‘Iolani Swim Club
General Manager
Veleslava Zhereva has been assisting 'Iolani Swim Club since 2012. Originally from Bulgaria, Vel has been volunteering with many team tasks and has attended multiple swim meets throughout the years always supporting all swimmers and assisting with the general management and admin work of the team.
Since the Fall of 2019, Vel has been officially our General Manager and also responsible for all our branding and communications efforts, community relations, sponsorships, partnerships and team swim trips. With a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from New Bulgarian University and furthermore having earned a Masters Degree in Communications and Marketing from the Hawai'i Pacific University, makes Vel a great asset to our team in all aspects.
Since summer 2021, Vel is also in charge of the 'Iolani Prep Swim Club that is ISC newest program of swimming instruction and a great opportunity for children to get ready for the 'Iolani Swim Club. In the Fall and Spring semesters the Prep Swim programs turns into Prep Swim K serving the Kindergarteners at the 'Iolani School which program was launched back in Fall 2021. Furthermore, Vel also oversees the Learn to Swim programs part of the 'Iolani School After School Programs and works with our youngest swimmers on daily basis.
Vel loves swimming, skiing and nature. In her free time she enjoys the most traveling and exploring the world.
Ivan Batsanov
Head Coach - All Levels
Ivan Batsanov is the Head Coach of the 'Iolani Swim Club. Furthermore, Batsanov oversees all levels, but his focus is the Senior Group of the 'Iolani Swim Club and he is also in charge of the 'Iolani Masters program.
A Bulgarian National Team member, Batsanov joined the 'Iolani Swim Club back in 2011 and has been working with all age groups ever since. Batsanov`s experience as a coach started back in 2009 when his collegiate career was over. After a couple of years coaching in Bulgaria, Batsanov decided to move to Hawaii and train and work with the well known Coach Bobby Brewer at ‘Iolani Swim Club.
Collegiately, Batsanov swam for National Sports Academy of Bulgaria and he has earned a Bachelor degree in Coaching and Sports Management and a Master`s degree in the field of High Performance Swimming & Coaching.
A native of Sofia, Bulgaria, Batsanov started swimming at the age of 8. So far, he has a career total of over 80 medals from national and international competitions, including individual and relay events. His specialties are the shorter races, 50 to 200 meters in length freestyle. Ivan Batsanov has been part of Bulgarian National Swim Team for a period of 6 years and as well part of the country`s Olympic and European Junior Championship programs in 2004.
Batsanov’s coaching philosophy focuses on hard work both in and out of the pool. His coaching approach aims at the perfect stoke technique that will definitely lead to the best possible race preparation. His practices are structured towards the individual goals of each and every swimmer on the team and stress on being ready for a race on daily basis.
Leighton Miyake is coaching 'Iolani Swim Club's Gold Group. He focuses on developing stroke skills and building speed, strength and endurance on a competitive level. Coach Leighton also helps his swimmers develop confidence and a strong mindset to deal with the ups and downs of competitive swimming and in life as well. He began his coaching career in 1992 under the tutelage of Coach Albert Minn of Aulea Swim Club. It was there that Coach Leighton developed a deep affinity for working with young swimmers. He joined Iolani Swim Club during the 2017-2018 season and had the opportunity to coach Iolani School's JV swim team in 2018-2019. He recently accompanied Team Hawaii to WAGZ Championships in Gresham (Oregon) as an assistant coach for the 10 & Under Age Group. His swim philosophy is based on the Japanese word “Kaizen” which means “always moving forward”, “continuously improving”. He says that “Kaizen” is something that should be strived for daily, in all that you do. His thought is that when you believe in yourself, always try your best and persevere, you will be successful in swimming and in life.
Coach Riki Watanabe is the newest addition to the 'Iolani Swim Club Coaching Staff! A former swimmer, he began his coaching career in 2022 coaching swimmers of all ages and helping young swimmers develop a strong, confident mindset in and out of the pool from beginner swimmers to state qualifiers. His coaching philosophy focuses on a positive environment and to always give 110% effort in what you do. His thought is that the extra 10% you put in is what everyone else remembers. His focus is on developing proper stroke technique, building speed, and helping swimmers reach their full potential. For Coach Riki, it’s about giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey as a swimmer and inspiring swimmers to be confident, respectful, and positive to those around them. Outside the pool, he enjoys working out with friends, reading, and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Heat games.
Coach Tyler Maryon comes to the 'Iolani Swim Club with coaching experience on the collegiate level on the mainland. Coach Tyler our Bronze Group Coach but he also works with the Silver Group twice a week. Originally from California, he grew up in Idaho and coached there before making Hawaii home. In his free time he enjoys playing beach volleyball and you can spot him at Ala Moana playing by the ocean at sunset time. More info about Coach Tyler coming soon!
