Coaches

Club Director & 16/18U Head Coach - Logan Powell

Coach Logan Powell returns to San Clemente after serving as Men’s and Women’s Water Polo Coach at Ottawa University in Arizona. Before moving to Ottawa University Logan Powell served as head coach of the boys and girls water polo teams at San Clemente High School. In four seasons leading the boys, the team won three league titles and reached the CIF Finals in 2019. His 10 seasons coaching the girls team saw them win seven league titles, make four trips to the CIF Finals, and win one CIF Championship.

Logan Powell was named the 2011 CIF Coach of the Year and he received the USA Water Polo (USAWP) Brent Bohlender Award for Girls Development in 2017 and the USAWP Bill Barnett Distinguished Coaching Award in 2018.

Logan Powell graduated from San Clemente High School in 2002. During his collegiate career at UCLA, Powell helped the Bruins win the 2004 NCAA National Championship. During his career at UCLA Logan Powell was a 2-Time All-American Selection and in 2006 served as team captain. Powell scored a team-best 34 goals as a senior and had 88 goals in his UCLA career.

Powell graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science. He and his wife Emilee are the parents of two sons, Henry and Lewis.

In addition to serving as our Club Director, Logan is also Head Coach to our 16/18U Girls and 16/18U Boys Teams.

14U Girls Head Coach - Matthew Flesher

Matt is a career water polo coach with 5 NCAA titles under his belt - two as an athlete, and three as a coach. Matt has also racked up over 15 National Club Championships and Junior Olympic wins…and is still counting.

Prior to SCWP, Matt coached at UCLA, UC Berkeley, Corona Del Mar High School and Los Angeles Water Polo Club. Matt has been coached by, and has coached with legendary Olympic coaches past & present. He has coached several National & Junior National Champions and Olympic Medalists from the US and abroad.

Matt brings the same level of focus and intensity to our age-group girls teams as he does to his current college team at Golden West. His tireless dedication to developing well-rounded athletes with solid fundamentals and a growth mindset is evident in our 12U Girls' stellar growth. This year we had three 12U girls teams - two competing in Division 1 and one competing in Division 2. The Red team placed 8th in the Country in JOs.

Prior to coaching, Flesher was a standout water polo player at UCLA from 1999-2002, where he was a three-time All-American selection, two-time All-MPSF selection, and two-time NCAA Champion. In his senior year at UCLA, Matt served as co-captain and earned the Jack Bariteau "Most Inspirational Player" Award. As a post-collegiate player, Flesher spent three seasons on the U.S. National Team, competing at the 2003 World University Games and helping Team USA qualify for the 2005 World Championships. He also played professionally for the Greek team, Ethnikos-Pireaus, in 2003 and 2004. Flesher earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at UCLA, and his Master's Degree in Education from UC Berkeley.

We’re lucky to have lead our 14U Girls age group where his daughter is following in his footsteps.

16/18U Girls Co-Head Coach - Andy Bailey

Born and raised in San Clemente, Andy played for the San Clemente Water Polo Club as a youth. Andy also played at San Clemente High School where he was an All American and Men of USA Youth team. Andy earned a scholarship to play at UCLA where he was a four year starter and two-time NCAA Champion.

Andy is passionate about teaching character and building life lessons into the sport of water polo. He loves that the sport teaches teamwork and builds aquatic skills that directly translate into our culture as ocean loving families. Andy is on his 5th year coaching with SCWP. He has coached 12U Boys, 14U Girls and is now adding 16/18U Girls to his portfolio. When he's not on the pool deck, Andy works as a Fire Captain for Orange County Fire Authority and spends time with his family including two athletes in our club.

14U Boys Head Coach - Chris Murin

We are excited to add Chris Murin to our coaching staff this season! Murin brings 20+ years of head coaching experience.

Chris became Head Coach at Palos Verdes High School in 2005, and his teams won the first Boys CIF title 2009 and Girls 2010 CIF title. From 2014 to 2017, Chris took the reins of the Redondo Beach Union High School Boys program, winning the first CIF Boys title in school history in 2017. Murin was named CIF coach of the year in 2009, 2010, and 2017, and named Daily Breeze newspaper Coach of the Year 5 times.

He has coached with Palos Verdes Water Polo Club, Los Angeles Water Polo Club, and owner/coach of Redondo Beach Water Polo. He took many of his teams internationally to train in Canada, Hungary, Slovakia, and England. Many of his players matriculated to play at D1 colleges.

Prior to coaching, Chris graduated from Peninsula High earning League MVP honors and all CIF. He played one season at El Camino Junior college where his team finished 5th at the State Championships.

