Book Private Swimming Lessons with Coach Natalie

My name is Natalie Mitchell, and I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I’m a recent graduate of Colorado Mesa University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with minors in Forensic Investigation and Athletic Coaching. I'm currently pursuing my Master of Science in Kinesiology at Cal Poly Humboldt while competing on the varsity Women’s Triathlon team, finishing out my NCAA eligibility. 2025 marks my debut as a rookie professional triathlete, a challenge I embrace fully as an opportunity to grow, both as an athlete and a person. I’m passionate about mentoring and empowering female athletes, and my goal is to help them reach their full potential, athletically, academically, and beyond.

I want to help athletes improve both mentally and physically by creating a holistic coaching approach that meets them where they are and pushes them beyond where they thought they could go. On the physical side, I build smart, individualized training plans rooted in science and backed by experience, focusing on strength, endurance, mobility, and recovery. At the same time, I prioritize the mental side of performance, teaching athletes how to manage pressure, build confidence, and stay resilient through challenges. Whether we’re refining technique, sharpening race-day mindset, or building consistency, my goal is to develop well-rounded athletes who show up strong in body and mind, ready to perform, grow, and thrive.

Depending on the individual’s ability and age, I tailor each swim session accordingly, but the structure generally remains consistent. We usually begin with an in-water warm-up to ease the body into movement and prepare for the work ahead. From there, the main set is customized to align with the athlete’s goals, this could include threshold intervals, speed development, stroke refinement, or endurance pacing. Drills are incorporated throughout to boost efficiency and reinforce proper technique. We wrap up with a cool-down, followed by a brief reflection or feedback session to track progress and shape future training. Whether you're just learning how to swim or preparing for high-level competition, every session has intent and every lap has a purpose.

The best coach I’ve ever had is my current coach. She believes in me more than I ever have, and I truly appreciate that. Every training session is tailored with purpose, and whenever I ask for a deeper understanding of a workout, she always provides a clear explanation. She keeps me focused on both my long-term and short-term goals, ensuring they’re realistic yet challenging, pushing me to become the best athlete I can be. What I also love is how she brings the FUN back into triathlon, making sure I continue to enjoy both the sport and the training process.

I’m a passionate triathlete who wants to share that passion with others, showing how fun and rewarding sports can be no matter your age or ability. I believe in taking the time during each session to ensure we’re not rushed and that every individual gets the most out of their experience. My goal is to create a supportive, focused environment where athletes feel comfortable pushing themselves while still enjoying the process. I want to help people not just improve their skills, but to find joy in the journey, discover their potential, and embrace the challenge, because sports are about growth, fun, and connecting with yourself in ways you never thought possible.