Playing sports
Denica Bennett
Head Of Athletic Administration And Student Sports Development
Johannesburg
Summary
Accomplished sports coordinator with a proven track record of leadership and innovation in experience at both government and private schools. Skilled in business development, partnership cultivation, and enhancing customer engagement while optimizing operational efficiencies. Adept in organizational leadership, motivating teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Effective communicator with a talent for mentorship and strategic partnerships. Multi-talented fitness leader specializing in promoting health, fitness, and wellness through personalized coaching and group instruction. Known for expertise in healthy lifestyles, exercise programs, and individualized fitness plans. Passionate about improving physical strength, stamina, and overall well-being through education and dedicated support.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder
The Volleyball Institute
01.2023 - Current
- Grew customer base through targeted outreach and networking events.
- Increased company revenue by developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies.
- Streamlined operational processes for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Created inclusive corporate culture that fostered teamwork, open communication, and increased employee morale.
- Created positive and encouraging environment to motivate athletes to give best efforts.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to volleyball athletes to help reach full potential.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Implemented exercise programs and training strategies to bolster individual and team performance.
- Evaluated individual knowledge, skills, and strengths, and assigned team positions to maximize talent areas.
- Prepared and delivered presentations to players and parents to emphasize importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Grew the customer base through targeted outreach and networking events
Sports Administrator and Head of PS Sport
Michael Mount Waldorf School
10.2017 - Current
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Computerized office activities, maintained customer communications, and tracked records through delivery.
- Collected, validated, and distributed information to employees.
- Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to raise awareness about sports program within community at large.
- Coordinated sports events successfully, ensuring timely scheduling, venue preparation, and equipment availability.
- Mentored junior staff members providing guidance support throughout their professional development journey.
- Reported on all athletic events and programs to provide interesting sports stories.
- Maximized exposure for athletic programs through strategic marketing initiatives such as social media campaigns.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to develop game plans and strategies tailored to individual team strengths and weaknesses.
- Championed diversity within athletics departments by fostering inclusive environment that welcomed individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
- Developed talent recruitment strategies to attract high-performing student-athletes from diverse backgrounds.
- Ensured compliance with all governing body rules and regulations, maintaining integrity of our athletic programs.
- Streamlined budget management for sports programs, optimizing allocation of resources for equipment, travel, and facility maintenance.
- Elevated athletic program performance by implementing comprehensive training and practice schedules.
- Improved team cohesion and morale with regular team-building exercises and open communication channels.
- Mentored student-athletes on balancing academic responsibilities with their commitment to their sport, promoting well-rounded educational experience.
- Developed relationships with alumni and local media to increase visibility, support, and community involvement in sports programs.
- Promoted culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship among athletes, coaching staff, and administration.
- Oversaw facility maintenance efforts to guarantee safe playing conditions for all participants in our athletic programs.
- Implemented effective injury prevention protocols, ensuring well-being of all student-athletes under my supervision.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing sports events, fundraisers, and public appearances for athletes and coaches.
- Spearheaded fundraising initiatives to supplement program budgets while engaging local communities in support of athletics programs.
- Coordinated logistics for team travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodations, meals, and itineraries during competitions or tournaments.
- Assisted athletes in pursuing higher education opportunities by connecting them with college recruiters and providing guidance throughout application process.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to secure sponsorships and funding for athletic programs.
- Evaluated coaching staff performance regularly to ensure optimal development of athletes'' skills and competitive abilities.
- Facilitated professional development opportunities for coaching staff, ensuring constant growth in knowledge and expertise.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members, businesses and vendors to build trust and rapport.
- Monitored and evaluated program performance to determine value and quality.
- Coordinated marketing efforts to promote fitness and wellness programs.
- Provided individualized fitness assessments, program designs and nutrition counseling services.
- Collaborated with health and wellness professionals to create and execute events, seminars and workshops on various topics.
- Demonstrated safe and correct forms for each exercise and piece of equipment.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive fitness and wellness programs to promote healthy lifestyles.
Swim School Owner
SwimNow
05.2016 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for business.
- Enhanced swim school reputation by consistently delivering high-quality swimming instruction and maintaining excellent customer satisfaction.
- Fostered strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to increase visibility and referrals for the swim school.
- Managed swim meet logistics, including event registration, lineup creation, and coordinating travel arrangements for the team.
- Improved meet results by analyzing race footage and providing specific, actionable feedback to individual swimmers.
- Enhanced swimmer performance by implementing tailored training programs and providing individualized feedback.
- Developed age-appropriate workouts, focusing on skill development, technique improvement, and endurance building.
Teacher Intern
Wychwood Primary School
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Enhanced student understanding by implementing creative activities and interactive teaching methods.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to share best practices, coordinate lesson plans, and ensure curriculum continuity.
- Adapted instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring all students had access to course content.
- Promoted positive learning environment with clear expectations, consistent discipline, and effective classroom management techniques.
