With a new leader at the helm, Orange Lutheran boys water polo is back in the pool and ready for a strong season.
 
The Lancers will be led by new head coach and two-time NCAA champion Joe Molina. After a successful high school career at Foothill, Molina went on to play at Cal where he helped lead his team to two NCAA Division 1 titles. He currently plays professionally for LA Athletic Club and is excited to bring his knowledge to OLu.
 
"I'm really just looking to bring some energy, some youth and some new experience," says Molina. "I've spent my entire career playing as what they call a utility player, so I've played every position. I've been on different teams with different roles, and I truly believe that is what has opened the most opportunities for me."
 
This year's senior leadership includes goalkeeper Griffin Lagsdin, along with fellow seniors Cooper Calderon, Jacob Davis, and Anderson Prior. They all enter this season with significant experience and a desire to see success in the final year of their high school careers.
 
"Our main goal is to be as competitive as possible," says Molina. "We want to exert all the effort, and I'm a big believer in that water polo is an effort sport. If you want it more than the other person, you're going to earn it…I'm hoping we can come out and surprise some people with the talent we have."
 
The varsity squad will be playing in several high-level tournaments this season, including the Santa Barbara Tournament (September 5), the S&R Tournament (September 27) and the Northern California Tournament (October 17), where they will face a number of top-tier programs. OLu will take on their Trinity League opponents beginning September 25 when they travel to St. John Bosco.
 
The Lancers kick things off August 27 with a home contest versus Palos Verdes, and Molina is looking for the team to get off to a good start by gaining confidence and building momentum.
 
"What I'm looking forward to most is propelling this group of boys to be the best that they can be," says Molina. "That's what I've found the most personal satisfaction in while coaching, just seeing the progress and seeing them get excited about improvement. A lot of the guys are coming back very excited…so it's a good feeling."