STOCKTON, Calif. – It's been a summer to remember for Derek Clappis from the Pacific men's water polo program as he not only earned a runner-up finish at the 2025 World Aquatics U20 Championships with the USA National Team but was also promoted to Associate Head Coach with the Tigers.
 
Clappis served as a team manager for USA this summer at the international competition in Zagreb, Croatia. He helped the country knock off Serbia in the quarterfinals 19-18 before ousting Hungary in the semifinals 18-16. USA dropped a hard fought decision to Spain in the finals 14-11.
 
"The opportunities Pacific has provided me allowed me to spend the summer traveling and coaching with the Cadet and Junior National teams on the world stage. Seeing some of our incoming players was a great reminder of the talent and athletes that make up Pacific's Water Polo U," Clappis said. "I'm excited to continue to bring new perspectives from my experiences back to Pacific to continue to adapt and be our best in my new role." 
 
Clappis, a Pacific alum, joined the Tigers staff in 2021-22 as Assistant Coach. This past season, he assisted the men's team to an 18-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in the West Coast Conference, which resulted in a regular season championship.
 
In 2022, Clappis was part of a Pacific men's team that won the Golden Coast Conference Championship and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament after beating Cal in the quarterfinals 11-7. The Tigers finished 22-7 overall.
 
"I'm very excited for the next chapter in my career at Pacific as Associate Head Coach. I am thankful to James Graham and Pacific Athletics for the opportunity to represent our university on many levels and for this new transition.
 
Born and raised in Stockton, Clappis played for the Tigers from 2013-17. He was part of a National Championship Runner-Up team in 2013, National Championship Semifinalist team in 2017 and GCC Conference Tournament Championship Team in 2017.
 
"I'm thrilled to announce Derek as our new Associate Head Coach for men's water polo. Derek has consistently proven himself as one of the top coaches in the country, with success at both the collegiate and international levels. He's been a key part of our championship runs in the WCC and GCC, and this summer, he added multiple medals with Team USA to his impressive résumé. Derek exemplifies what Pacific Water Polo stands for - passion, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence," said director of water polo James Graham.
 
Clappis earned his degree from Pacific in business administration with a concentration in finance.
 
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific men's water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and "like" the team's official Facebook page (Pacific Men's Water Polo).
 
#PacificProud