STOCKTON, Calif. – James Graham, head men's and women's water polo coach at Pacific, has been named the 2022 Golden Coast Conference Coach of the Year.
"While I appreciate this honor, this belongs to many more people than just myself," said Graham. "First of all, it belongs to the staff and the athletes. It also belongs to the athletic department and the university as a whole."
"When you work at a university that supports you so much that you become known as 'Water Polo U', the credit for our success clearly belongs to many more than just me," said Graham.
Since water polo at Pacific moved to the GCC in 2016, this is Graham's fifth GCC Coach of the Year award between the men's and women's programs.
"We are all thrilled for James," said sophomore co-captain Reuel D'Souza. "He truly earned this award, which could go to him every year, in our opinion. He has built this program from the ground up, always making decisions in the best interest of his program and team."
The Pacific men's water polo team was the regular season conference champions for four of six years in the GCC (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) and won the conference championship title twice in 2017 and 2022.
Pacific men's water polo has an overall record of 32-10 in the GCC.
"In James' tenure with Pacific, we have consistently been one of the best teams in the nation and the GCC," said D'Souza. "His track record speaks for itself with two national championship game appearances and two conference championships."
Graham led the #6 Tigers to the 2022 GCC Men's Tournament title and the automatic bid to the 2022 National Collegiate Men's Water Polo Championships. Pacific will play in the opening round on Thursday, taking on #5 UC Davis at 3 p.m. Find information for the game and tournament here.
"It's been amazing to be a part of the GCC since 2016, and we've really enjoyed an amazing run during that time," said Graham. "We look forward to representing the GCC one more time at the NCAAs."
The Tigers enter the NCAA tournament at 21-6, sharing the regular season title with Long Beach State. Pacific defeated the Beach in the GCC tournament title game, 12-6.
"Derek Clappis and Adam Foley have done a fantastic job this year, and we would not be where we are without their diligence and passion," said Graham. "This award is a result of not just being successful last weekend but a lot of work over several years to get us to this point."
For the men, Graham has built the Tigers into one of the nation's elite programs. The Tigers have finished in the Top 10 of the ACWPA Coaches Poll since 2009, including the top four in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019. On the women's side, he has taken the women to finish three times in the Top 10, including their best ranking in school history; sixth in the nation. For Graham's full bio, click here.
"James has put together a plethora of rosters that can contend for a national championship," said D'souza. "These rosters have included many conference award winners, and it speaks to how special the water polo program is at Pacific with James' leadership at the helm."
Beginning in 2023, men's water polo at Pacific will be moving to the West Coast Conference. Graham said he's grateful for the Tigers' time in the GCC.
"We'd like to thank the GCC and all its staff and members for hosting us and their hard work," said Graham. "This conference has provided us the opportunity to excel and continue to put 'Water Polo U' on the map."
