Ilias Sokolis
Ioannina
Summary
Dynamic Head Coach with a proven track record at Epirus Sport & Health Center, leading swimmers to national acclaim and fostering Greek age group champions. Expert in motivational leadership and training, I excel in team management and athlete development. My approach has significantly enhanced competitive performance, demonstrating exceptional motivational skills and coaching prowess. My goal is to make young athletes love this sport and maintain it as way of life.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Coach
Epirus Sport & Health Center
09.2019 - Current
- As Head Swimming Coach, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the entire swim program (from our academy to our competitive swimming team), including planning and implementing training sessions, developing competitive strategies, and fostering a positive and motivating team environment. My goal is to lead and inspire athletes to achieve their best performances while ensuring the safety and well-being of all team members. With my passion for competitive swimming combined with my technical expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for developing swimmers at all levels, i have managed to produce a high number of Greek age group champions. My athletes have managed to achieve a ton of national championship medals and also picked for the national age group team (such as: Papadimitriou Iasonas, Milionis Ares, Pavlou Eleftherios, Pavlou Theophania, Pappa Dimitra).
- Team Leadership: I have provide strong leadership and mentorship to athletes, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and a commitment to personal and team success.
- Training Sessions: I am planing and conducting daily practices that focus on technique improvement, endurance building, and race strategies. My training sessions are engaging, challenging, and tailored to the needs of individual swimmers.
- Organized and led practices and scrimmages to increase competitive attitude and skills.
- Maintained strong relationships with athletes, parents, and school administrators for program support and success.
- Maintained accurate records of athlete attendance, progress reports, and meet results for future reference.
- Led pre-season conditioning sessions to prepare athletes for rigorous competition schedules.
- Provided mentorship to assistant coaches, fostering professional development within the coaching staff.
Swimming Instructor
Panserraikos Swimming Club
09.2017 - 08.2019
- I was the responsible coach at the group ages 9 to 12 of competitive swimming. At that period of time i have managed to assemble probably the best age group of th north Greece with many potential athletes that are still doing great today. Such as: Fardella Marianna who is specified at long distance and she is the Greek champion now at the age of 17 and Pyrili Despoina who is specified at short distances and she is the Greek champion at 100 freestyle and 100 Backstroke at the age of 16 with multiple national records.
- Throughout the years i have developed strong relationships with the athletes to foster trust and rapport, enabling more effective instruction.
- Implemented ongoing assessments of student progress, adjusting lesson plans accordingly to ensure continued growth in abilities.
- Increased class engagement with interactive activities and games focused on various swimming techniques.
- Used teaching aids such as kickboards, diving rings, and fins correctly to teach students.
- Planned classes covering different ages and skill levels to prepare students for basic and advanced swimming needs.
- Took notes strengths and weaknesses of each child in class to track progress.
- Continuously updated knowledge on swimming techniques, water safety practices, and instructional methods by attending professional development workshops and conferences.
- Mentored new instructors, sharing best practices and providing constructive feedback to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Prepared equipment before each class class and stored items promptly after classes.
- Achieved higher student satisfaction ratings through consistent communication with parents regarding progress and areas for improvement.
- Streamlined scheduling processes for improved efficiency in coordinating instructor availability with client preferences for swim lesson timeslots.
- Organized successful annual swim meets to showcase participant achievements while fostering a sense of camaraderie among swimmers.
- Adapted teaching techniques to different learning styles.
- Mentored and trained new swim instructors on best practices.
- Demonstrated proper form and technique to prevent injury.
- Motivated participants through one-on-one instruction and positive feedback.
Assistant Swimming Coach
Pansseraikos Swimming Club
09.2017 - 08.2019
- As an Assistant Swimming Coach, i was working closely with the Head Swimming Coach to develop and implement training programs for swimmers of varying skill levels. My role involved, providing instruction, motivation, and support to athletes, helping them improve their swimming techniques and achieve their performance goals. My goal was also to play a key role in fostering a positive team environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Support Training Sessions: Assist in planning and conducting daily training sessions, focusing on technique improvement, endurance, and race strategies.
- Organized and implemented effective teaching strategies for students as young as 13 to 17 years old.
- Skill Development: Provide individualized feedback and instruction to swimmers to enhance their technical skills, including strokes, turns, starts, and finishes.
- Maintained open communications with parents and guardians to keep everyone informed about schedules, administrative requirements and class updates.
- Team Motivation: Encourage and motivate swimmers to reach their potential by setting realistic goals and celebrating achievements.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of attendance, practice logs, and performance metrics to track swimmer progress.
- Competition Preparation: Assist in preparing athletes for competitions by developing race strategies, managing entries, and supporting athletes during meets here in Greece.
Swimming Instructor, Beginer Level
Panserraikos Swimming Club
09.2016 - 08.2017
- As a Beginner-Level Swimming Instructor, i have played a crucial role in introducing swimming skills and water safety to participants of all ages. I was responsible for creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment that fostered learning and built confidence in the water. My primary goal was to teach foundational swimming techniques and promote a positive attitude towards water activities.
- Developed strong relationships with students to foster trust and rapport, enabling more effective instruction.
- Organized and taught swimming lessons to children aged 4 to 8 years.
- Promoted water safety awareness by incorporating essential skills into lessons such as treading water, floating, and rescue techniques.
- Used teaching aids such as kickboards, diving rings, and fins correctly to teach students.
- Managed pool operations during sessions, maintaining a safe and clean environment for students and staff members.
- Took notes strengths and weaknesses of each child in class to track progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop comprehensive swim programs for participants of all ages and skill levels.
- Continuously updated knowledge on swimming techniques, water safety practices, and instructional methods by attending professional development workshops and conferences.
- Provided lifeguarding services when necessary, enforcing pool rules and regulations while ensuring the safety of all patrons at the facility.
Education
Ph.D. - Physical Education And Sports Science
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Serres, Greece07.2018
Skills
- Passionate, motivated, and enthusiastic about coaching Ability to inspire and lead athletes of all levels and backgrounds
- Training and coaching
- Motivational leadership style
- Team Management
- Motivational Skills
- Physical and endurance training
- Sports psychology
- Injury Prevention
- Personable and friendly
Certification
- Basic life Support License - 2017 - 2022 & 2022 - today
- Lifeguard License - 2016 - 2022 & 2022 - today
Hobbies
I love triathlon races, i have managed to participate in some of those here in Greece and i loved it. I would like to try an Ironman at some point.
I love making powerpoints about sport psychology and then present them to my athletes. I also like travelling and sightseeing when i have spare time.
Languages
Greek
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Head Coach
Epirus Sport & Health Center
09.2019 - Current
Swimming Instructor
Panserraikos Swimming Club
09.2017 - 08.2019
Assistant Swimming Coach
Pansseraikos Swimming Club
09.2017 - 08.2019
Swimming Instructor, Beginer Level
Panserraikos Swimming Club
09.2016 - 08.2017
Ph.D. - Physical Education And Sports Science
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Similar Profiles
Ayman AlhandaliAyman Alhandali
Software Engineering Manager at EpirusSoftware Engineering Manager at Epirus
Kelly McGregorKelly McGregor
Customer Service Representative/ Booking Assistant at Corporation of the City of Brantford- Gretzky Sport CenterCustomer Service Representative/ Booking Assistant at Corporation of the City of Brantford- Gretzky Sport Center
Cuong LyCuong Ly
Physical Therapy Technician at Sport Medicine And Training CenterPhysical Therapy Technician at Sport Medicine And Training Center