Justin Kroeze

Justin began playing water polo in Southern California at the age of 12. In the years to come he would compete in both club and high school, with and against, some of the best players and coaches in the country. Feeling at home in the water, his success was realized early when his teams placed 3rd in the 13u division, 1st in the 15u division, and 1st as a 17u…all in National Championships (JOs). He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School where he was a 3-year Varsity Letterman, High School All-American, 2nd Team All-CIF selection, Senior All-Star, and “Team MVP” during some of their most competitive years as a program. After high school Justin played at USC capturing the ’98 National Championship with his fellow Trojans.

In 2003, following graduation, he and fellow Head Coach, Peter Asic started “Split OC”, which is now known as “Orange County Water Polo Club” (OCWPC). During Justin’s first 7 years he coached the 12U emphasizing fundamentals, team cohesion both offensively and defensively, high energy counter attacks and “fun”; the most important aspect of the game, to date, still infused at all levels. In 2012 he took over the 10u program and has been moving up through the age groups respectively most recently landing at the 16u level. Under Coach Kroeze’s direction, the boys have won numerous championships in regional and national events. He prides himself in bringing OCWPC to the highest level tournaments across the country. Teams coached directly by him have placed in the top 10 at JOs in the Platinum/Championship division since 2004 with top 3 finishes by five of the OCWPC teams in those years.

This past year, Justin was chosen as the SoPac Zone Head Coach for USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP). He has been a part of the ODP program for the last 4 years and is looking to continue as their head coach for the 2016-17 season. Justin attributes his success to his tenure with Peter Asic and the many memorable learning experiences he’s had as a player and coach. The ODP program is enhancing this, providing him even more aptitude as he works side by side with some of the best players and most seasoned coaches in the county.

Water Polo is a passion for him, both coaching and playing, as he still competes with a local Master’s Team.