Khasyanova To Lead Cardinal

STANFORD, Calif. - Elvira Khasyanova has been named head coach of the Stanford artistic swimming program, as announced on Friday by Jaquish & Kenninger Director and Chair of Athletics John Donahoe.

Khasyanova has been a steadying influence and respected leader for the Cardinal since arriving on The Farm in September 2018, serving as assistant coach for the previous seven seasons.

A 2021 International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee, Khasyanova boasts an extremely decorated professional career competing as a member of the Russian Senior National Team from 1999-2012 and a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the team competition (2004, 2008, 2012).

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Head Coach for the Stanford Artistic Swimming program,” said Khasyanova. “I want to thank our student-athletes, Megan Abarca, John Donahoe, Angie Jabir, Richard Zhu and the entire Stanford community for their unwavering support and trust. I am especially excited about the upcoming season, in which we will host both the MPSF Championships and USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Championships.”

“We are thrilled to have Elvira leading our team and grateful for her contributions over the last seven seasons,” said Donahoe. “This appointment is well deserved as Elvira has been instrumental in helping build sustained success as a championship-caliber program.”

During Khasyanova’s tenure, Stanford has produced a pair of national championships (2021, 2025), four consecutive MPSF titles (2022-25) and 10 individual national champions. Khasyanova has also mentored 21 USA Artistic Swimming All-Americans, combining for 41 total honors while serving as assistant coach responsible for all program operations.

Stanford is coming off its 10th national championship in school history in 2025, becoming one of only six varsity programs in the department to have won at least 10 national titles. The Cardinal’s 2021 national title was even more memorable, winning it all for the first time since 2016 and dethroning three-time defending champion Ohio State while competing in front of its home crowd at Avery Aquatic Center.

Khasyanova is also a nine-time World Championships gold medalist in the team competition (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011) while adding event victories in free routine combination and team technical routine over her final two appearances.

Prior to arriving at Stanford, Khasyanova spent the previous three years coaching with the U.S. National Team, working with the senior and junior squads and traveling to major competitions in China, Japan, Canada and the U.S. as part of the FINA World Series for Artistic Swimming. Khasyanova also coached the 2019 Junior Worlds in Hungary.

A four-time European champion (2002, 2004, 2006, 2010), Khasyanova retired from professional competition in November 2012. Upon returning home from the 2012 London Olympics, Khasyanova and her team were greeted at the Kremlin and presented with state honors by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Khasyanova was one of only five synchronized swimmers presented with the seldom-awarded Order for Services to the Fatherland.

Khasyanova’s first competition as a National Team Member came at the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, with a victory over the host country. Khasyanova first began competing in synchronized swimming at Club Trud in Moscow, Russia, from 1988-2001. She competed as a member of the Russian Junior National Team from 1994-98, claiming gold in the duet and team events at both the 1996 and 1998 Junior World and Junior European Championships.

Khasyanova graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2005 from the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in Moscow. She also completed a Baccalaureate in Law in 2009 from Moscow Institute of Business and Law (MIPP) in Moscow.

Khasyanova is married and has one daughter, Sofia, and one son, Waris.