Sakovich named head coach at Bolles

Former Saipan Swim Club swimmer Jon Sakovich was recently named head coach and aquatic director of The Bolles School.

“Jon was the most compelling candidate in an extensive international search. His leadership skills, extraordinary record of success and vision, make him uniquely suited to continue and advance the Bolles’ swim program’s success,” interim Head of School Brad Johnson was quoted as saying in the information sent to Saipan Tribune about Sakovich’s appointment.

The son of CNMI Sports Hall of Famers Bill and Jean Sakovich was humbled with the appointment and vowed to do his best in ensuring the continued success of the school’s program.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Bolles Swim program,” Sakovich said. “My family and I have enjoyed being a part of the Bolles community and I am thrilled to continue the development of our swimmers in helping them achieve the highest levels of success.”

Jon Sakovich

Sakovich, who owns several CNMI national and age groups records that have been there for more than two decades, took over from Sergio Lopez on acting capacity in December last year before being officially named head coach of the school’s swim team and director of its aquatics programs early this month. Sakovich joined Bolles, a college preparatory school in Jacksonville Florida, in 2000 as a staff after serving as head coach of Clearwater Aquatics for four years. He also coached at Florida Aquatics in Gainesville.

The former Olympian’s vast experience both as a swimmer and coach made him the unanimous choice for the head coaching post, beating a strong pool that includes European and local coaches.

“His rich experience and coaching skills demonstrated his ability to enhance the athletic and academic experience of young people and made it clear that Jon was the best candidate to lead this program,” incoming President and Head of School Dave Farace said.

Before becoming an Olympian (representing Guam in the 1988 Seoul Olympics), Sakovich donned the colors of the CNMI in various regional and international competitions, such as the Micronesian Games, South Pacific Games, Pan Pacific Games, and FINA World Championships. With his impressive credentials, he earned a spot on the University of Florida swim team. At UF, he got All-American honors and national titles both in the pool and open water races. While swimming in collegiate ranks, Sakovich also brought home a bronze medal for Team USA from the 1995 Pan American Games and represented the U.S. in the 1996 Pan Pacific Championships.