Coaches
Ed Carrera is the Program and Technical Director for North Irvine Water Polo Club (NIWPC). He resides in Irvine with his wife and four children, dedicating his time to developing athletes and fostering a competitive, high-performance environment within the sport of water polo.
As a former player for the Ecuador National Team and a competitor in the Pan American Games, Ed brings firsthand experience at the highest levels of international play. His coaching career includes positions at both Vanguard University and Concordia University, where he contributed to the growth and success of their water polo programs.
Coaching Highlights:
• 2024 – CIF Girls First Round D5, Crean Lutheran High School
• 2023 – CIF Boys Quarterfinals D2 & League Champions, Crean Lutheran High School
• 2022 – CIF Boys Quarterfinals D4 & League Champions, Crean Lutheran High School
• 2021 – CIF Coach of the Year & ISL Coach of the Year
• 2021 – CIF Boys Champions D6, Crean Lutheran High School
• 2021 – USAWP 14U Boys National Champions, NIWPC
• 2019 – CIF Girls State Champions, Orange Lutheran High School
• 2015 – CIF Boys and Girls Champions D1, Orange Lutheran High School
• 2015 – Player, Pan American Games (Ecuador)
• 2010-2019 – Player, Ecuador National Team
Ed’s diverse experience as both a player and coach at the highest levels of competition has shaped his ability to develop elite athletes and lead championship-winning teams. Under his leadership, North Irvine Water Polo Club continues to be recognized as a premier program for cultivating top-tier talent.
2015 – “I feel both honored and thrilled to be back at Northwood,” Kim-E said in a statement. “I love Northwood, this community, and these kids. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and hope to bring stability to our program.” [Read OCVarsity Article]
Kyle attended Northwood High School from 2006 – 2010, where he was a four year Varsity water polo player and swimmer. While playing at Northwood HS, Kyle played in two back-to-back D1 CIFSS Finals and was a CIFSS Masters State Champion. Additionally, while at Northwood won two Sea View League Championships and finished #10 overall his Senior year. Kyle graduated Northwood in 2010 as a 2x All-American, 2x First Team All Sea View League Player, 2x Irvine All-City Player, and Third Team All-CIFSS. He was also named to the South Orange County All-Star Team.
Kyle then signed to Vanguard University, where he played for his high school coach, Ed Carrera. After two successful seasons, including a 2nd place finish at the NAIA Championships, he transferred to Chapman University. While at Chapman, Kyle was a 2x Academic All-SCIAC athlete with Superior Honors (3.7+ GPA). Kyle completed his collegiate career as a four year starter.
Kyle earned his Bachelors degree in Strategic and Corporate Communication from Chapman University in 2014 and then completed his Masters in Teaching from Chapman University in 2019. Kyle began his teaching career at Northwood High School in 2019. In addition to coaching and teaching, he is the Founder & CEO of a non-profit company. His 501(c)3 non-profit, Wells for Wellbeing, builds water wells and distributes water filters in Cambodia.
Since 2015, Kyle has led the boys program to a number of strong CIFSS finishes, including Semifinal finishes in Division 4 (2016) and Division 3 (2019).
In 2019, the girls program made CIFSS for the first time in seven years. And in 2020, the girls made history again by winning a league championship for the first time in Northwood’s history. This was also Kyle’s first league championship as a coach. [Read OCRegister Article] or [Read OC Sports Zone Article]
In the off-season, Kyle is one of North Irvine‘s coaches. He has served as the Head Coach for the 16u Boys (2021), 18u Girls (2022), and 18u Boys (2023) programs.
Irvine Swim League 2014 Todd K. Larsen Coach of the Year
Boys League Championships:
Girls League Championships: 2020
Boys CIFSS: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,
2021, 2022
Girls CIFSS: 2019, 2020, 2022
2016 Boys D4 CIF Semifinalist
2018 Boys D3 CIF Quarterfinalist
2019 Boys D3 CIF Semifinalist & State Regional Qualifier
2022 Boys D3 CIF Quarterfinalist
Adam Hewko is a distinguished American water polo player, known for his skill, leadership, and contributions to the sport at both collegiate and international levels. Born in Irvine, California, Hewko developed his passion for water polo early and quickly emerged as a standout athlete.
After graduating from Servite High School in Anaheim, California, Hewko attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (2004–2008). As a member of the Pepperdine Waves water polo team, he made a significant impact from the start. Over his collegiate career (2004–2008), Hewko became a two-time All-American and secured his place in the program’s history by ranking 13th all-time on Pepperdine’s scoring list.
Hewko’s success extended to the international stage as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team. His career highlight came at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal. In the championship game against Brazil, Hewko contributed by scoring a crucial goal in the team’s dominant 9-2 victory.
Adam Hewko’s career is marked by dedication, competitive excellence, and significant contributions to American water polo at every level.
Raney Remme is in her second season as head coach of the Men & Women’s water polo team at Westcliff University. She previously coached at Cypress College as the assistant to the Men’s and Women’s teams. At Cypress College she helped in the Women’s team’s first appearance at the SoCal tournament in years. At the high school level, Raney also coached for 4 years at Huntington Beach High School as the Varsity Assistant and JV head coach.
Her club experience included: two years at Biola Aquatics, 5 years at Huntington Beach Water Polo Club, and Raney previously coached at Vanguard Water Polo Club. During her time At HBWPC, she led multiple teams to a first place in various tournaments. The most prominent finishes were 1st place at the National Junior Olympics in the gold division for her 16u girls team in 2016 and her 12u girls 7th place finish in the platinum division in 2017.
