Matthew Brown, a distinguished figure in high performance swimming coaching, is set to join The Illawarra Grammar School as Head Coach starting July 2024. In his new role, Mr Brown will spearhead the School’s sport program for elite athletes, bringing with him a wealth of experience.

Prior to his appointment at Illawarra Grammar, Matthew Brown served as the Head Coach of the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) Swim Club under Swimming NSW.

During his tenure, the club went from ninth place in NSW in 2019/20 to NSW Club Champions in 2022/2023. Nationally, under his leadership, SOPAC climbed from 31st in 2019 to third place in 2022, 2023 and fourth in 2024.

Before his time at SOPAC, Mr Brown was a High-Performance Swimming Coach and Director of Swimming at Trinity Grammar School, where he guided the team to an impressive thirteen consecutive victories at the Combined Associated Schools (CAS) Championships from 2004 to 2017. His coaching also saw Trinity Grammar athletes achieve numerous podium finishes, securing 55 gold medals at the Australian Age Swimming Championships.

Additionally, Mr Brown has coached world champion swimmers among the likes of Kenneth To. Kenneth was the Fina World Cup point score winner in 2012.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr Matthew Brown to The Illawarra Grammar School,” said Dr Julie Greenhalgh, Principal of The Illawarra Grammar School. “His exceptional coaching record and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly inspire our athletes and bring great strength to our elite sports program.”

Mr Brown’s appointment underscores The Illawarra Grammar School’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing its students with world-class coaching and development opportunities without compromising academic achievement.