Who Is Ivan Puskovitch's Coach?

Ivan Puskovitch, an American open-water swimmer, is coached by Mohammad Khadembashi, the Executive Director and Head Coach at TSM Aquatics. Khadembash ia also known as ‘Coach Mo’. Their partnership began in April 2022 when Puskovitch reached out to Khadembashi during a low point in his swimming career.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Puskovitch broke a national age-group record by age 10. He attended Episcopal Academy. Puskovitch's college career took him to the University of Southern California and later to West Virginia University. In February 2024, he qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing 14th at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha, becoming just the fifth American to qualify for the Olympics in open-water swimming.

Read More:- Ivan Puskovitch College

Quick Facts on Ivan Puskovitch's Coach

Ivan Puskovitch's Coach

Mohammad Khadembashi, is serving as the coach of Ivan Puskovitch. Known affectionately as ‘Coach Mo’, he is the Executive Director and Head Coach at TSM Aquatics. His journey in coaching began in 2007 at the Santa Monica YMCA. By 2011, Khadembashi had reached the position of Head Coach of the YMCA Team.

In 2015, Khadembashi joined TSM Aquatics as an Assistant Coach. Just four years later, in 2019, he was promoted to Head Coach. Khadembashi's expertise is certified at the highest levels, holding ASCA Level 5, USMS, and USA Swimming coaching certifications.

Coach Khadembashi's Coaching Career

Early Career

As a self-taught swimmer who learned in the Caspian Sea, Khadembashi started teaching swimming lessons to children as young as 3 at a local YMCA while attending Santa Monica College. This experience sparked his passion for coaching.

Professional Coaching Career

1. 2007: Started coaching at Santa Monica YMCA

2. 2011: Promoted to Head Coach of the YMCA Team

3. 2015: Joined TSM Aquatics as Assistant Coach

4. 2019: Promoted to Head Coach at TSM Aquatics

Under his leadership, TSM swimmers have achieved competitive rankings at Southern California, USA Swimming, and international levels. He has coached swimmers to Junior National, National, Olympic Trials, and World Junior levels, leading the club to a Silver Medal status within USA Swimming.

National Team Experience

• Named Head Coach of Southern California Swimming for the Western Zone Age Group Championships in 2017 and 2018

• Led team SoCal to its first Zone Championships victory in a decade

• Named to the USA National Team Coaches list for 2019-2020 and 2023-2024

• Appointed Team USA Head Coach for the 2019 FINA World Cup in Hungary

• Served as Coach to the Venezuelan National Junior Team for the 2019 FINA World Junior Championships

Coach Khadembashi's Record

• Guiding TSM Aquatics to Silver Medal status within USA Swimming

• Coaching swimmers to qualify for Olympic Trials, Senior and Junior Nationals, World Juniors, and World Championships

• Leading Southern California Swimming to victory in the Western Zone Age Group Championships

Coach Khadembashi's Awards & Achievements

• ASCA Level 5 Certification

• USMS Certified Coach

• USA Swimming Certified Coach

• Named to USA National Team Coaches list (2019-2020, 2023-2024)

• Appointed Team USA Head Coach for the 2019 FINA World Cup in Hungary