Shana Welch is the newest Long Beach State women’s water polo head coach after one season as an associate head coach alongside Gavin Arroyo.
“I could not be more excited to announce Shana Welch as our new Women’s Water Polo Head Coach,” LBSU Athletics Director Andy Fee said in an official statement. “I believe Shana has proven herself to be one of the rising coaches in the profession and her knowledge, leadership, and character are second to none. We look forward to Shana continuing to build on the excellence the program has achieved over the years.”
LBSU was 12-6 record and unbeaten in Big West competition when the 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Welch was responsible for most of the program while Arroyo served as an assistant coach for the USA Men’s National Team in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Arroyo had been coach of both men’s and women’s programs since 2008.
“I feel very comfortable with Shana at the helm of this historic program,” Arroyo said. “She has developed quickly as one of the better coaches that I have had the pleasure of working with. She will do great things with the program in the years to come.”
“I am humbled and honored to be able to continue representing this amazing program as Head Coach,” Welch said in an official statement. “I want to thank President Conoley, our Athletic Director Andy Fee, and our administration for putting their trust and confidence in me to lead this team. I also want to thank Gavin for all his support and for the opportunity to be a part of this program over the last 6 years.
“I look forward to continuing to build upon the success of this Long Beach State program and I am excited to continue working with our talented student-athletes. I have been incredibly lucky to work with this group, we had some great momentum building this past season and I know they are all excited to pick up where we left off when we are all able to return to the pool. Go Beach!”
Story From LBSU Reports