With a stellar high school coaching career, we are excited to see how Chris will grow our 14U boys as they prepare for high school and beyond.

Chris lives in San Clemente with his wife Erin.

16/18U Boys Coach - Mike Burke

Mike Burke is an integral part of our Boys program filling a dual role as a coach for our 16/18U boys club team, and as San Clemente High School's varsity assistant coach.

Mike is a native of San Clemente having attended San Clemente High School and playing water polo under coach Steve Yancey, earning league MVP, all-CIF and all-American honors.

Mike received a scholarship to Long Beach State where he was a 4 time all-conference selection as well as a 3 time all-American. As a freshman, Mike was selected to the Junior National Team where he competed in the World Championships in France. Mike was brought up to the US Men's National Team in 1989, where he competed in numerous worldwide events until 1996. Mike won gold medals in the World University games - 1991 in England, and 1993 in New York. Mike was recruited by the New York Athletic Club in 1993, where he went on to help claim 10 National club titles.

Mike was a varsity assistant coach to Steve Yancey in 1995, and coached age group club at the same time here at SCWP. Mike has been coaching club age group programs since his twins (now in 18U) started in Splashball at San Clemente. Mike is instrumental in our 16/18U boys program and we are lucky to have him.

Mike is retired from Carlsbad Fire and is also the Varsity Assistant Coach at San Clemente High School. His son and daughter, Quinn and Keira, are currently juniors at San Clemente and are heavily involved in the HS and club programs.

10U Girls Head Coach - James Farley

James Farley was raised in San Clemente and began playing water polo at the age of 8, with Coach Andy Bailey. James played at San Clemente High School and graduated a multiple year All-American. James then went on to play collegiately as a Trojan for University of Southern California and was a proud member of the 1998 NCAA Championship Team.

James joined the coaching Staff at San Clemente Water Polo Club in 2021 helping recruit and coach the first All-Girl 10U Team for the club. Last year, Matt Flesher and James took this team to the 2022 Junior Olympics and took 6th Place overall. Most recently, Jim coached our 10U Girls Team to win Gold in the Dare to Dream Tournament and they just placed 2nd in the Country at the Junior Olympics.

When not coaching, James works as a firefighter in Southern California and enjoys time with his wife and three children. All three kids are firecrackers in the water which is great for us....as we expect Jim will be coaching our 10U teams with enthusiasm for years to come!

12U Boys Coach - Christy Culp

Christy Culp is entering her third year as a coach with SCWP, but her waterpolo career spans over 15 years including her D1 collegiate experience at California Baptist University.

In 2001-2002 Christy was inducted into the Saddleback College Swimming hall of fame. Graduating in 2005 with a BS in Kinesiology and 2009 with her BS in Nursing. Christy also works at Mission Hospital as a Charge nurse in the trauma department.

It has been Christy’s joy to teach not only basic water polo skills but also foundational skill to being a team player. Her team goal for 10U is to have them experience as many competitive type ball touches as possible while praising the kids for their effort regardless of a win or loss, and to instill fun. This goal paid off, as our 10U Boys just took Gold at the Junior Olympics and are #1 in the Country.

12U Boys Coach - Shane Powell

Shane Powell is a proud San Clemente native. As a kid, Shane loved all things “water “ – going to the beach, surfing, junior lifeguards, swimming and water polo. Shane competed on San Clemente High School’s water polo and swim team from 1992 to 1996.

Now raising his kids in the town he loves, Shane is also introducing them to water polo where he has a son and daughter on our 10U and 12U competition teams. Shane is entering his 3rd year as a coach with SCWP where he focuses on training our youngest boys up in the sport. Shane's mentoring of our 10U Boys has turned out amazing results - our 10U Boys won Gold at the Junior Olympics and are #1 in the Country.

14U Girls Coach - J. Trey Davis

More about this outstanding coach coming soon...

14U Girls Coach - Chris Smithson

More about this outstanding coach coming soon...

14U Boys Coach - Ryan Penrod

More about this outstanding coach coming soon...

12U Girls Coach - John McMains

More about this outstanding coach coming soon...

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10U Girls Coach - Alyssa Boisseranc

Alyssa Boisseranc grew up in Mission Viejo and played high school water polo for neighboring rival Capo Valley High School. During her 3 years on the varsity team, she was a CIF runner-up, Scholar Athlete, and named to 1^st and 2^nd team All CIF, respectively. Her play earned her a scholarship to San Diego State University.

In 2001, Alyssa became an ocean lifeguard for the City of San Clemente. Here she developed a strong connection with San Clemente and decided to make it her home. Throughout her 18 years with Marine Safety, Alyssa held a myriad of positions including Junior Lifeguard Instructor, Coordinator and Lifeguard Supervisor.

