12B Coach

Jeff Welechuk

Jeff Welechuk is UCSC’s 12B Coach.

Jeff discovered his passion for swimming with a summer club in Hinton before leaving home at 15 to join the Edmonton Keyano Swim Club. In Edmonton, he earned a spot on his first national team, later competing for the University of Alberta’s varsity team before continuing his career with UCSC. Over the years, Jeff raced at Olympic Trials, the Pan American Games, the World Student Games, and in 1996 set a World Masters Record in the 100 backstroke.

Jeff began coaching with UCSC in 1996. An NCCP Level 2 certified coach, he is committed to stroke development, endurance training, dryland foundations, performance readiness, and working collaboratively with athletes and parents. His decades of experience reflect his passion for athlete mentorship—he emphasizes both personal growth and athletic development, creating an environment where swimmers can thrive.

Outside the pool, Jeff shifted careers in 2015 when he left the Oil & Gas industry to pursue Education. He has taught with the Calgary Board of Education since 2019 and is currently a Grade 4 teacher at Dr. Freda Miller School. Away from work, you can find Jeff downhill skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with family and friends.

In 2015, Jeff was named Swim Alberta’s Provincial Coach of the Year. The 2025–26 season marks his 30th year of coaching.

Personal Quotation: “There is no crying in sports unless you win a Gold Medal at the Olympics. And then I’ll cry with you.”