MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine men’s water polo program is pleased to announce the hiring of Gary O’Brien as the new assistant water polo coach.
“Gary’s the missing link this program has needed the past few years. He’s a mentor, a motivator and an excellent coach,” said Pepperdine Head Coach Jack Kocur.
O’Brien brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the program. He’s currently the head water polo coach for the Malibu youth and masters water polo club. O’Brien coached semi-professional water polo for the Brisbane Barracudas in Sydney, Australia (2003-04). In addition, he has taught water polo and coached at Santa Monica City College, Cross Roads High School, Santa Monica High School and Milken Community High School.
O’Brien’s collegiate experience includes a season as assistant water polo coach for UCLA men’s team in 1998. He was also the Southern Region Premier Division I coach in 1999-2000.
The 1993 UCLA graduate played professional water polo for Dublin, Ireland; Paris, France; Auckland, New Zealand and Sete, France.
Aside from his passion for water polo, O’Brien is a published author of the inspirational novel A Quest for Happiness.
The new assistant water polo coach resides in Malibu with his wife Catherine and children Cheyenne, 6 and Maximus, 4.
