Water Polo Coach Brian Eskridge Pulling Double-Duty

SMC's Head Coach Brian Eskridge, at Santa Monica Swim Center, where his recent championship winning team practices. “we were so close last year, so it was kind of heartbreaking, and a lot of guys came back really ready to go and work hard, but then we had a lot of success early, so it was just a matter of keeping everybody on task, on focus, make sure everyone was working as hard as they should, which they did, and we were able to get that done.” April 30, 2019. Santa Monica, California.(Photo by Danica Creahan/The Corsair)

In a unique situation, Head Coach Brian Eskridge has taken control of Santa Monica College (SMC) men’s and women’s water polo teams. He is a veteran water polo coach, starting with SMC in 2009, more than fit to take on the challenges that come with coaching both teams.

Although SMC’s Water Polo has had some bright spots, the 2019 season saw the women’s team lose all 24 games. The men’s team’s 10-20 record is also an indication of their struggles last year. To add to that, both teams haven’t had in-pool workouts in six months because of COVID-19.

Athletic Director Reggie Ellis is aware of the struggles of both teams, and what he can do to help improve them. “The big thing about intercollegiate sports at the community college level, it’s about developing relationships with the high schools in your area... letting them know about Santa Monica College and the benefits of attending Santa Monica College from a student aspect, but also networking with the coaches and the administration,” said Ellis

He also added, ”we’ll be working on that as a team, trying to get more promotion into our women’s program, because it’s no reason why we shouldn’t have one of the top programs in Southern California.” 

This could help both teams within the program, as experience was lacking, mainly on the women’s team. Since the Women’s Water Polo program is fairly new, it could be beneficial to begin adding experienced players who played in high school.

The women’s team was able to add three goalies for the upcoming season. It’s an upgrade, considering they were playing without one last season, and instead had to put a player out of position in the net. Eskridge noted that while the men’s team will have disadvantages against most teams when it comes to size, he likes how they will be able to make up for that with their speed.

As for Ellis, his expectation for both teams is that they will be able to go out and compete, representing the school by being men and women of high character. Eskridge will get to begin  focusing on improving and competing when the season comes around as scheduled in the spring.