Coronado Aquatics Club: Youth Water Polo Philosophy

A Top-Level Approach to Developing Confident, Capable, Lifelong Athletes

The 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.

This document outlines our core approach and why the Coronado Aquatics Club : supported and led by Coach Jesse Smith’s curriculum : delivers the most complete pathway for developing young athletes in Coronado.

Our Core Principles

1. Love for the Game

Athletes who love the sport stay with the sport. Our first goal is to make the pool a place kids want to be : a space where hard work feels rewarding and progress feels exciting.

2. Strong Fundamentals

Every great athlete starts with world-class basics. We train body position, ball control, movement efficiency, and situational awareness from day one.

3. Positive Accountability

We set high standards and teach kids how to meet them. Accountability is delivered with respect : firm when needed, positive always.

4. Growth Mindset

We coach athletes to view challenges as opportunities. Every rep has value. Every mistake is a lesson. Every athlete can improve.

5. Community Alignment

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

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 competing at the highest international level
• Ten years playing professionally in Europe
• Voted Best Defender in the Fina World Cup

This experience informs how we structure practices, build culture, and prepare athletes for long-term success.

Global Perspective on Youth Development

Coach Jesse has coached or trained with youth programs in:

• Italy
• Greece
• Egypt
• Croatia
• Istanbul
• Budapest
• Turkey

These systems are home to many of the world’s top players. Their methods : blended with Coronado’s community values : give our athletes a uniquely strong foundation.

Deep Local Roots

Growing up here and participating in Shores, Nado, CNSA, North Coast, and CSA programs as well as time with Orinda Aquatics and walnut creek water polo gives Coach Jesse a full understanding of our local environment, traditions, and challenges in sports development. Our curriculum builds on the best of what works here while moving the sport forward.

Insight Into the High School Level

Serving with Coronado High School (CIF DIV 1 Champion boy (2023) and CIF DIV 1 Champion girls (2024) and volunteering with Cathedral Catholic (#2 nationally 2025) provides rare insight into what youth athletes actually need.

This ensures our younger athletes are not just playing : they are prepared.

Connection to the Future of the Sport

Through the Pan American Water Polo Committee and direct observation at the U15 Pan American Championships, Coach Jesse remains aligned with how the sport is evolving internationally. He currents serves as a consultant for USAWP national boys and girls Olympic Development Program.

This means our developmental model isn’t just current : it’s future-ready.

Our Commitment as a Nonprofit

The Coronado Aquatics Club exists to serve the youth of Coronado, not to compete for status or attention. Our mission is simple:

Provide the highest-quality water polo development in the most positive, inclusive, forward-thinking environment possible.

We support every athlete : from brand-new beginners to competitive youth preparing for high school, college, and beyond. We do NOT however tolerate toxic individuals and abusive people. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

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.

Our program builds:

• Confidence
• Discipline
• Friendships
• Toughness
• Joy
• Community pride

This is what the Coronado Aquatics Club stands for. And this is why Coach Jesse Smith’s approach strengthens not just athletes : but the entire Coronado community.