Charlene
De Souza
Swimmer. Coach. Competitor. 15 years building Pretoria's next generation of champions.
A Swimmer Who
Became a Coach.
Then Never Stopped.
Born on January 10, 1982, Charlene De Souza has been a swimmer her entire life. Not just in the sense of knowing how to swim — but in the deeper sense of someone for whom the water is a second home, a place of discipline, clarity, and joy.
As a long-distance endurance swimmer, Charlene still competes in South African Masters Swimming events. She doesn't coach from a distance — she coaches from inside the sport, from a place of ongoing personal experience and commitment.
Over 15 years of coaching, she has built Expression Swimmers into one of Pretoria's most respected competitive clubs — with a program that takes swimmers from their very first float at age 3 all the way through to competitive squad training.
How Charlene Coaches
Patience & Presence
Every swimmer moves at their own pace. Charlene's Enneagram 9 nature means she meets each swimmer exactly where they are — without judgment, without pressure.
Precision & Standards
Her 1 wing brings a commitment to doing things correctly. Technique, form, and discipline are non-negotiable — because good habits built early last a lifetime.
Lifelong Learning
Charlene is a perpetual student of swimming. She continues to compete, train, and study the sport — because the best coaches never stop learning.
Inclusive Excellence
From the most competitive squad swimmer to a child with special needs entering the water for the first time — every swimmer deserves the same quality of attention.
"Swimming is not just a sport — it is a life skill. Every child who learns to be comfortable in the water has gained something that will protect them, challenge them, and reward them for the rest of their life."
Charlene's Swimming Life
Born January 10
Charlene was born with a natural affinity for water — a connection that would define her life's work.
Lifelong Swimmer
From her earliest years, Charlene was in the water. Competitive swimming became both a discipline and a calling.
15 Years of Coaching
Charlene began her coaching career, bringing the same dedication to her swimmers that she applied to her own training.
Masters Competitor
Charlene continues to compete in South African Masters Swimming events as a long-distance endurance swimmer — coaching from lived experience.
Expression Swimmers
Leading one of Pretoria's most successful competitive swim clubs, based at Monumentpark Primary School in Monument Park.
Masters Swimmer.
Still Racing.
Charlene is not a retired swimmer who now coaches. She is an active, competing long-distance endurance swimmer who participates in South African Masters Swimming events.
This matters. When Charlene teaches a swimmer about pacing, breathing, or the mental demands of open water — she is speaking from current, lived experience. That is a rare quality in a coach.
Train With Charlene