THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
South County Aquatics
South County Coaches
At South County, our coaching staff brings a level of experience and knowledge that truly separates our program. Every coach on our staff has spent years competing at high levels of the game, including collegiate, professional, and masters-level competition, as well as playing internationally in different countries. Their diverse backgrounds expose our players to different styles of play, systems, and perspectives that create a unique learning environment. Having competed at elite levels themselves, our coaches understand the discipline, work ethic, and mindset required to succeed both on and off the court.
In addition to their playing careers, our coaches have extensive experience working with athletes across multiple levels of development. From youth players to advanced competitors, they know how to teach, motivate, and help players grow in all aspects of the game. Their firsthand experience allows them to provide valuable insight, attention to detail, and mentorship that goes beyond skill development. At South County, our players benefit from a one-of-a-kind coaching staff dedicated to helping every athlete reach their full potential.
Director & 18u/16u Head Coach
Christian Macias
Christian has played and coached water polo for over 20 years. As an athlete, he competed for OCWPC, SET, and SOCAL, earning both All-American and Academic All-American honors during his club career. He played at Mission Viejo High School, where he was named MVP for three consecutive years and competed on CIF Division 1, 2, and 3 teams. In his senior year, Christian was the leading scorer in Orange County and earned All-American recognition.
Christian played NCAA Division I water polo for two years at the U.S. Naval Academy before transferring to UC Irvine, where he transitioned to whole set. At UCI, he received CWPA All-American honors and was named a Golden Coast Conference All-American Honoree.
As a coach, Christian has worked with Power Aquatics, OCWPC, Trabuco Hills High School, and Santa Margarita Catholic High School. At OCWPC, he coached multiple age groups, including Splash Ball, 10U, 12U, and 14U. At Trabuco Hills High School, he served as the Boys JV Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach, and in 2018, he coached the JV girls team at SMCHS.
He has been coaching at SMCHS since 2021, where the program has won Frosh/Soph League Championships. Christian has coached at multiple levels, including Frosh, JV, and Varsity, and most recently helped lead the team to the quarterfinals of the CIF Open Division.
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16u/18u Assistant Coach
Andrew Marquez
Andrew Marquez brings years of competitive water polo experience as an attacker and team leader. He set the all-time goal record at Evergreen Valley High School and continued his success with West Valley Water Polo Club, where he won a Gold Division championship at the Junior Olympics.
At West Valley College, he helped lead the program to back-to-back Coast Conference championships, a Northern California championship, and a 3rd place finish at the California State Championships. During his time there, he also earned All-Academic honors for his performance both in the pool and in the classroom.
He later continued his career with the La Salle University Water Polo Club, further developing his knowledge of the game and competitive experience. Known for his intensity, leadership, and passion for the sport, Andrew is dedicated to helping athletes improve their skills, build confidence, and reach their full potential in and out of the pool.
16u/18u Assistant Coach & Masters Coach
Jim Bergen
Jim Bergen has been playing water polo competitively for almost 40 years, beginning his senior year in high school at La Canada. He continued playing water polo at UC Davis where he eventually was voted captain and MVP in his final year. In addition Jim was a 13 time all American Division ll swimmer participating in the NCAA Championships all 4 Years at Davis and once again be was voted team captain by his peers his junior and senior years.
Following college Jim was not finished playing water polo and joined Harvard Water Polo Foundation (now LAWP). With this elite club Jim competed at the highest levels in US Water Polo, culminating in a win at the Outdoor Senior Nationals in 1997. With this group (now Bruin WPC) Jim has won about a dozen Masters National titles.
Jim began coaching in 2014 when his son Ethan started playing in club and them high school, helping lead the THHS Mustangs to the CIF Championship Finals. Jim continues to play and coaching allows him to give back to game that has given him so much joy
16u/18u Goalie Coach
Igor Pinheiro
Igor brings high-level international water polo experience as a goalkeeper from Brazil. He competed for Club Paineiras, winning São Paulo State Championships and a Brazilian National Championship. He was also part of the Brazilian U18 National Team pre-selection squad.
Currently playing at Orange Coast College, he continues to develop against top junior college competition in California. Known for his work ethic, leadership, and competitive mindset, he is passionate about helping young athletes grow in the sport.
Contact
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(949)-350-8739