William Rodriguez named water polo coach at University of La Verne

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William Rodriguez has been named men’s and women’s water polo coach at the University of La Verne

He makes the move from Division I Pepperdine where he served as coach and Director of Operations the last two years. He was also an assistant at Pepperdine in 2006 and 2007.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Rodriguez as a part of Leopard Athletics,” La Verne Athletic Directore Julie Kline said in a prepared statement. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to our program, having coached and played at the highest levels. Willo is committed to excellence, both in the classroom and in the pool. He will be an exceptional leader and role model for our student-athletes.”

Rodriguez’s appointment is effective immediately. He replaces Alex La, who resigned following six years as the Leopards’ head coach.

As the interim co-head coach of the Waves in 2012, Rodriguez helped Pepperdine to an 11-13 overall record, with the Waves achieving a national ranking as high as No. 4 during the regular season.

During his first stint as an assistant coach at Pepperdine, Rodriguez helped the Waves to an overall record of 40-27 and a pair of national top-10 rankings.

Before he returned to Pepperdine in 2012, Rodriguez served as an assistant men’s and women’s water polo coach at USC from 2010-12 during which the Trojans claimed two national championships.

Prior to USC, Rodriguez spent the 2009-10 season as the assistant women’s water polo coach at Rio Hondo College.

He also competed at Pepperdine as a player in 2001 and 2002.

A standout performer both before and after his collegiate career, Rodriguez earned a spot on the 1995 Puerto Rican Junior National team. In 2003, he competed with the Puerto Rican National Team at the Olympic Qualifying tournament held in Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.

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