North Irvine Water Polo Welcomes Coach Jeff Runyan to the Coaching Staff

North Irvine Water Polo is excited to announce the addition of Coach Jeff Runyan to our coaching staff. A highly accomplished player and coach, Runyan brings a wealth of experience from the collegiate and high school levels and will play an integral role in developing our athletes.

A Proven Water Polo Career

Runyan began his aquatics journey in Modesto, CA, earning four varsity letters at Gregori High School before moving on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he helped his team secure a third-place finish at the National Collegiate Club Championship in 2017. He then played two seasons at Merced College, where he scored 182 career goals and was recognized as a First Team All-American, First Team All-NorCal, and First Team All-Coast Conference selection.

Runyan concluded his collegiate career at Concordia University Irvine, making an immediate impact by setting the school’s all-time scoring record with 145 goals in just two seasons. His standout performances earned him multiple accolades, including:

    •    2021 Western Water Polo Association Honorable Mention & ACWPC First Team All-American

    •    2022 WWPA Second Team, ACWPC First Team All-American & NCAA Division II Player of the Year

Coaching Experience & Leadership

Beyond his impressive playing career, Runyan has built a strong coaching resume. He served as an assistant coach for Cal Poly SLO Women’s Water Polo in 2018, guiding the team to a 23-2 record and a national runner-up finish.

Since July 2024, he has been the Director of Aquatics and Head Coach for both the boys and girls water polo teams at Crean Lutheran High School, where he has led both programs to historic milestones:

    •    Boys Team: Runner-up in the Crestview League, earning a Division 1 CIF Playoff berth for the first time in school history.

    •    Girls Team: Captured the North Hills League Championship and secured the program’s first-ever CIF playoff victory in Division 4.

Exciting Addition to North Irvine Water Polo

Coach Runyan’s passion for the game and dedication to developing young athletes align perfectly with North Irvine Water Polo’s mission. This season, he will be working closely with our 16U Girls team, bringing his elite playing experience and coaching expertise to help our athletes grow and compete at the highest level.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Runyan to North Irvine,” said Coach Ed Carrera. “His knowledge of the game, leadership, and ability to develop players will be a tremendous asset to our program.”

Please join us in welcoming Coach Jeff Runyan to the North Irvine Water Polo family!