Edward J. Zawatski III is in his first season as a graduate assistant Coach for Concordia University Irvine’s swimming and diving coaching staff.
A former Division I swimmer from the prestigious Purdue University (2015-2019), Zawatski was vice captain his senior year and was a continual competitor for the Boilermaker’s sprinting program in the 50 & 100 freestyle along with team relays to earn multiple opportunities to compete in Big Ten Championship competitions. A distinguishable swimming highlight for Zawatski was qualifying for the Olympic Trials in 2016 for the men’s 50 freestyle representing his club CYC-Rally Aquatics as well as competing in a plethora of USA swimming and PIAA record-breaking performances.
When the swimming competition came to an end, Zawatski was driven to help others succeed in the sport, but this time in the role of a coach. Zawatski became an undergraduate assistant coach under the direction of Dan Ross for the 2019-2020 Purdue men’s swimming season. In addition, for the past four years, Zawatski has been an active member in his community in Pennsylvania working as a program coordinator and head coach for the team of FAST Aquatics to redefining stroke mechanics for competition swimmers and educating their own learn to swim program students for water safety of all ages.
“My philosophy of coaching is staying present and expressing enthusiasm. This approach is crucial because the past is gone, the future is coming, and we need to do the work in the moment because that’s what we can control. By keeping this perspective in mind, along with the contagiousness of enthusiasm and positive reinforcement, nothing can stop an individual from reaching their goals. I am honored for this opportunity to work at this university, to work for this unquestionably selfless and determined staff, and most importantly to work with the student-athletes that have unmatched potential like anything that I have ever been a part of.”
