Orange Lutheran High School announces with heartfelt gratitude the departure of Aquatics Director Brenda Villa, who has accepted a position with Stanford University women's water polo program. 

During her three years leading our aquatics program, Coach Villa guided the Lancers to remarkable success, earning two CIF-SS Open Division titles and three Trinity League championships. Beyond the accolades, her leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to excellence, the development of our student-athletes, and a Christ-centered approach that has left a lasting impact on the lives of those she has coached.

In a statement, Coach Villa shared:

"When I accepted the opportunity to join the Olu community, I couldn't have imagined just how meaningful the journey would become. As I now step away, I do so with deep gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and growth these past three years have brought me.

I am incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from the administration, faculty, families, and especially the water polo community. The culture we've built together—one rooted in hard work, respect, and community has made this a truly special place to be a coach and mentor.

Working with such dedicated student-athletes and competing within the elite environment of the Southern Section has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I've learned so much from this experience, and I will carry those lessons with me into the next chapter.

While this decision was not easy, I'm excited for the road ahead and confident that the program is positioned for continued success. Thank you for the trust, the memories, and the opportunity to be a part of something so meaningful."

Athletic Director Karen Kekipi shared, "We are beyond grateful for Coach Villa, and words cannot fully capture the depth of our appreciation. She has truly embodied what it means to be a leader, both in our aquatics program and in our broader Orange Lutheran community. Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to witness her unmatched expertise, her dedication to developing our student-athletes, and her unwavering commitment to representing Christ in all she does. Brenda has been more than just a colleague; she has been an inspiration and a friend. We trust that the Lord will continue to bless her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter at Stanford University."

We are thankful for her dedication, passion, and the standard of excellence she brought to Orange Lutheran Aquatics. Her influence will be felt for years to come, both in the record books and in the hearts of our athletes, coaches, and families.