The Kelowna Aqua Jets recently hired Emil Dimitrov to lead their swim program, but he will also be coaching the other team in the area. Dimitrov is also the head coach of the Liquid Lightning Swim Club on the other side of town. He will split his time between the two clubs.
Board member Rhonda Zakala made it clear the two clubs are not merging – just sharing a head coach. Dimitrov is the second hire made by the club to fill the position in the past few weeks.
The Aqua Jets announced the hiring of former national team member Lois Daigneault two weeks ago. However, the club quickly let Daigneault go after learning she was serving a seven-year coaching suspension issued by USA Swimming.
Zakala said Daigneault did not disclose the suspension during the application or interview process.
“She was very deceitful,” said Zakala.
The ban was imposed in December of last year. The suspension was for code of conduct violations, however, USA Swimming stated “the behavior that led to her suspension did not have anything to do with abuse or harm to children.”
In announcing the hiring of Dimitrov, the swim club said he accepted the position with great enthusiasm and excitement.
“We believe he will be the best person to bring that enthusiasm and his high level of coaching to our swimmers. He is deeply involved in our swim community, and we are truly happy to hire a local resident that has shown his dedication and passion for the sport,” said Zakala.