Victor Polyakov has served the WCU Coaching staff since the 2018-19 season as an assistant coach on the West Chester University Swimming & Diving staff under head coach Steve Mazurek. A WCU alumnus, Polyakov also serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator, pool manager at Graham Natatorium, and lead instructor for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification program.

Since joining the coaching staff, Polyakov has played an integral role in the program’s national success. He was part of the coaching team that led West Chester to a 3rd-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Division II Championships—one of the highest national finishes in program history. In 2023, the Golden Rams placed 4th nationally, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 800 freestyle relay and a national championship and NCAA Division II record set by Ann Carozza in the 200 butterfly.

One of the most decorated student-athletes in school history, Polyakov earned five NCAA Division II national titles across five different events during his collegiate career. He was a former national record holder in the 500 Free and maintained undefeated records in individual events throughout all four years at the PSAC Championships. He remains the only swimmer in PSAC history to be named Swimmer of the Year in every season. Polyakov still holds five school records and four conference records. In recognition of his achievements, he was named one of the PSAC’s Top 150 Athletes of All Time in the fall of 2025 and was nominated as Coach Polyakov for the NCAA Top 100 Swimmers of the Century. 

Polyakov, recognized for his outstanding performance across various events, brings his technical skills and competitive experience to West Chester’s swim team, supporting the development of athletes at both conference and national stages.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Polyakov oversees the University’s regionally recognized youth swim lessons program, which serves hundreds of families in the community each year.

Originally from Taganrog, Russia, Polyakov graduated from West Chester University in 2017. He was a two-time WCU Athlete of the Year and a multi-time College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Academic All-America honoree.