Coaches
Club Director & 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.
16/18U Girls Co-Head Coach & 14U Boys Red 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 Girls Head / Red Team 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 and has coached several National and 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 teams at Golden West. His tireless dedication to developing well-rounded athletes with solid fundamentals and a growth mindset is evident in our girls stellar growth.
Matt also serves as the Head Coach for Girls SOPAC Zone Olympic Development Program (ODP), and the 12 & 14U Girls Futures League Commissioner.
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.
14U Girls Black Team Coach - Steve Gill
Prior to joining our Girls Coaching staff , Gil coached age-group club teams at Orange County Water Polo, SET Water Polo and San Clemente Water Polo (from 2002-2007). Prior to joining the 14U staff, Gil coached our 10U girls and 12U girls teams. Last year, Gil's 12U girls team took home Gold in the Junior Olympic Championship division.
Gil is 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 12 & 14U Girls team where his daughter, Kalia is growing to love the sport.
12U Girls Head / Red Team 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. In his first year, James and Matt Flesher took this team to the 2022 Junior Olympics and took 6th Place overall. In the last two Junior Olympics, Jim coached our 10U girls to two consecutive Silver Medal placements. They also took home Gold in Dare to Dream Championship.
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!
10U Girls Head / Red Team Coach - Grace Pelkey
18U Boys Co-Head 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.
16U Boys Co-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.
16U Boys Co-Head Coach - Ryan Penrod
Coach Ryan Penrod is now on his 7th year coaching at SCWP where he brings a unique and impressive background of athletic, leadership and community-building to his teams. Coach Penrod has a deep and infectious passion for developing young athletes not only into skilled water polo players but also into outstanding individuals. His commitment to youth extends beyond the pool, emphasizing character development, discipline, and teamwork, which are essential traits both in sports and in life.
As a water polo athlete, Coach Penrod served as team captain through his high school and college career. As team captain at La Serna High School, he helped lead the Lancers to four Whitmont League Championships and four CIF finals from 1992-1995, showcasing his dedication and skill. As team captain at Citrus College, Coach Penrod helped lead the team to a Southern California State Championship victory in 1995. He then moved on to play for the University of La Verne, where he was again honored as team captain and played a pivotal role in securing a Division III NCAA championship in 2000 and two SCIAC Conference Championships.
In addition to coaching, Coach Penrod is on his 23rd year in leadership at the firehouse where he is Fire Captain for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He is a proud father of two sons who are competitive athlete in our club, and has been happily married to his wife, Nicole, for 24 years. Nicole is a dedicated teacher in San Clemente, and together, they have built a strong foundation rooted in community values and service.
Coach Penrod is deeply passionate about fostering an ocean-minded community and instilling a love for water polo and the ocean in his athletes. His 10 years of service as a lifeguard at Huntington Beach State and LA County have deeply fueled his passion for cultivating ocean-minded young men, helping them to become not just better players, but also better young men.
14U Boys Head / Red Team Coach - Trey Davis
Trey is in his fourth year coaching with San Clemente Water Polo. Trey is a San Clemente High School water polo alum and an All-American athlete. After a successful run with our 14U Girls, we are excited to see what he will do with our 14U Boys.
Prior to coaching, Trey competed at a high level, participating on the youth, junior and senior national teams. After playing with San Clemente High School, Trey went on to compete for Concordia University where he earned All-American and First Team All-State. After college, Trey continued to compete internationally in Italy and Malta.
Trey brings great experience and enthusiasm to all his teams.
14U Boys Black Team Coach - Trae Mantecon
Trae is a San Clemente High School alum and key athlete from our 2022 CIF runner up team. Trae now competes for Saddleback Community College.
Trae brings great knowledge, enthusiasm and discipline to his team and serves as a strong role-model for his young athletes. While at San Clemente High School, Mantecon was a scholar-athlete, a valedictorian and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
14U Boys White Team Coach - Matty Roebuck
More about this great coach coming soon.
12U Boys Head / Red Team Coach - Shane Powell
Shane is entering his 4th year as a coach with SCWP where he focuses on our youngest competitive boys teams. Shane's enthusiasm and commitment to this group has led to amazing results. His 10U Boys team won Gold at the 2024 Junior Olympics. His 12U boys team took Gold in the 2025 Junior Olympics.
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 has introduced them to water polo where he has a son and daughter on our 12U competition teams.
12U Boys Coach - Dylan Mobley
Dylan Mobley is in his second year coaching for San Clemente Water Polo. Prior to coaching for SCWP, he coached at Newport Harbor High School (2011-2013), Newport Beach Water Polo Club (2011-2013), Harvard Westlake School (2009-2011) and Los Angeles Water Polo Club (2007-2011). Dylan has coached all age groups both boys and girls, contributing to appearances in CIF championships and Junior Olympic championships. Dylan coached his young 10U boys team to a 6th place finish in Junior Olympics. We're looking forward to see what he does with his 12U team.
12U Boys White Coach - Dane Casey
We are excited to add Dane Casey to our coaching staff this year. He brings great experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to his team.
Dane grew up playing water polo at San Clemente Water Polo Club and San Clemente High School. He also works as a Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Instructor for San Clemente Marine Safety. And if that’s not enough time in the water - he likes to fish, surf and spend time in the ocean during his time off.
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 Boys Black Coach - John McMains
Coach John McMains has been active in the Water Polo community for over 30 years. He swam and played water polo at Golden West College in the early 1980s under the tutelage of Ken Hamdorf and Tom Hermstead Sr. He coached for the San Luis Obispo water polo club from 2006 to 2010 and has been part of the Triton Water Polo club since its inception in 2014. During his tenure with the San Clemente Triton Water Polo Club, he has coached numerous athletes who went on to play water polo at the highest levels. John is a San Clemente native and a former San Clemente Ocean lifeguard.
12U 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 is on his 4th year coaching with us. He 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.
16/18U Boys Coach - Mark Erickson
More about this outstanding coach coming soon...
10U Girls Coach - Jay Moorehead
Jay Moorehead is in his fourth year coaching SCWP. Before coaching 10U girls, Jay previously coached 12U Boys and 14U Boys. Jas has a great presence on deck and brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to his teams.
Jay began 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.
12U Boys Coach - Peter Culp
More about this outstanding coach coming soon.
10U Boys Red / Head 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.
10U Boys Coach - Grover (Trey) Trask
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.
Weight Coach - Kelly Abney
More about this outstanding coach coming soon...
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