Western’s swim and dive team is widely recognized as one of the best in Virginia— the girls team has the most state wins out of any swim team in the state, and the boys team has won the state title for seven consecutive years. Both teams took home the title of state champ this year as well. Dan Bledsoe’s coaching career has been prolific, with 15 years at WAHS, a stint in Waynesboro, and two decades of coaching the Boar’s Head Sports Club Summer League, which he recently stepped down from. It wasn’t until 2012, a few years after long-time coach Bledsoe joined the team, when the girls team first won states, that Western’s swim and dive program truly became a powerhouse. Fifteen years and seventeen state titles into his coaching career at Western, Bledsoe recently received the Coach of the Year Award from the Daily Progress.
“It’s an honor to be recognized…the greatest reward is that you made a meaningful impact on a person’s life,” Bledsoe said.
He enjoys coaching for many of the same reasons as he does teaching: “To be able to provide a framework for kids to challenge themselves, learn how to push themselves, learn how to succeed, learn how to fail…that really prepares them for the next part of life.” When Bledsoe coaches he tries to recognize the potential for growth within each individual, and develop a personal relationship.
Sophomore Johnny Zevgolis is one of Western’s accomplished varsity swimmers. Zevgolis believes Bledsoe is “a good leader and coaches very well.” He appreciates Bledsoe’s focus on technique and strong work ethic. After Western Swim and Dive’s numerous consecutive state titles, Zevgolis credited the rigor and thoroughness of Bledsoe’s coaching style as a driving force behind the wins.
Western’s longtime athletic director Steve Heon also praised Bledsoe’s coaching techniques: “He’s very passionate, he loves the sport, loves working with young men and women, trying to help them develop into the best possible swimmers they can be.” Heon also commended his organizational skills and coaching talent, and noted that “both the individual and team results reflect that.”
Western’s assistant swim coach, Adam Reinhard, has worked with Bledsoe for two years. He believes that Bledsoe’s expertise is key to the team’s success: “I would call him a warm demander, he holds the kids to a higher standard, but also lets them have a little fun and be a team.”