as a person. Being able to give back to the school that taught me so much and was an added bonus”. 

Hockey Girls 1st XI Coach - Steve Martin

Steve came from a playing background where he played National League Hockey in the UK and a number of representative sides which included Great British Students. As a UK qualified coach, he has been connected to teams varying from National League to young children. For a number of years, he assisted in the coaching development of young players in clinics throughout Europe.

Since arriving in New Zealand, Steve has coached the Premier Men’s and Women’s teams at Howick and Pakuranga Hockey Club, leading the Premier Women’s team to the Auckland Championship in 2019.

Head Coach of Rowing Club (Boys/Girls) - Lewis Green

Kia ora, my name is Lewis Green. Having grown up in Gisborne I moved to Auckland when I was 18 to attend university. Auckland has since become my home over the years as I have progressed through undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Auckland.  

About coaching: I am super excited to have been appointed as head coach of St Kentigern College Rowing for the 2021/22 season. I joined the club last season after having spent four seasons coaching in Gisborne. I was immediately blown away by the culture and environment that has been created by the athletes, coaches and parents. Rowing is a sport that has had a positive impact on my life and through coaching, I have the opportunity to do the same for others. For me, coaching is all about creating a fun and comfortable environment where our athletes can achieve their goals both on and off the water. 

Strength and Conditioning Coach/ Fitness Centre Manager - Brad Ramsey

Brad has worked in the fitness industry professionally for the last 5 years after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Recreation at AUT University, double majoring sports science/exercise science and physical activity and health.  Brad has worked in a few areas of the fitness industry including personal training and group fitness to youth athlete development and sports coach. 

However, his main passion is sports performance, specifically strength and conditioning for athletes and team sport. Brad has worked with a number of different sports while working with AUT’s athlete development program, as well as completing multiple continued education certifications to improve on his coaching and management skills.  

Brad has represented New Zealand at the national, international and world level in his sport of Mixed Martial Arts. As well as holding multiple amateur titles in both Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts, most notably he is the 3-time Oceania K1 amateur champion.

Brad is one of our three Strength and Conditioning coaches, working with premier and development athletes and teams.  Brad also runs the introduction to functional movement preparation for both the year 10 and 11 physical education classes, that utilize the fitness centre.  

Cricket Boys 1st XI Coach - Mark O' Donnell

mark.odonnell@saintkentigern.com

Over the past few years, Mark has successfully coached in a variety of international T20 Leagues, international teams, First-class teams and also a school programme. He prides himself in leading programmes that are based on planning, preparation, communication, excellence and fun. Recent work history and experience includes Specialist batting coach to the Blackcaps tours to UK, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa, assistant coach to the Blackcaps tours to 2x ICC T20 World cups, UK and Australia and Head coach of the NZ A tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Mark has extensive T20 experience from around the world and also has been involved as head coach of the Auckland Aces for many years.

He is excited by the prospect of this role and it is an extension of his vast experience in coaching and he will add significant value to an already successful school programme. He has managed high performance programmes in the past and will bring value to our coaching and other administrative staff.

Rugby Conditioning/Assistant Coach – Sherwin Stowers

Sherwin is in his first season with Saint Kentigern College 1st XV. Last year Sherwin was Head Coach of the U15 7s team that competed at the National Condor 7s. Professional playing history saw him playing for Counties Manukau Steelers from 2008-2016, The Blues 2011-2012 and the NZ 7s Men’s team from 2004-2017. 

Strength and Conditioning Coach - Angelo Hubert

Angelo Hubert is one of our 3 strength and conditioning coaches, who’s responsibility is run our premier and development team’s strength and conditioning programs. Angelo holds a degree in physical education from Lutheran University of Brazil.  As well as completing an ASCA (Australian Strength and Conditioning Association), Strength and Conditioning Level 2 certificate in 2019.

Angelo has had experience working with College/Professional/Olympic Coaches and Athletes all within one facility.  This gave him the opportunity to learn some of best techniques and strategies that he now implements at Saint Kentigern College. Angelo has a tremendous amount of experience from around the world, worked with many different athletes across a variety of sports. Such as Assistant Coach for Lutheran University of Brazil, working with Wellington Hockey Clubs and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington as well as working as a Speed Strength Coach for MT Eden Hockey Club, Auckland Hockey and King’s College. Angelo also spent 6 months training at Bommarito sports in Miami under Peter Bommarito, who is one of the best Speed coaches in USA.  Who works with professional players from NFL, NBA, MBL, College and High School Athletes. Within hi time spent there Angelo received a BPS level 2 certification as a Speed Coach.

Angelo started as an assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Saint Kentigern College in November of 2014 and in 2018 he became the Head of Strength and Conditioning from Saint Kentigern College

“Saint Kentigern College has provided me with a fantastic environment to share my knowledge with really amazing children. We have a great vibe within the gym, and I feel very lucky to be able to coach the athletes of today and the future.”

