MALIBU, Calif. - The Pepperdine men's water polo team announced the hiring of volunteer coach Marty Matthies on Wednesday.

"I'm really excited to be here," said Matthies. "It's nice to come back to where I grew up and be part of a great water polo program."

Matthies joins the Waves coaching staff with a wealth of experience. The former California two-meter man was a three-time All-American, two-time All-MPSF team, All-NCAA team and a member of the 2006 California NCAA championship water polo team. Matthies club experience includes playing for the 2005 USA Water Polo National Senior Team, the USA Water Polo National Junior Team and the USA Water Polo National Youth Team. He graduated from California with a major in ISF: Maturation in Modern Society, in 2008.

"We're very excited to have Marty," said head coach Jack Kocur. "He brings enthusiasm and a fresh approach to our program. He will also be our 'in the water coach' working with the players on individual skills."

His coaching experience includes a stint as a graduate assistant coach for the California men's water polo team and head coach for the Orinda Club U18 women and senior team.

Matthies is the son of Pepperdine's Head Women's Volleyball Coach Nina Matthies and husband Dan. He grew up in the Malibu area and graduated from Harvard Westlake High School where he was a member of the varsity water polo and basketball teams.

"I look forward to working alongside my mom as a member of the Waves athletic staff," said Matthies.