Scott VanKuilenburg Appointed New Head Age Group Coach

The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Water Rat Swim Team has named Scott VanKuilenburg as its new Head Age Group Coach and Assistant Director of Competitive Swimming.

Scott will begin his new duties on Monday, August 31, as the team holds its annual tryouts for new swimmers interested in joining the Water Rats for the upcoming 2015-16 season.

Most recently, Scott coached with the Central Florida Marlins in Ocala, Florida. Scott’s background includes active duty with the Air Force, where he reached the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, Scott attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education/Exercise Physiology. Scott utilized his education degree as an elementary school physical education teacher. A former youth swimmer who continues to swim and compete as a Masters swimmer, Scott couldn’t resist the lure of the water. He’s since made coaching young swimmers his career, working with all levels of athletes, from novice to NCAA qualifiers.

“Scott’s experience working with swimmers at every level of development, plus his ability to get each swimmer to understand a skill and then transfer that to practice and competition, will make him a great Head Age Group Coach,” says Ellen Johnston, the Family YMCA’s Director of Competitive Swimming. “His background with stroke mechanics is stellar, and his awareness that each team member grows and develops at his or her own pace falls right in with the Water Rat team philosophy.”

“We believe swimming is for life and take pride in the fact that our team members grow up as part of the Water Rat Family,” Johnston adds. “Scott understands that children need to be children and will help teach our swimmers the balance of school, swimming, family life, friendship and all the other socially productive activities that add up to a fun and busy life as a Water Rat.”

En route from Florida, Scott expressed his excitement for being part of such an established, well-run program. “The Water Rats have a national reputation for producing fine young swimmers – and young adults,” Scott says. “I look forward to getting on deck with the swimmers and joining such a distinguished coaching team.”