Fitness Instructor - Ritchie Hopkinson

Ritchie is part of our team that helps to run the Fitness Centre, he has Diploma of Sports and Recreation from AUT university.  Ritchie has been involved with sports his whole life and has specialized in both inline and ice hockey. 

He has represented New Zealand multiple times as well as the West Auckland Admirals in 2011 and the Botany Swarms in 2016 in the NZIHL. Ritchie works with the development team’s strength and conditionings programs after school, as well as running the evening staff training programs.  Ritchie also supervises the facility on Saturdays while Staff, Students and Old Collegians work on their own personal health and fitness goals. 

Ritchie is a vital part of our team who helps in creating a positive and friendly atmosphere to the Saint Kentigern’s community.

“I have keen interest in helping others develop their athleticism as well as increase both their general health and wellbeing.  Whether you are training to be an elite athlete or just starting out, I want to help you achieve your goals”.

Football Girls 1st XI Coach - Dean Lausev

Dean is currently playing for Central United FC Premier Team and has been playing for this team for the past nine years. Dean previously played for both Auckland City FC and Waitakere United in the National League and played National Youth League for Auckland City FC. He has coached in the Auckland City FC player development program and coached numerous age group teams at Saint Kentigern College over the past five years.

Cycling Girls Coach - Tessa Jenkins

Tessa has been coaching the Girls secondary schools cycling for 5 years and thoroughly enjoys it. She began cycling at high school, taking up both track cycling and road cycling. She began her coaching career at Waikato Diocesan before making the move to Saint Kentigern in 2019. 

“I am super excited to be given the chance again this year to coach the girls squad. We had such an awesome atmosphere last year and some great results! Bring on 2020 in the blue and white” 

Table Tennis Premier Team Coach - Patrick Low

Patrick was born in China and has lived in New Zealand for many years. He represented Fiji at the South Pacific Games winning Gold and Bronze medals in table tennis. He is a former Fiji Sportsman of the Year.

Patrick has represented Hutt Valley, Auckland and New Zealand at table tennis. He has previously been the table tennis coach for Hutt Valley and Auckland Table Tennis Associations, Central Region and Northern Region coaching both junior and senior players. Patrick has coached a senior New Zealand team that went to the Asian Table Tennis Games in China.

Patrick is currently the Auckland Table Tennis Association coach responsible for the development of table tennis in the East of Auckland. He has been Saint Kentigern College table tennis coach since 2012.

Water Polo Premier Girls Coach - Hamish McDonald

Hamish has been with our Girls Programme for five years. Hamish was a student at Saint Kentigern for his entire schooling and is a proud old boy. As a player, he amassed over 100 caps for our Premier Boys team, including being a part of the first college side to win an Auckland Medal in 2014.

In 2016, he returned to lead the Premier Girls team. In his first year, the team won the NZSS Division Two Championships. In 2018, the team won promotion back to the Auckland Premier League before making the top four for the first time in 2019. In 2020, they won their first ever Auckland league medal. The team has now grown to be competitive at the NZSS Level and is focused on securing a medal there soon.

In 2018, Hamish was added to the New Zealand High Performance Coaching staff when he began to work with the NZ Born 2004 girls towards their World Championships in 2022. Hamish has won several National Championships with local club sides. Since Hamish’s involvement began, the girls programme has grown from having one NZ representative to six in the wider NZWP Programme in 2019.

Hockey Girls 1st XI Coach - Claudia Hanham

Claudia is new to the College and brings great experience in hockey and touch.

She has played hockey for Takapuna Premier Women for 10 years and North Harbour NHL Women for 7 years, touch rugby for Auckland Open Women’s for 5 years and rugby sevens for North Harbour for 3 years.

She has previously coached the Kristin 1st XI Boys and Girls hockey team (assistant coach), U15 North Harbour girls’ team, involved in coaching the North Harbour U15 Academy programme and the Takapuna Prem Reserve Women’s team. 

“Coaching is a great way to give back to the community that I have grown up in, with my involvement in various sporting codes. I enjoy being able to see young athletes develop both as an athlete and as a person through the context of sport. “

Touch Girls Premier Coach

I have been a part of the Counties Manukau Open Womens Team for the past 8 years and within the Touch Blacks system for the past 6 years. I am key member of the Bulletz Open Womens Team, based in Counties Manukau who are one of the elite touch clubs within New Zealand. I was very fortunate to Captain the first New Zealand Warriors Womens Touch team where we played in the NRL Touch Premiership in 2019 

I am the current Samoa Open Womens coach for the Pacific Cup Touch held in New Zealand and have assisted in coaching the Counties Manukau U18 Girls to a few national championships.

“ I see coaching as another way to provide opportunities for our youth to express themselves. Being able to create a safe environment for them to flourish, be confident and engage with one another is exciting. It takes away the added “stress & pressure” of being a sport coach as long as you see enjoyment. The titles and medals that may come along the way are a bonus”