Valentin Preda
Associate Head Coach
Email: [email protected]
Started swimming at 7 years old. Born and raised in Romania. Was a member of the Romanian National team and participated at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for Romania. Set multiple LCM/SCM national records for Romania in breaststroke events. Participated at the 2003 European Junior Championships. As a senior, participated in multiple European Championships and World Championships. In 2006 at the European Championships finished 11th in the 100 Breast and 6th in the 400 Medley Relay. Was a finalist at the 2007 World Championships in the 400 Medley Relay.
In 2005 earned a swim scholarship at the University of Louisville. Awarded U of L’s Freshman and Sophomore Athlete of the Year. Was a multiple Big East Champion and qualified all four years at the D1 NCAA Championships, earning 10 NCAA All American Honors. Set multiple school records in the breaststroke and IM events. In 2010 graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Louisville. Continued swimming professionally until 2012.
During 2012-2017 coached the senior group for the Owensboro Marlins Swim Team and from 2017-2022 became the Head Coach. During his time as a head coach, he had multiple Age Group and Senior Kentucky State Champions, Sectional medalists, Futures Champions, Junior National Qualifiers, and a 2021 Olympic Trials qualifier.
Moved to Houston in 2023 and I am excited to join the SSAN coaching staff.
Vali has been married for 14 years to Taylor and they have two wonderful girls, Nadia and Vera.