Water polo has always been a passion for Alyssa, and when her children expressed interest in the sport, she jumped at the chance to get involved. Alyssa brings her water polo and instruction experience to us at SCWP on our 10U Girls team where she enthusiastically shares her knowledge and love of the game.

Outside of the pool, Alyssa is a mother of two, barista and an artist specializing in driftwood and succulent creations.

10U Girls Coach - Brian McAllister

Brian McAllister is a 2 time varsity, All CIF Southern Section athlete and All-American high school water polo player under legendary coach Bill Barnett at Newport Harbor High School. Brian continued his water polo career at Pepperdine University under coach Terry Schroeder and was a proud member of the 1997 Pepperdine NCAA Championship team.

Brian’s coaching philosophy stems directly from his experience on these teams - placing a strong focus on fundamentals, building a team environment where every player has a critical role and most importantly, developing strong work ethics and character attributes that extend beyond the pool.

Brian lives in San Clemente with his beautiful wife and 3 daughters, including one of the standout players on our 10U girls team.

12U Girls Head Coach - Steve Gill

Prior to joining our 10U Girls Coaching staff this year, Gill coached age-group club teams at Orange County Water Polo, SET Water Polo and San Clemente Water Polo (from 2002-2007). A three-time All-American selection and three-year letter winner at UC Irvine (1989-1992), Gill captured MPSF Co-Player of the Year honors as a senior in 1992. He helped lead the Anteaters to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Tournament in 1991 and 1992.

Following his collegiate career, Gill competed for the U.S. Senior National Team from 1992-1996, and in 2002-2004. Playing at the World University Games in 1991 and 1993, Gill helped Team USA to gold medal finishes in both tournaments.

Gill also excelled for various professional water polo teams in Europe and Australia including stops in Italy, Australia, Croatia, Spain and Greece. He competed for SS Lazio Nuoto in Rome, Italy in 1994, and for West Magpies Water Polo Club in Sydney, Australia in 1996. Gill spent two years (1996-1998) competing for VK Jug in Dubrovnik, Croatia and also played for C.N. Mediterrani in Barcelona, Spain in 1998. In 2002 through 2004, Gill competed for two teams in Athens, Greece - Glyfada Water Polo Club and Panionios Water Polo Club.

Steve is enjoying bringing his knowledge and passion for water polo to our 10U Girls team where his daughter, Kalia is growing to love the sport.

16/18U Girls Coach - Dani Mitchell

Dani is entering her 6th season with San Clemente HS where she has been assistant Varsity Girls coach and Interim Head Coach. In that time, the girls were three-time league champions as well as CIF D2 Runner Up and D2 State Regional Champions in 2020.

Prior to San Clemente, Dani was assistant Varsity Boys coach at Mission Viejo High School for two seasons where they were CIF D5 Champions and D3 State Regional Champions in 2019. She also was the assistant men’s and women’s coach at Saddleback College for six seasons and assistant Varsity Girls coach at Capo Valley HS for seven seasons.

As a player Dani was a 4-year Varsity letterman at Capo Valley HS and went on to play at Saddleback College where she was a two-time First Team All-Orange Empire Conference selection and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She finished her playing career at UC Santa Barbara under three-time Olympian Wolf Wigo.

Dani earned a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine and BA in English from UCSB.

10U Girls Coach - Dan Yeilding

DJ was born in San Clemente Hospital, is a San Clemente High School graduate and has been a lifelong resident other than his time spent at UCLA competing as a member of their NCAA national champion Bruin water polo team.

Prior to UCLA, DJ earned three varsity letters in swimming and water polo at San Clemente High School. As a senior water polo captain, DJ was named All-America, All-CIF, co-MVP, and Best Defense. DJ also received three All-South Coast League nods and All-CIF third team acclaim and helped San Clemente to two league championships in 1995 and '96. DJ was a '97 Orange County Register and L.A. Times all-county selection and San Clemente HS Scholar-Athlete. Prior to high school, DJ played with the U.S. National Youth Team, participated in the '97 Nor-Am Tournament in Toronto and was a Two-time Junior Olympics All-American.

DJ and his former UCLA teammate, Andy Bailey, coached their sons’ 12U Boys team with a Top 10 finish in the country at JOs. This year, DJ will be coaching 10U girls with Jim Farley. When not on the pool deck DJ enjoys his career in Real Estate and spending time with his wife Amber, son (Dan IV) and daughter (Lana) at the beach.

12U Boys Coach - Jason Leeds

Jason Leeds, a San Clemente native, likes to consider himself among the proud legacy of left-handed Tritons. Coach Leeds is loving being back on the same pool deck as a coach where he learned to play water polo. He continues to play presently on various masters teams around the area competing in national and international events.

