Jonathan Bloedow
Assistant Coach for Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving
Jonathan Bloedow joined the Aquinas College Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving coaching staff in 2026, bringing experience as a collegiate swimmer along with a growing background in club and high school coaching.
As an Assistant Coach, Bloedow is committed to helping Aquinas student-athletes develop in and out of the pool while contributing to the continued growth of the Saints' young swimming and diving programs. His experience as both a collegiate swimmer and coach provides him with an understanding of the commitment, preparation and development required to compete at the collegiate level.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bloedow earned his Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University, where he competed for four years as a member of the Lakers' swimming program. Bloedow was part of four consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship teams from 2019 through 2022. At the 2020 GLIAC Championships, he recorded four top-16 individual finishes, placing sixth in the 200 butterfly, eighth in the 400 individual medley, 11th in the 200 individual medley and 13th in the 200 backstroke.
Bloedow began gaining coaching experience while attending Grand Valley, coaching adult swim lessons for two years before moving into club swimming in January 2023. He has played a role in the growth and development of the East Grand Rapids Aquatics Senior National Team, which grew from two swimmers in 2024 to nine in 2026. Bloedow also coached the East Grand Rapids High School boys swimming team during the 2024-25 season, helping the Pioneers to a third-place finish at the MHSAA Division 3 State Championships with six swimmers earning All-State recognition.
Bloedow chose Aquinas because of the opportunity to grow as a collegiate coach while helping build a young and developing program alongside Head Coach Kristy Hepp. He values the eager, passionate and supportive environment surrounding the program and looks forward to helping Aquinas student-athletes develop while contributing to the future of Saints Swimming and Diving.
Outside of swimming, Bloedow enjoys spending time with family and friends outdoors, particularly near the water, along with reading fiction, writing about life and fishing.
Quick Facts
Position: Assistant Coach for Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving
Joined Aquinas: 2026
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science, Grand Valley State University
Previous Experience:
- East Grand Rapids High School Boys Swimming
- East Grand Rapids Aquatics
- Adult Swim Lessons
Collegiate Swimming Experience:
- Grand Valley State University, 2019-22
- Four-time GLIAC Team Champion
- Four top-16 individual finishes at the 2020 GLIAC Championships
Family:
- One older sister and one younger brother
- Younger brother competed in swimming at St. Olaf College
- Parents attended St. Olaf College
- Mother earned a master's degree from Aquinas College
Hobbies: Spending time outdoors with family and friends, reading fiction, writing and fishing