Raney played for HBWPC, Golden West College, and finished her collegiate career at Cal State Long Beach as a starter her junior and senior year. She then went on to play a season professionally in Perth, Western Australia for the UWA Torpedoes.
Tim Renden is a dedicated educator and coach with over 25 years of aquatic experience as a swimmer, water polo player, and youth coach in Orange County, California. He currently teaches K-6 at Red Hill Lutheran Elementary and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Concordia University Irvine, along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CalStateTEACH (CSULA) in Primary Education (K-6).
Tim’s journey in aquatics began at the age of fifteen when he started coaching in Lake Forest with the Dolphins, where he also learned to swim under the mentorship of Coach John and Rita Bandarak. A graduate of Santa Margarita Catholic High School (S.M.C.H.S.), Tim was a varsity scholar-athlete and a two-time recipient of the Most Inspirational Player Award in 2003 and 2004. He later returned to his alma mater to coach alongside the Blanc Family, Kevin Ricks, and Craig Brown, contributing to seven Freshman/Sophomore and Junior Varsity Serra/Trinity League Championships in swimming and water polo from 2005–2012.
In 2013, Tim became the Youth Director of Alliance Boys Water Polo Club, leading his teams to impressive results at the National Junior Olympics with four medals over six years:
• 2019 – 12U Boys, 2nd Place (Silver Division)
• 2018 – 12U Boys, 1st Place (Bronze Division)
• 2015 – 12U Boys, 1st Place (Gold Division)
• 2014 – 14U Boys, 2nd Place (Gold Division)
Tim also served as the Head Coach for the Oak Creek Orcas in the Irvine Swim League, where he led his team to a 2013 Division III Championship.
As a high school coach, Tim worked with Capistrano Valley High School, helping Steve Yancey lead the varsity boys’ team to a CIF Division III Runner-Up Finalist Award and a Sea View League Championship in 2015. Before that, he coached at Dana Hills High School, contributing to three consecutive South Coast League Championships in swimming and water polo (2012–2013). Tim’s additional coaching experience includes roles with SOCAL WPC, OCWPC, and Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Now coaching the 12U Boys at North Irvine Water Polo Club, Tim is committed to fostering a competitive yet supportive environment where young athletes can grow both in and out of the pool. His dedication to youth development, combined with his passion for water polo and teaching, allows him to create a safe, healthy, and motivating space for student-athletes to thrive. Tim’s deep connection to the Irvine community and his high standards of excellence make him an invaluable asset to the club and the athletes he coaches.
Max Alfaro brings nearly seven years of coaching experience to North Irvine Water Polo Club, having worked with and learned from some of the sport’s top coaches, Olympians, and elite athletes. His diverse coaching background has shaped him into a dedicated leader, passionate about athlete development, team culture, and mental resilience.
Max began his coaching journey as an Assistant Coach for Napa Premier Aquatics (2017–2019) before serving as Team Manager and Practice Player for the Marist College Division I Women’s Team (2021–2022). He then took on the role of Head Coach for Vine Valley Water Polo, leading high school athletes and fostering competitive growth (2021–2022).
In 2022, Max expanded his experience at 680 Drivers, coaching various age groups (16U Boys and Girls, 12U Boys and Girls, and 10U Boys and Girls). During this time, he had the privilege of learning from Steve Carrera, one of the founders of NIWPC, and Kirk Everist, a two-time Olympian. Currently, Max serves as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Long Beach State University’s Division I Men’s Water Polo Team, working under Gavin Arroyo, a two-time Olympian and current Assistant Coach for the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team.
Max’s coaching philosophy centers around fostering team culture built on accountability, ownership, and personal growth. He focuses on developing athletes’ mental strength and their ability to remain calm under pressure, helping players tackle challenges both in the pool and in life. His goal is to nurture athletes who are prepared to learn, compete, and apply themselves with intention.
Max’s love for water polo began in 2014, just before starting high school—without knowing how to swim. Through hard work and determination, he became a three-year varsity team captain at Napa High School, leading his team to a CIF playoff appearance during his junior year. In his senior season, he earned the title of Most Outstanding Player.
Currently pursuing a degree in Sports Psychology at Long Beach State University, Max aims to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant while continuing to coach. His personal journey reflects his belief in the power of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, inspiring the athletes he mentors to push their limits and achieve success both in and out of the water.
Razann Kotarche, originally from Riverside, California, brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game to North Irvine Water Polo Club. Her journey in water polo began at Hillcrest High School, where she was a varsity starter for three years. During her high school career, Razann played a pivotal role in helping her team secure three consecutive league championships, establishing herself as a key contributor and leader.
Following her successful high school career, Razann committed to playing water polo at Westcliff University, where she majored in Education and also competed for the swim team for one season. At Westcliff, she quickly became a leader, earning the role of team captain and guiding her team to a 2nd place finish at the NAIA Championship. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of NAIA Team MVP. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Razann returned to Westcliff for an additional two years of competition while pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science.
Razann is currently a coach for the Irvine High School Boys Water Polo Team. She began as the Frosh Team Coach, where she led the team to an undefeated league season in her first year. She recently completed her first season as the Assistant Varsity Coach for the Woodbridge High School Girls Water Polo Team, further expanding her coaching experience and impact.
Razann is passionate about developing athletes both in and out of the pool. Her leadership, competitive experience, and strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline make her a valuable asset to the North Irvine Water Polo Club, where she is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential.
