Episode #266 Jay Lerew (Texas A&M)

This week on The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the most accomplished and fascinating figures the sport has ever seen, Jay Lerew. From an unlikely start in athletics to becoming one of the most respected coaches in the world, Jay's journey is anything but ordinary.

Before he was producing NCAA champions and Olympians, Jay was soaring through the air as a professional aerial acrobatic skier, performing the kinds of flips and twists that looked straight out of a James Bond movie. That unique background eventually led him to the diving world, where he discovered a passion for coaching that would shape generations of athletes.

Jay shares stories from his remarkable coaching career, including leading the United States as Head Olympic Diving Coach at the 2000 Olympic Games, building powerhouse club programs, and transforming the diving program at Texas A&M Athletics into a national contender. Along the way, he developed NCAA champions, Olympians, conference champions, and countless All-Americans while earning multiple National and Conference Coach of the Year honors.

We dive into the lessons he's learned from decades on deck, the athletes who shaped his career, and the passion that kept him pushing the sport forward. Whether you're a diver, coach, or simply love hearing incredible life stories, this episode offers a rare look into the mind of a coach whose impact on diving stretches across generations.

Join us as we hear the unforgettable story of Jay Lerew—a coach, innovator, Olympian mentor, aerial skier, and quite possibly the most interesting man in diving.