The American Swimming Coaches Association announced former USA Swimming High Performance Manager Russell Mark has joined ASCA as its Performance and Education Advisor. Mark is widely considered one of the most respected experts of stroke technique analysis, performance trends and race data.
In this new role, Mark will create video and performance data analysis for all ASCA’s coach education resources, including certification courses, in-person and virtual clinics, and the ASCA video library. “We are thrilled to have Russell Mark join our team. ASCA coaches everywhere will now have access to his vast knowledge and analysis of swimming technique and performance,” said ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont.
Over the past 19 years at USA Swimming, Mark has worked with virtually every U.S. swimmer who has competed on the national stage, including dozens of Olympians and world record holders. His unparalleled knowledge of the science behind the success of these athletes will be a significant asset for the courses, clinics and online resources offered by ASCA.
As part of his work with ASCA, Mark will compile videos and analysis of the best athletes of all ages to enhance ASCA coach education offerings and its video library. He will also provide data on performance and racing trends for age groupers who have become national team athletes
“I’m very excited to work with ASCA to serve swim coaches and this great community,” said Mark. “My focus has always been on supporting people in this sport to have the best experience by improving and reaching their goals. With ASCA’s role in educating coaches, this opportunity has so much potential to help our sport continue to grow and get better.”
The addition of Mark further confirms ASCA’s dedication to the professional development of coaches. In October of last year, ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont announced the addition of Chad Onken as the Director of International Clinics and Ariel Hodges as the Director of Communications and Education. Mark will work with several of the coaches on ASCA’s board of directors who are working on a refresh of the ASCA Levels 1-5 certification courses.
“ASCA continues to raise its game. The entire Board is excited to have Russell joining our staff. I’ve had personal experience working with Russell on several occasions through his club visits,” said ASCA President Mike Koleber, the owner and head coach of Nitro Swimming. “There is no one better at stroke and race analysis. Another compelling reason to become a member of ASCA and take advantage of the vast resources the new ASCA is offering.”
Mark, who earned a degree in aerospace engineering while also on the swim team at the University of Virginia applies biomechanical and statistical analysis to swimming to help coaches and athletes be on the cutting edge of the sport.
Prior to joining USA Swimming, Mark began his career at Pratt & Whitney’s experimental military jet engine programs from 2001 to 2002. He soon was drawn back to the sport of swimming, where he applies his scientific approach to dissect starts, turns, head position, arm and hand movement and kicking to improve performance.
“He has been a consistent force with USA Swimming for such a long time,” Greg Meehan, Head Coach of the Stanford women’s swimming team and Head Coach for the US Olympic team in Tokyo told the Washington Post in a 2019 article. “He’s always trying to get out in front in terms of stroke technique, race data, whatever is out there. He’s just always thinking about what’s next.”
The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with ASCA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
Great news & hire !! Hope to see him at ASCA clinic in September.
GREAT move! Congrats Russ you deserve it!