RECognition: Nikolai Khodyakov, Instructional Classes

Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

Whether it’s on the pool deck or on the fencing piste, Nikolai Khodyakov loves helping other people push themselves to the limits.

“Being there for patrons when they are doing something they'd never done before is very rewarding,” Nikolai says. These opportunities to step out of your comfort zone are hard to come by.”

Encouraging others to reach beyond their boundaries is what Nikolai specializes in. One of his REC jobs is working as a lifeguard at Canyonview, where he makes sure everyone’s staying safe, from first-timers in their swim lessons to Division 1 water polo players.

His other job is a little more to the point.

“In my job as a Fencing Instructor, I work with intermediate foil fencers to build on the skills they've learned in their first introductory session,” says Nikolai, who works in our Instructional Classes program. “We work one-on-one and in small groups to give people an idea of what competitive fencing can look like. I also run the open floor sessions, where fencers are free to come and drop in to use our equipment and practice their skills with friends.”

A second-year in Eleanor Roosevelt College majoring in political science: data analytics, Nikolai joined Recreation in December of 2024. He said he quickly realized how important REC would be in his student experience at UC San Diego, “and knew that I had to get involved somehow,” he says.

Ben Brickley, Assistant Director for Rec Classes, is sure glad he did.

“Nikolai has been working as a Rec Class Fencing Instructor for the past year, developing and refining a Level 2 program for our more advanced fencers,” he says. “His dedication and hard work have expanded the fencing program to allow for more experienced athletes to hone their skills in a fun, nurturing environment. He is a shining example of how our instructors create an inclusive community for many of UCSD’s specialized sporting programs! 

Even when he’s not fencing — or on the pool deck — you can usually find Nikolai in the corner of Main Gym, setting up a target and practicing his blade work.

“Putting on my headphones and playing some good music while moving helps me relax and disconnect while simultaneously working on sport-specific skills, like speed, accuracy and endurance,” he says.

One of Nikolai’s best REC memories (so far!) was working one of the first-ever Beach Breaks this past year.

“Aquatics recently started a new program where we bring beach chairs, umbrellas and games down to Scripps Pier on some Saturdays for students to take advantage of,” he says. “Contributing to a new program with REC is rewarding on its own, and the opportunity to work at the beach makes it doubly so.”

Beach Breaks will be back and better than ever in 2026-2027 — and so, of course, will Nikolai.