Our Coaches

Alberto Velo

Head Coach

Hi, my name is Alberto. I have been coaching water polo at DVE Aquatic for 5 years. I come from a swimming background, competing at national level (in Venezuela) when I was 12 and 13 years old. I entered the world of water polo at Uni, where I played for nearly 4 years, and I have loved the game ever since.

It is a great way to keep fit in the water and have fun with friends! I love coaching at DVE Aquatic as it is a very inclusive club, which strives to bring the best of the players and helping them grow, both in and out of the pool.

What I love the most about coaching is seeing the players become more confident with the game, gaining new skills, improving all the time and having fun along the way. During the last 5 years, I have coached our junior teams making finals with different age groups. What I love the most about these teams is that no matter if we make it to the finals or not, everyone gives it their all in the pool and has fun.

Tess Haslam

Girls & Boys Coach

My name is Tess, I started playing water polo eight years ago in the mixed u/12 team at DVE Aquatic. I came into water polo with a competitive swimming background and continued to compete whilst playing water polo. I came to realise that competitive swimming and water polo is a great combination, and it was the combination of swimming, teamwork and fun that’s involved in water polo that made me love the sport!

Many of my close friends I have met through water polo, either playing with or against them and it has been great to see them and many other players, coaches, and officials around pool deck after a few long years of little/no training and competitions.

Outside of the pool, I am studying at University and enjoy seeing family, friends and hanging out with my dog, Bodie. My favourite movie is ‘Marley and Me’ and my favourite food is lasagne.

Steph Jacobson

Girls & Boys Coach

Hi, my name is Steph and I have been playing water polo since I was 11! I first joined because some of my friends were trying out as well and instantly fell in love with the sport.

I have been on many national club trips, a couple of Australian junior training squads and now I play for the Victorian Phoenix state team in the Water Polo National League.

I started coaching to help people to develop their skills and hopefully fall in love with the sport!

Omar Vela Wheen

U14 / U16 Coach

Hi, my name is Omar, I am 18 and I have been playing water polo for the last 6 years. I love everything about water polo but mainly having fun with friends competing in tournaments and creating memories for a lifetime.

I enjoy coaching the under 14s and 16s as at this age my love for the sport really flourished. When coaching the under 14 and 16 year old players I want to make sure they have a great experience, hoping they love the game as much as I do. That will be amazing and a great personal reward.

I have represented Peru in the 2015 Sud-American Championships, I have played with the Victorian Team in the U14 and U16 categories, and have come 3rd in Australia with DVE Aquatic for U16 AYC competition. And in 2020, came 10th in Australia for U18 AYC comp playing with the Richmond tigers. I have also played in the Tri state competition with DVE U16 team in which our team came 1st in 2020.

Ethan Niceforo

12/u Coach

Hi, my name is Ethan. I am 17 and I have been playing water polo for 9 years. I am a water polo fanatic. I love everything about this sport. But most importantly my favourite part of playing water polo is being a part of a team and having fun whilst also making new friends.

I enjoy coaching the under 12s because it is such a reward to see them grow up and progress through their water polo journey. Also coaching new players is so important because this is the time where we get to teach the fundamentals of water polo. It's also the time where kids make friends and bonds which last a lifetime. Coaching lets me pass down knowledge that I was given by my coaches to a whole new generation of water polo players.

I have represented the state twice where I was lucky enough to have been able to travel to places such as Canberra and Brisbane for major tournaments. I have been fortunate enough to be able to represent DVE in many Tri state competitions.