LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine University Swimming Coach John Brucato has announced that former Division I standout Gord Veldman will be joining the program as an assistant coach.
Veldman swam collegiately at Western Kentucky University, where he became a conference champion in the backstroke and finished in the top 25 at the D-I NCAA Championships all four years. The 2002 WKU graduate — who went on to receive his master’s degree from WKU in recreation administration — set the Hilltoppers records in both the 100- and 200-yard backstrokes and was twice named as a team captain.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of the Bellarmine University swim team coaching staff,” Veldman said. “I look forward to supporting Coach Brucato in building a strong, successful program. I have a passion for the sport of swimming and will share this passion with the Knights swim team through motivating, teaching and inspiring.
“I have competed for club, collegiate and national swim teams. I understand the value and pride associated in representing the university. My aim is to instill pride in Bellarmine swimmers.”
A member of the Canadian national swim team, Veldman began his coaching career with Island Swimming Club in Victoria British Columbia, Canada. He currently coaches with the Lakeside SeaHawks Swim Team in Louisville and has trained Olympic and Paralympic medalists.
Veldman earned a diploma in high-performance coaching from the National Coaching Institute of British Columbia.
“Gord comes to us with a tremendous amount of experience,” Brucato said. “He has a good deal of knowledge and background from his previous and current coaching jobs in Victoria British Columbia and with the Lakeside swim team. I look forward to our swimmers learning from his expertise and knowledge.”
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Swimming news courtesy of Bellarmine Swimming.