Monica Velazquez-Stiak Promoted to Associate Head Coach
7/6/2026 9:00:00 AM | Artistic Swimming
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State head coach Holly Vargo-Brown announced Monday the promotion of Monica Velazquez-Stiak to associate head coach.
"Elevating Monica to associate head coach has been one of the easiest decisions of my career," Vargo-Brown said. "She possesses an outstanding artistic swimming mind and, as a true role model, has the absolute respect of every one of our student-athletes and support staff."
Velazquez-Stiak has served as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes for the last four seasons. In her time on staff, she has helped the team to an overall institution national championship in 2023 and coached the Buckeyes to three routine national titles.
"Every day I am grateful to be a Buckeye, and I am so honored I get to continue the work we're doing with this program," Velazquez-Stiak said. "Thank you to Ross Bjork, Maura Murphy and Ohio State for supporting our program to the fullest, and to Holly Vargo-Brown for being a guiding light and an excellent steward for our sport."
In her new role, Velazquez-Stiak will lead all recruiting efforts, student-athlete career development and camps in addition to her coaching responsibilities.
"I believe Monica is clearly committed to enhancing both our program and the growth of artistic swimming at the collegiate level," Vargo-Brown said. "She doesn't just execute our team's vision; she helps shape it. Her promotion is earned and well-deserved."
Velazquez-Stiak is no stranger to the Ohio State student-athlete experience. She competed for the Buckeyes from 2014-18 and is a two-time graduate. During her Buckeye career she helped the program to three national championships (2015, 2017, 2018) in addition to her four individual titles. The Phoenix, Ariz. native is a two-time U.S. Collegiate National Championship Individual High Point Award winner and was the 2018 Big Ten Medal of Honor finalist.
"When you get to work with the student-athletes we have and be mentored by Holly, there are no bad days," Velazquez-Stiak said. "There is no better place to be than here at The Ohio State."
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