Scottsdale Aquatic Club, which is among “Arizona’s most celebrated swim clubs,” has announced Andrew Nguyen as the new head coach and CEO, effective Aug. 16.

After a nearly 20-year run with the SAC team, the current head coach, Kevin Zacher acceptanced a head coaching position at the Santa Clara Swim Club, according to a press release, giving details about the new appointment of Nguyen.

He joins the non-profit Scottsdale Aquatic Club after transitioning from his role as head Bellevue Club Swim Team coach in Bellevue, Washington. Serving as head coach of the nearly 350 swimmer aquatic program, for the past five years, Nguyen helped lead the BCST to earn its first-ever Gold Media Club recognition in USA Swimming’s Club Excellence program and BCST won its first Junior National title in 2019, the release said.

“I am very excited to join and lead Scottsdale Aquatic Club,” said Nguyen in a prepared statement. “I look forward to working with this nationally renowned organization and its coaches, athletes and families. Kevin has done an incredible job cultivating a culture of excellence. I am eager to get to work so that SAC will continue to build on its successful foundation and reach its fullest potential as an organization.”

Nguyen was chosen from a national search conducted by a nine-member committee comprised of SAC board members, coaches and parent representatives. Since April, the committee reviewed over three dozen applications and vetted 12 candidates before unanimously recommending Nguyen to the SAC Board of Directors , the release noted.

With a 57-year history in the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Aquatic Club is a year-long competitive youth swim team that provides programs at all four city-owned pools from the north to the south with two thirds of members being Scottsdale residents and those who attend the Scottsdale Unified School District.

“Over the past 15 years, the club has seen an increasing level of performance thanks to the efforts of departing head coach Kevin Zacher,” said Brian Esterly, Scottsdale Aquatic Club board president, in a prepared statement.

“Our objective in the coming years is to not only build on the strength that already exists, but to continue the club’s positive momentum. We strongly believe we found such a person and are excited for the qualities Nguyen will bring to SAC.”

During Zacher’s tenure as head coach, Scottsdale Aquatic Club grew from 170 swimmers to a 500-member club. SAC has become a formidable force locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as the club has dominated Arizona State Championships since 2007, won Junior Nationals three times in 2014, 2016 and 2017 and regularly sends swimmers to compete at the quadrennial Olympic Trials, detailed the release.

The club also has an impressive track record of sending scholar-athletes to continue their swimming career at top-ranked college programs. Zacher was recognized for the successes by being named Arizona Swimming Coach of the Year in 2007, 2014 and 2016.

The Scottsdale Aquatic Club, a member of USA Swimming Inc., is a year-round, competitive swim team with professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. SAC, incorporated since 1964, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization run by an elected board of directors and sponsored by the city of Scottsdale.

Most SAC practices are at Cactus Pool, added the release.