The GRNSA Coaching Staff

Mio Vasic started the Grand Rapids Novi Sad Aquatics in September of 2010. His main goal is to teach young people to swim, develop a love for the sport, and reach their potential as both swimmer and adult.

In 1996, Vasic gained his first coaching experience in Fort Lauderdale where he worked as swim lessons instructor and administrator for the Swim America Program of Fort Lauderdale Swim Team, under the direction of Jack Nelson. He also served as a counselor and assistant coach at Jack Nelson Swim Camp.

From 1997 to 2002, Vasic was an age group coach with the Indian Aquatic Club in Monroe. During the seasons 2000-2002, under the direction of John Pittington (deceased), Mio was an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s swimming program at the University of Louisiana in Monroe (ULM). He also was an assistant coach at ULM Swim Camp for underprivileged children.

From 2002 to 2009, Mio was an assistant and head coach (2009-2010) of Brandon Blue Wave Swim Team. While at Brandon, Vasic managed year round competitive age group program under guidance of Peter Banks. Since 2002, Vasic helped over 300 swimmers to reach age group and senior state championships. During eight years at Blue Wave, Vasic produced multiple State champions, as well as Sectional and Junior National medalists. His swimmers have gone on to become top collegiate competitors, open water champions, National and Olympic Trial qualifiers.

Between 2002 and 2010, Vasic was head coach and assistant of multiple Florida Swimming All Star Teams. He also was part of coaching staff for Junior National Select and National Open Water Camps. Vasic achieved the ASCA Level 4 and has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Mio Vasic was born in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. He started swimming at the early age of seven, due to a medical condition with his hip. Mio made first splashes at a local swim club Vojvodina and continued career at the Belgrade Red Star Swim Club. As a competitive swimmer, Mio was a multiple Yugoslavian National champion and record holder. During his 20 year career, he competed at World Championships, World Cups, International and National level pool and open water events.