LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Southern College has announced the hiring of Jason Seels, a world-champion athlete and internationally respected coach, as the new head coach of the Moccasins' water ski program.
Seels brings more than 15 years of elite-level coaching experience and over two decades of international competition experience to Lakeland. A former World Champion and current Over-35 World Record holder in the jump event (65.7 meters / 216 feet), Seels has established himself as one of the most accomplished figures in the sport, both on the water and on the dock.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jason Seels to the Florida Southern family," said Drew Howard, Director of Athletics & Dean of Wellness. "His experience at the highest levels of international competition, combined with his proven ability to develop world-class athletes, makes him an outstanding leader for our water ski program."
As the founder and head coach of J S Sports LLC in Winter Haven since 2009, Seels has operated a premier water ski training academy that attracts athletes from across the globe, including elite competitors from national programs and prestigious universities. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, mental toughness, and long-term athlete development. Under his guidance, athletes have earned multiple European and World Championship medals.
Seels also served as a coach for the U.S. Under-21 National Team at the 2015 World Championships, helping lead the team to a gold medal. His experience developing athletes for international competition aligns with Florida Southern's commitment to excellence at the collegiate level.
"I'm fired up to take the FSC waterski team to new heights — building a strong, competitive program while developing athletes on and off the water," Seels said upon his appointment, underscoring his commitment to both athletic and personal growth.
As an athlete, Seels' resume is extensive. He is an 11-time European Champion, a two-time World Over-35 Jump Champion, and a medalist at both the IWSF World Championships and the World Games. He represented Great Britain for more than 20 years on the British Open Water Ski Team, consistently ranking among the world's top jumpers and overall competitors.
Seels holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science from the University of Portsmouth, bringing a strong foundation in performance optimization, injury prevention, and training methodology to the program.
With Seels at the helm, Florida Southern looks to continue building on its tradition of success and further establish itself as a premier destination for collegiate water ski athletes.
