Olga Kuzhela

Olga Kuzhela begins her second season on The Farm as assistant coach in 2027.

Named to the staff on Dec. 10, 2025, Kuzhela made an immediate impact in her debut season in 2026, helping Stanford repeat as national champions while claiming its 11th title in school history.

Kuzhela brings extensive international experience, having competed as a member of the Russian Senior National Team from 2002-11. She captured a gold medal in the team competition at the 2008 Olympics, joining head coach Elvira Khasyanova on the podium in Beijing.

A 10-time career gold medalist overall, Kuzhela is also a five-time World Championships gold medalist (2005, 2007) and four-time European champion (2006, 2010) competing across a variety of routines.

Kuzhela’s appointment to assistant coach reunited her with Khasyanova, as the Cardinal’s highly-decorated coaching duo has combined to secure four Olympic gold medals, 14 World Championships titles and eight European crowns.

Prior to arriving at Stanford, Kuzhela most recently helped as a coach with the USA Senior National Team in 2025.

Kuzhela previously served as CEO and head coach of the Akula Artistic Swimming Club in Morgan Hill, California, having founded and directed the club while managing all business operations. Kuzhela produced numerous athletes who eventually became members of the U.S. Youth, Junior and Senior National teams and claimed medals.

From 2011-18, Kuzhela served as head coach of Nevskaya Volna, presiding over one of Russia’s leading artistic swimming clubs. Kuzhela coached the Youth National Team in 2017.

Since 2023, Kuzhela has also been head coach of the California Masters Artistic Swimming program, directing the organization to silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Nationals, in addition to mentoring Mika Soya-Kelly to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships.

Her local coaching experience also includes a stint as coach of the Santa Clara Aquamaids from 2018-21, leading the 10U and 11/12-age groups.

Kuzhela is also founder and president of BOD - Kuzhela Synchro School in St. Petersburg, Russia, a position she has held since 2009.

Kuzhela graduated with a Master’s Degree in 2009 from Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sports and Health in St. Petersburg. Kuzhela’s degree was in Physical Education and Sport Science, with a specialization in Sport Education and Coaching.