Cooper moves to new coach
BRIELLE Cooper has called herself a Kurrawa clubbie from the moment she set foot in the establishment as a Nipper 12 years ago.
But now the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series champion is set to write a new chapter in her glittering career, albeit as a member of the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park surf club.
The youngest person to win a Nutri-Grain series, Cooper has become the latest member to leave Kurrawa since the May exit of coach Barry Newman.
The chance to work with coach Michael King proved the tipping point and now the 21-year-old will aim to win her second Nutri-Grain series crown under the green, gold and black cap of Burleigh.
“It was a very hard decision for me to leave Kurrawa because I’ve had a lot of career firsts at that club, like my first Nutri-Grain series race win and title, and winning my first branch and state medals for the club,” said Cooper, who was 18 when she won the 2018 Nutri-Grain title.
“With Barry (Newman) leaving, I had to put myself first and do what is best for my career and look at where else I could find a quality coach and squad to train with.
“I know every face at Kurrawa so it was a bit nerveracking heading down to Burleigh for the first time, but I went down and did a few training sessions with the club and I fell in love with Burleigh.
“‘Kingy’ was a massive drawcard having seen what he has achieved with so many athletes and I really believe he can help me go to the next level in my career.
“I want to win another ironwoman series and an Australian title.”
Cooper said boyfriend and fellow ironman Matt Bevilacqua was a big supporter of the move having worked under King at Mooloolaba surf club up until 2015.
Bevilacqua departed Kurrawa for Northcliffe last month.
After an extended break following the cancellation of state and Aussie titles, Cooper has now started training once more ahead of another packed summer.