The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are excited to share the appointment of Terry Radchenko as assistant coach, track and field and lead cross country, effective April 21.
"We're thrilled to welcome Terry back to campus in this capacity," said Mary Beth Challoner, Director of Intercollegiate and High Performance Sport. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and incredible experience to our program, and he consistently exhibits the highest level of excellence in everything he does. We're excited for the immediate impact he'll have on our student-athletes and the continued growth of our program."
Radchenko returns to the Varsity Blues program having previously served as an assistant coach with the U of T cross country and track and field teams between 2012-21. Primarily working with the middle distance and distance runners, U of T saw plenty of team success under his stewardship, winning three U SPORTS Women's Track & Field Championship titles (2015, 2016, 2017) and the 2017 U SPORTS Women's Cross Country Championship. Additionally, he assisted with oversight of the University of Toronto Track and Field Club (UTTC) and Junior Blues programs.
""I am excited about the opportunity to return home and contribute to a program with such a renowned legacy, one that has been regarded as among the best in North America. Building on its rich history of success, I look forward to helping elevate it even further," said Radchenko. "The University of Toronto's prestigious academic reputation, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-performance mandate make it a prime destination for athletes and coaches alike."
Most recently, Radchenko has served as head coach of the University of Guelph cross country teams and associate head coach with the Gryphons track and field teams since 2021. During that time, the Gryphons won six U SPORTS Track and Field Championship titles. As well, he was named OUA Cross Country coach of the year four times (Women: 2022, 2021; Men: 2023, 2021).
"I am passionate about fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where student-athletes are empowered to reach their full potential, both on-and-off the track," added Radchenko. "Coaching is more than a profession to me; it's a passion. I am committed to helping student-athletes navigate their challenges and inspire them to grow into the best versions of themselves."
With over 20 years of coaching experience, the NCCP Level 3 endurance coach has had the opportunity to serve as primary coach of over 20 national team athletes who have represented Canada at over 35 international competitions. This list of elite athletes includes four Olympians and Varsity Blues alumnae: Lucia Stafford (2020, 2024), Jazz Shukla (2024), Madeleine Kelly (2024), and Gabriela DeBues-Stafford (2016). Under his guidance, athletes have won over 50 individual OFSAA medals, 100-plus provincial medals, and more than 40 national medals.