14U Boys Coach - Aaron Quigley

As a swimmer most of his early life and competing through his younger years at GoldenWest Swim Club, Aaron started playing waterpolo his freshman year in High School in Westminster. A two-time All-American in High School and member of the Junior National Team, Aaron continued his waterpolo career at GoldenWest college where he earned Two-State Championships, was a two-time All-American as well as team captain in ’95. He then continued playing water polo on scholarship at Chaminade University in Oahu. As Aaron’s son became Interested in the sport, Aaron fell in love with the community and program at San Clemente Waterpolo.

Aaron loves participating in the development of the young leaders at San Clemente and focuses on developing fundamental skills and ensuring athletes are prepared physically and mentally for whatever they choose to focus on in their future.

14U Boys Coach - Jay Moorehead

Jay Moorehead is in his third year coaching SCWP - beginning with our 12U Boys and now with our 14U Black team. Jas has a great presence on deck and brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to his teams.

Jay begam playing water polo at Aliso Niguel High School where he developed a love of the sport. He went on to play at Santa Clara University where he was a three time academic All American and 2nd team all-conference in his senior year. Jay graduated with a degree in Marketing. Jay lives in San Clemente and his wife and 3 kids.

10U Girls Coach - Macie Schneipp

Macie Schniepp has been coaching 10U &12U Girls at San Clemente for the past two years.

Macie began her water polo career at age 11, right here with SC Polo Club, and she has not exited the water since. She's excelled in tournaments across Southern California and in Hawaii. Macie attended San Clemente High School where she competed as a water polo player and swimmer all four years. For the past two years, she attended Saddleback college and competed on their women’s water polo team. Macie was the captain of her college team, honoured with the coaches award and received two scholarships to her future college Chico State. Macie is a great all-around athlete, coach and person.

Goalie Coach - Scott Bozanic

Scott has been a goalie coach with the club since 2011, and San Clemente High School since 2000.

Prior to working as a coach, Scott played water polo at Marina HS in Huntington Beach and at UC Berkeley where his team earned NCAA placements in his Junior and Senior years. Scott also represented the USA at the 13th Macabbiah Games earning a Silver Medal.

While his free time is spent body surfing 204 and North Beach, Coach Bozanic has also reached the summit of Mt. Whitney 25 times and has hiked the entirety of the John Muir Trail (233 Miles) in 3 weeks.

16/18U Boys Head Coach - Pat Higginson

2023 marks Coach Higginson’s 39th year as a water polo coach.

Coach Higginson has been coaching with the San Clemente High School Boy's program since 2019, and served as Interim Head Coach in 2020.

He began his career at Bonita Vista High School coaching Girls and Boys Water Polo. He then went on to Valhalla High School to serve as Head Coach for the Girls & Boys High School teams from 1995- 2001. During his tenure, the Girls were 7X Back to Back League Champions and the Boys were 7X League Champions with 7 CIF Finals Appearances - pulling out wins in 1995 and 2000. During this time, Coach Higginson also served on the USA National Water Polo Team Staff.

From 2002 through 2019, Coach Higginson ran the Girls Water Polo program at Capistrano Valley High School while concurrently working as the Head Coach of Men's Water Polo at Saddleback College.

Alongside his Political Science degree from San Diego State, Coach Higginson also received a Masters degree in Coaching and Sports Administration from Concordia University.

Coach Higginson has two daughters that competed at the Collegiate Level, Tori Higginson (Ottawa University) and Alex Higginson (UC Cal Berkeley). Mr. Higginson is currently a Government Teacher at Capistrano Valley HS and uses his free time to Vespa around South OC.

12U Boys Coach - Brian Raymond

More about this outstanding coach coming soon.

Splashball Coach - Elyse Snipes

Elyse Snipes is our Splashball coach and San Clemente native. She started playing water polo for San Clemente Water Polo Club when she was 10 years old, way back when there was only one co-ed team which included Club Director, Logan Powell. Elyse was a varsity scholar athlete for both swimming and water polo at San Clemente High School, class of 2002. She went on to earn her BA in Sociology and MA in Counseling Psychology.

Elyse loves her hometown and being back on the pool deck where it all started. She is passionate about connecting kids to the game of water polo through developing fundamental skills, self-awareness and love of the game. We love having her back with all her enthusiasm and patience – two hallmarks of a great Splashball coach!

Off the pool deck, Elyse is the founder of Radical Wellness Collaborative and works as a family therapist here in San Clemente. You might see her at the beach with her husband and three kids, two of which play for our club.