A Holistic Approach to Swimming Success: The X Lab Way
X Lab takes pride in our holistic approach to coaching, focusing on the physical, mental and technical development of every swimmer. More than just mastering swimming strokes, it’s about building overall strength, endurance and mental resilience to tackle challenges in and out of the water. By balancing these key areas, we help swimmers grow into well-rounded athletes.
To refine performance, our coaches utilise tools such as data tracking and video analysis, providing swimmers with a detailed view of their progress. This technology allows us to pinpoint areas for improvement, adjust techniques while providing quantifiable data and visible results to our swimmers. Do not underestimate the clarity that visual footage can provide to your swimmer! It is a game-changer that can take training to the next level, creating better body awareness and movement consciousness.
Encouragement and personalised feedback are the heart of our coaching philosophy. Every swimmer is unique, and we tailor our guidance to their individual needs, helping them build confidence and resilience. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, we empower swimmers to stay motivated, push their limits and achieve their goals.
Meet the Coaches
Jared Butler
Jared has been coaching competitive swimming for almost seven years. Growing up, basketball and baseball was his game, until he picked up competitive swimming at 13 years and fell in love with the sport. At 18, Jared qualified for the 2016 US Olympic Team trials in the 400m Individual Medley and in college he qualified for the 200m Individual Medley and 200 Breaststroke as well.
A Kinesiology major with a minor in Education from the University of Texas, Jared is a passionate coach with proven coaching methods to grow aspiring young swimmers. He enjoys incorporating fun and stimulating drills to workout sets that challenge swimmers’ coordination and strength. Locally, he is under the National Registry of Coaches (NROC) and a qualified Technical Coach Level 2.
Zaki Tan
Zaki has been an active coach for both competitive swimming and learn-to-swim programs for three years now. Being an active individual from a young age, he has played basketball and handball for eighteen and six years respectively and taken part in countless national and regional matches.
Zaki has a Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management) from Nanyang Technological University and is a locally recognised coach under NROC. He is a methodical coach with expertise in strength and conditioning methods for swimming. His swim-specific workouts are sure to improve swimming technical skills in and out and of the pool.
Shenesse Yeo
Shenesse started her coaching journey for learn-to-swim programs back in 2016 and has been coaching competitive swimming for three years. A softball player back in high school, Shenesse is now dabbling with women’s rugby and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
A meticulous coach with a keen eye for detail, Shenesse is a technique focused coach with an approach to development of sportsmanship over podium results. She believes in helping kids build their identity while creating a safe and healthy environment for growth and learning. She is a certified NROC coach.
Hear from our Young Swimmers and Parents
At X Lab, the proof of our coaching philosophy lies in the stories of those who experienced it firsthand. Our young swimmers and their parents have seen the difference our tailored approach makes, both in the pool and beyond. From personal growth to competitive achievements, their journeys highlight the impact of our elite coach team. Hear from them about their experiences, milestones and the X Lab advantage.
“I like the coaches because they are encouraging and really care about me and my swimming. They give me good tips to stay healthy and swim the best that I can. I also like swimming with my friends on the team. I like the combination of gym and swim training. I also like that the games we play are fun and also encourage teamwork and competition. “
Emilio Cruz (Junior Squad)
“I enjoy the training at X Lab because the sets coach gives me everyday are not easy, which has helped me improve a lot. I like the facilities here (pool and gym). The coaches are also very nice and helpful, which makes practice more fun to come to.”
Mei Lin (Silver Squad)
“The sets that the coaches give are designed to challenge us to push ourselves and bring out our full potential. The coaches are always quick to give us feedback on how we can improve our stroke/techniques. The swimmers are very friendly towards newcomers. The coaches are also patient with us when we make mistakes as well as being inclusive. The facilities are also very good.”
Sora P. (Silver squad)
“In addition to his swim skills improving, I feel that my son has developed resilience and a desire to be the best swimmer he can be. For example, during competitions, he does not compare himself to other swimmers but compares himself to where he is now and where he wants to be. I appreciate the coaches’ teaching style- they all clearly care about the students and have a good mix of encouragement, fun and being firm when necessary. I also appreciate the coaches’ specific feedback to the students after each lesson and also after races in competitions. I also like the way the team supports all the swimmers- at competitions the kids are all rooting and cheering for other X Lab swimmers which I believe builds a supportive and connected team.”
Camille (Emilio’s mum)
“We have seen consistent improvements in Julien’s timing since he joined 1 year ago. More importantly, Julien has become more proactive in setting and meeting personal goals. He has also improved in his social skills as he trains together with his teammates. His coaches are really dedicated to all training and most importantly they build great rapport with all swimmers. We appreciate the holistic approach to their training”
Fionn (Julien, Emma and Gywneth’s Mum)
“Zara is a small size girl and she was not very athletic. But since joining Xlab, I can see that she has grown stronger. She is now more confident in sports and able to play soccer and badminton quite well. The coaches in Xlab are friendly and approachable with the kids but at the same time, they make sure that the children swim the correct way and always gave tips to them on how to improve their techniques.”
Rozita and Sadely (Zara’s parents)
“After joining X Lab’s swim elite program, my child significantly enhanced his swimming technique across multiple strokes, developing the foundational skills necessary for competitive swimming. The comprehensive training approach enabled him to build confidence, refine his technique, and prepare for potential competitive opportunities. X Lab employs internationally-recognized training techniques and provides customized coaching to maximize my child’s development. This approach enhances technical skills, speed, and endurance, preparing my child comprehensively for competition. Additionally, the program fosters a strong sense of community, creating a supportive environment where swimmers can grow and thrive.”
Quinn (Quentin’s Mum)
“Swimming amongst peers of equal ability is a motivation for her to become a better swimmer. Since joining X Lab in Apr, we have seen improvement in her form across all strokes, which is reflected in her timings. The coaches pay close to attention to her progress and prescribe remedial drills that work. While it’s incumbent upon our child to practise harder, the coaches’ positive reinforcement and encouragement spur her to strive for higher performance.”
Joy (Savannah’s Mum)
X Lab’s Competitive Edge: Innovating for Excellence
We aim to stay ahead of the curve at X Lab by embracing innovative techniques that give our swimmers a competitive edge. From resistance training to mobility- focused exercises, we incorporate sports-specific land workouts and warm ups designed to complement and enhance aquatic performance. These tailored regimens build strength, flexibility and coordination, ensuring our swimmers are primed for peak performance in the pool.
Our commitment to focused learning is reflected in our relatively small coach to swimmer ratios. By maintaining intimate class sizes, we ensure each swimmer receives the individual attention they need to refine their techniques and also build confidence. Our personalised approach allows us to address unique strengths and areas for improvement, helping swimmers to progress at their own pace.
Building Bonds beyond the Pool
A swimmer’s success is a team effort – one that involves not just coaches but families too. Our coaches are dedicated to building strong and trusting relationships with parents, ensuring open communication and collaboration every step of the way. The coaches share regular progress updates and offer tailored advice to involve families in their child’s journey, afterall, parents are the co-coaches in every swimmer’s career. Together, we celebrate milestones, overcome challenges and work towards shared goals, making every swim team practice a meaningful and rewarding experience for swimmers and their families.
