Randy Folker begins his first year at the helm of the Western women's swimming and diving program during the 2016-17 season.
Folker brings with him a wealth of swimming knowledge. Most recently, Folker was with Mission Valley Aquatics, a non-profit pool start-up on a Native American Reservation in Polson, Montana, helping with program development. In addition to coaching swim team and the masters swim program, Folker trained the swim instructors, lifeguards, and coaching staff
Prior to Mission Valley, Folker was at the University of Hawai'i from 2009-15. There he was a graduate assistant, volunteer varsity assistant, and masters coach. He also served as the interim facility manager of the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Center and worked closely with Dr. Jans Prins and The University of Hawaii Aquatics Research Lab.
From 2004-06, Folker was on staff tasked with preparing high school and college age swimmers for national level competition at the Mission Viejo Nadadores Swim Club. During this time, Folker was mentored by Olympic team and Hall of Fame coaches Bill Rose and Jim Montrella.
While earning his bachelor's degree from Indiana University, Folker was head coach at Swim Indy Swim Club. He was also the administrator of SWIMAMERICA during this time.
During the 90's, Folker coached swimming and water polo for the Golden West Swim Team and Golden West College. There he was a swim coach and water polo coach for all age groups through the college level. During his time there, Folker was mentored by ASCA Level Five coach John Woodling and Olympic coach Bud McCallister.
A native of Huntington Beach, California, Folker earned a master's degree from the University of Hawai'I in 2011, and is a veteran water polo official with over 25 years of experience. Folker holds a bachelor's degree in education/social science from the University of Indiana and a master's degree in American Studies from the University of Hawai'i.
