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Jennifer Hand

Jen Hand

Head Coach, Viking Aquatic Club (since 2021)

Coach Jen has been a dedicated member of the VAC coaching staff since 2018 and proudly took on the role of Head Coach in March 2021—right as the team faced one of its greatest challenges: rebuilding after the COVID-19 shutdown. At the time, VAC had just 20 swimmers. Through her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment, the team has grown back stronger than ever, with more than 70 athletes expected this 2025-2026 season and a thriving, positive culture at its core.

A lifelong swimmer herself, Coach Jen started competing at age six with the Pine Bush program, where she later returned as a young coach while still in high school. That early experience shaped her athlete-centered philosophy: building confident, resilient swimmers who find joy and purpose in every lap.

She holds all required USA Swimming certifications and currently serves on the USA Swimming Metropolitan Age Group Committee (since 2023). Under her guidance, VAC athletes have gone on to compete at state, national, collegiate, and even Olympic Trial levels—an achievement she considers one of her proudest professional moments.

Beyond the pool, Coach Jen champions team bonding and community connection. From parades and volunteer events to themed team nights, she encourages her athletes to support one another and take pride in the VAC family.

A fun fact: though she swam freestyle, she was actually faster in butterfly—and despite her dislike of public speaking, she says, “Talking to all of your kids is painless.”

Coach Jen is deeply proud to lead VAC’s next chapter of growth alongside a passionate coaching team. She often says, “I don’t have kids—I have all of your kids,” a sentiment that perfectly sums up her heart for the program and the swimmers who make it special.

Help Center Articles

Varsity Swim Group

Junior Group Junior level athletes are near “perfect” in all four strokes, and are able to take on more and harder challenges. The expectation is to further perfect all strokes while adding in training for all energy systems. This group will follow a periodization schedule. Coaches Jen Hand, Jenna Prodromides 

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Can I switch swim groups?

After trying out most swimmers will be assigned to the Blue group due to ability and/or age. The coach will often tell you which group you’ll be assigned to immediately following practice and/or you will receive an email with your assigned group. New Swimmers If due to schedule restrictions or

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White Swim Group

Level Intermediate-Beginner Description Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique. Expectation is to learn all strokes and do competition-level 50s of at least three strokes by end of season. Practice Times Fall & Spring: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

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