Airlie Beach Local Danielle Shea, owner of the Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle won an extraordinary accolade on Sunday night: The Swim Australia Teacher of The Year for 2020.
The Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) Virtual Awards were held over Zoom on Saturday night, while Danielle sat with her family and staff at home, eagerly awaiting the results.
Interestingly, as her family and friends sat around her, Danielle was aware that she had been awarded the Swim Teacher Of The Year Award, but couldn’t tell anyone until it was formerly announced.
“I actually knew already, but I couldn’t speak about it,” Danielle said.
“It’s an amazing experience, really, that I’ve won; we had a night at my house with all my staff and family!”
When the announcement was made, the champagne was popped and Danielle teared up, hugging her family and friends.
“I put my heart and soul into this job; it’s just my passion. I can’t thank you guys enough for this award,” she said.
Danielle’s exceptional achievement comes on the back of her win last year at the ASCTA Awards, where her school was given the SwimSAFER Award.
Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle has operated at their pool at Whitsunday Airport, next to Flame Tree, since 2012, teaching babies right through to adults.
Even before she had won the award, Danielle was diving headfirst into new and exciting opportunities as a keynote speaker for Swim Australia in Cairns and Townsville, giving a series of presentations.
She’s been a swimming instructor for 26 years and was thrilled to be recognised on an Australian level for her service to the community of Airlie.
Deeply passionate, kind and caring towards her swimmers and swim-families, all children, as well as their parents, look forward to their lessons with Australia’s Swim Teacher Of The Year.
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