Coach Nikita was a member of the Junior and Senior Russian National Teams for many years. Nikita’s first big international experience was in 2005 when he made a final in the 100 backstroke at the European Junior Championships. Since then, Nikita has been exposed to many different parts of the world stage of swimming. In 2008, Nikita joined Texas A&M University. While representing the Aggies, he set multiple school records in backstroke, IM,and relay events and was a four-time NCAA ALL American. After graduating Nikita continued his professional swimming career training in California and then with the Florida Gators Pro-Team at the University of Florida under coach Gregg Troy, 2012 USA Olympic Team Head Coach. Nikita trained with Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Lochte, Elizabeth Beisel, Arkady Vyatchanin and many other US and International top-caliber swimmers. 

Coach Nikita’s personal coaching philosophy is to inspire athletes in and out of the pool by translating knowledge into daily actions. When it comes to developing swimmers to meet their goals, Nikita believes that the training process should be based on physiological, biomechanical, and biochemical processes that occur in the athlete’s body throughout the different training phases. Developing speed, power, agility and aerobic capacity is crucial to creating well- rounded athletes who will succeed in the pool. In addition, his belief is that an athlete’s mental health will positively contribute to their success. Swimming should be enjoyable, and while there will be stress and pressure, they should feel supported by their coaching staff. The pool should be a challenging environment, and always a positive environment. The happiness that Nikita feels at the pool is something he wants to share with all of the athletes at Santa Clara Swim Club. 

Arizona Interscholastic Association’s High School Swim Coach of the Year 

Four-time NCAA ALL American

World Cup Finalist

Area and Speedo Grand Prix Series Finalist 

World Top 50 Swimmer in multiple events

Texas A&M University record holder in multiple events Russian National Champion 

Nikita was born in a country that no longer exists. 

Nikita doesn’t have a favorite color, food, nor drink.