Floerchinger Named W. Water Polo Coach

It's been a busy summer for officials in Harvard's athletic department. After hiring new coaches for the soccer, squash, hockey and fencing teams from outside of the University, officials are now looking close to home to fill another top spot.

Athletic officials announced on Monday that current men's water polo head coach Jim Floerchinger will also head up the women's water polo team next season.

The positions of men's and women's water polo coaches were both part-time positions until Floerchinger got the nod to head both teams, becoming a full-time coach.

The twenty-seven-year-old Floerchinger gained favor during his year coaching the men's team, according to John P. Veneziano, director of the office of sports media relations.

"I think he impressed everyone in his first year as the men's coach," Veneziano said. "We were happy with how the students responded to him and his leadership."

Veneziano said search committee members were also impressed by Floerchinger's experience outside Harvard. Before beginning work with the Crimson last year, Floerchinger spent a year as head water polo coach and assistant swimming coach at Lehman College in New York. His resume also includes head-coaching experience with U.S. College, U.S. Club and New Zealand National teams.

Despite his past experiences, Floerchinger's first season as men's coach was hampered by inconsistent play. First-year goalkeeper Gresham Bayne suffered a season-ending injury before the opener, and the team finished with a 12-19 record.

But Veneziano said few were disappointed with Floerchinger's leadership.

"I think there was a lot of factors but he did an outstanding job, given the circumstances and what he was facing, injury-wise," Venziano said.

Members of the women's water polo team fared better than the men last year, ending with a 21-12 record (8-3 Ivy), and athletic officials are hoping the new coach will help the women's water polo team keep up its winning ways.

Their successes came in spite of coaching complications, as head coach Sachi Gahan left the team during the middle of its season in late March. Assistant Coach Rick Handt filled the post until the season's end, and guided the team to its strong performance and a fourth place finish at the Eastern Regional Tournament--just short of qualifying the team for the NCAA tournament.

With Floerchinger at the helm and the loss of only one player due to graduation--senior Becky Gaines--the team is likely looking forward to another successful season.