Polar Bear Plunge Mini-Tri Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Date may change. Registration now includes 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U tickets.
Register Now

Nado Polo

Coronado Aquatics Club

Youth Water Polo Philosophy

A top-level approach to developing confident, capable, lifelong athletes.

Coronado Aquatics Club is committed to offering the strongest youth water polo foundation in our community. Our program is built on clear principles, consistent training, and a developmental model shaped by decades of experience at the highest levels of the sport.

Supported by Coach Jesse Smith’s curriculum, this pathway is designed to help young athletes build real skill, strong habits, and a lasting love for the game.

Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM 501(c)(3) nonprofit Coronado, California Look for Coach Jesse on the pool deck

Polar Bear Plunge Registration

The current registration flow is clear and direct: add the athlete names and ages in your family, choose the right age-group tickets, add an optional donation, and finish in Stripe Checkout.

8U

$50

Age 8 or younger.

10U

$75

Ages 8 to 10.

12U

$100

Ages 10 to 12.

14U

$100

Ages 12 to 14.

Checkout

Stripe Handles Receipts

We collect the family information here, then Stripe handles the secure payment and receipt.

Support

Optional Extra Donation

Add any extra amount you want to support Coronado Aquatics Club during checkout preparation.

Our Core Principles

These principles shape how we coach, how we communicate, and how we help athletes grow over time.

1

Love For The Game

Athletes who love the sport stay with the sport. We want the pool to be a place kids want to be, where hard work feels rewarding and progress feels exciting.

2

Strong Fundamentals

Great athletes start with great basics. We train body position, ball control, movement efficiency, and situational awareness from the beginning.

3

Positive Accountability

We set high standards and teach kids how to meet them. Accountability is firm when needed and positive always.

4

Growth Mindset

Every rep has value. Every mistake is a lesson. Every athlete can improve when challenges are approached as opportunities.

5

Community Alignment

We are Coronado. Our program reflects the values of a small town with big expectations: respect, effort, communication, and connection.

Program Snapshot

Youth water polo development Beginners to advanced athletes Coach Jesse Smith curriculum High-standard, positive environment

Why Jesse Smith’s Program Best Supports These Principles

The Coronado Aquatics Club benefits from a curriculum shaped by one of the most experienced and globally connected water polo leaders in the United States.

World-Class Leadership

  • Five-time U.S. Olympian
  • Two decades at the highest international level
  • Ten years playing professionally in Europe
  • Voted Best Defender in the FINA World Cup

This experience shapes our practices, our culture, and our long-term athlete development.

Global Perspective

Coach Jesse has coached or trained with youth programs in Italy, Greece, Egypt, Croatia, Istanbul, Budapest, and Turkey. These methods, blended with Coronado’s values, create a uniquely strong foundation.

Deep Local Roots

Experience with Shores, Nado, CNSA, North Coast, CSA, Orinda Aquatics, and Walnut Creek Water Polo gives Coach Jesse a grounded understanding of the local environment, traditions, and challenges in youth sports development.

High School Insight

Service with Coronado High School, including CIF Division 1 championship seasons for the boys in 2023 and the girls in 2024, plus volunteer work with Cathedral Catholic, ranked No. 2 nationally in 2025, gives rare insight into what younger athletes truly need next.

Future-Ready

Through the Pan American Water Polo Committee, observation at the U15 Pan American Championships, and consulting work for USA Water Polo national boys and girls Olympic Development Program teams, Coach Jesse stays aligned with how the sport is evolving internationally.

Our Commitment As A Nonprofit

Mission

Serve Coronado’s Youth

We exist to provide the highest-quality water polo development in the most positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment possible.

Who We Support

Every Stage Of Development

We support brand-new beginners and competitive youth athletes preparing for high school, college, and beyond.

Standards

Positive, Not Toxic

We do not tolerate toxic or abusive behavior. Coronado Aquatics Club reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

Events, Community, And Club Life

Polar Bear Plunge

Sunday, April 26, 2026 At 9:00 AM

Dash the bay, ride the coast, and splash to victory at the Polar Bear Plunge Mini-Tri. The date may change, and formats vary by age group and conditions.

Alumni Games

July 3 At 11:00 AM

Coronado alumni games return on July 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Reach out by email for current participation details.

Club Gear

Shop The CAC Collection

Club gear is available through Ryte Sport. Browse the Coronado Aquatics collection and support the club while you gear up.

The Result: A Healthier, Stronger, More Connected Community

Coronado’s strength is its people: military families, long-time residents, newcomers, young athletes, and the parents who support them.

What We Build

  • Confidence
  • Discipline
  • Friendships

What Sticks

  • Toughness
  • Joy
  • Community pride

Why It Matters

Coach Jesse Smith’s approach strengthens not just individual athletes, but the entire Coronado community.

Hours And Locations

General Hours

Monday-Thursday

5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Look for Coach Jesse on the pool deck.

Mailing Address

PO Box 181070

Coronado, CA 92118

Club Locations

Primary physical location: 818 6th St, Coronado, CA 92118

Working address: 850 H Ave, Coronado, CA

Look For Coach Jesse On The Pool Deck.

Questions about programming, Polar Bear registration, gear, or donations can all start with the same volunteer-run inbox. Please be patient as the email is monitored by a volunteer.