- Reviewed students' classroom assignments, homework and tests to evaluate knowledge of subject material and assign grades.
- Boosted class participation by designing engaging group projects and discussions.
Interim Sports Coach
Holy Rosary School
09.2015 - 04.2016
- Promoted sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive attitudes among athletes both on and off the field.
- Increased player skill levels with the implementation of targeted drills and practice sessions.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to secure sponsorship deals that supported the financial needs of the sports program while also benefiting community partners.
- Adapted coaching style based on individual learning preferences of athletes for more effective instruction leading better understanding key concepts techniques required optimal performance.
- Coordinated travel logistics for away games, ensuring timely transportation, accommodations, meals arrangements were made efficiently without disrupting team focus or morale.
- Improved team dynamics through regular communication, group exercises, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Implemented exercise programs and training strategies to bolster individual and team performance.
- Observed swimmers to find and correct faults and provide feedback on performance.
- Mediated conflicts between swimmers to maintain positive atmosphere and preserve team morale.
Head of Junior Aquatics
St Benedicts College
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Coordinated travel logistics for away games, ensuring timely transportation, accommodations, meals arrangements were made efficiently without disrupting team focus or morale.
- Improved team dynamics through regular communication, group exercises, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Observed swimmers to find and correct faults and provide feedback on performance.
- Mediated conflicts between swimmers to maintain positive atmosphere and preserve team morale.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Implemented exercise programs and training strategies to bolster individual and team performance.
Travel Consultant
Thompsons Travel
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Managed complex itineraries for multi-city trips, balancing client preferences with logistical constraints.
- Assisted clients in navigating visa requirements and other travel documentation, minimizing potential issues during their trips.
- Educated clients on destination-specific considerations such as customs regulations, local attractions, or cultural norms to enhance their overall experience abroad.
- Conducted regular evaluations of supplier performance to ensure quality standards were met consistently across all partners.
- Optimized resource allocation by monitoring booking volume and adjusting staff scheduling accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records of bookings, payments, and client information for smooth operations and future reference.
- Organized group tours, ensuring seamless experience from start to finish for all participants.
- Built strong relationships with clients through exceptional communication and personalized service.
- Increased repeat business by providing outstanding customer service and addressing client concerns promptly.
- Addressed unforeseen challenges during trips by coordinating alternative arrangements or providing support as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize travel recommendations and share industry knowledge.
- Mentored junior consultants on best practices in the industry while fostering collaborative work environment.
Teacher Intern and Sports Coach
Reddam House Bedfordview
01.2009 - 04.2010
- Enhanced student understanding by implementing creative activities and interactive teaching methods.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to share best practices, coordinate lesson plans, and ensure curriculum continuity.
- Adapted instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring all students had access to course content.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with clear expectations, consistent discipline, and effective classroom management techniques.
- Reviewed students' classroom assignments, homework and tests to evaluate knowledge of subject material and assign grades.
- Assessed student performance through ongoing evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Initiated teaching implementing lesson plans and progressed to full-day teaching.
Education
Certificate - CPR - First Aid Level 1
EMS
04.2001 -
Certificate - Level 2 Coaching
American Swim Coach Association
04.2001 -
Certificate - Learn To Swim
Swim South Africa
Benoni 04.2001 -
Certificate - Counselling
Edenvale Baptist Church
Edenvale 04.2001 -
Diploma - Photography
Photography Institute
Online 04.2001 -
Diploma - Travel And Tourism
Insite
Bedfordview, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Business Development
Customer Relations
Coaching experience
Organizational Leadership
Performance Analysis
Team Management
Equipment management
Facility Management
Budgeting expertise
Team motivation
Injury Prevention
Sports psychology
Team building
Analytical Skills
Goal Setting
Budget Administration
Decision-Making
Teamwork and Collaboration
Organizational Skills
Effective Communication
Group Instruction
Task Prioritization
Team Collaboration
Interests
Reading
Podcasts
Timeline
Co-Founder
The Volleyball Institute
01.2023 - Current
Sports Administrator and Head of PS Sport
Michael Mount Waldorf School
10.2017 - Current
Teacher Intern
Wychwood Primary School
02.2017 - 06.2017
Swim School Owner
SwimNow
05.2016 - Current
Interim Sports Coach
Holy Rosary School
09.2015 - 04.2016
Head of Junior Aquatics
St Benedicts College
01.2014 - 05.2015
Travel Consultant
Thompsons Travel
01.2013 - 04.2013
Teacher Intern and Sports Coach
Reddam House Bedfordview
01.2009 - 04.2010
Certificate - CPR - First Aid Level 1
EMS
04.2001 -
Certificate - Level 2 Coaching
American Swim Coach Association
04.2001 -
Certificate - Learn To Swim
Swim South Africa
04.2001 -
Certificate - Counselling
Edenvale Baptist Church
04.2001 -
Diploma - Photography
Photography Institute
04.2001 -
Diploma - Travel And Tourism
Insite
04.2001 -
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