Ozzie Quevedo
Luis Martinez
QUICK STATS
- Birthday: August 4, 1976
- Height: 6’5”
- Hometown: Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
- College: Auburn University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Recently named Associate Head Coach at the University of Alabama
- Spent three years coaching at Florida State after coaching three seasons at Auburn University
- NCAA champion
- Six-time All-American
- Swam 100 butterfly and 400 free relay at 2000 Olympics for Venezuela
- Venezuelan national champion in 50 and 100 butterfly in 2000
- Two-time Pan-American Games medalist
- Set masters long-course record in 50 butterfly in 2009
EXPERIENCE
Fresh off his career as an elite athlete, Ozzie Quevedo took his talents to the pool deck, where the shrill whistles, roaring crowds, and swim meet bustle has yet to grow faint. One might think that such a high-achieving member of the sport is fueled by the championship rings and multi-pillared trophies, but Ozzie dismisses such notions with the wave of a hand. It is, in fact, gratitude that wakes him up each morning (along with his 5:30 a.m. alarm).
“To watch someone become part of a process by continuing to get better, no matter what the goal, be it a junior national cut, trying to get across the pool, putting their head down for three strokes, or becoming an Olympic champion, is the most gratifying thing any coach can experience.”
This gratitude stems from a long, complex relationship with the sport, one Ozzie feels compelled to nurture by giving back.
“Swimming has given me everything; it has given me my livelihood, my wife, my kids, and so much more. It’s amazing to step on deck and give back to a sport that has blessed me with so much.”
Ozzie not only gives back, but produces champions in the process. With a special interest in maximizing efficiency, Ozzie works with the athlete’s natural stroke to craft an effective, perfected technique for each swimmer.
“The most important thing is how you maximize your level of energy. When I’m working with swimmers I like to explain each critique and suggestion thoroughly. Most of all, I like to connect with the athletes on their level. I think it’s important for them to find that security in order to enhance communication.”
This intimate understanding of the coach-swimmer dynamic is the basis of Ozzie’s coaching success, something he attributes to his own experiences with elite coaches.
“I can always go back to the coaches I have encountered in my own life; my list of mentors is massive, and I can always reach out and ask questions. I’m able to pick, choose, and borrow ideas from the many esteemed coaches I have gotten to work with. That’s the foundation of how I coach.”
Encouraging participants to play starring roles in their own clinics, Ozzie welcomes questions on technique, mental strength, and much more.
“I advise participants to ask as many questions as possible. Don’t ever see your coaches as super-human based on the fact that we have been blessed to achieve a certain goal within the sport. Ask me how I can empower you to get to that point, too. Ask me how I can show you to believe in yourself and get support from the people in your life to advance to another level.”
While Ozzie’s coaching style is an eclectic product of experience and his own creativity, his holistic approach is far less nuanced. With a simple goal to “coach the entire person,” Ozzie sets his sights far beyond competitive accolades.
“I want kids to walk away with a sense for how to conquer the small battles in practice and in life each day. At the end of the day, hopefully, these kids become better people for our community, not just better athletes.”
Book Ozzie today to help your swimmers reach their dreams.
