URBANA, Ohio — Danielle Montenegro has been hired as head coach of the new women’s water polo program at Urbana University. Montenegro and the Blue Knights will begin competition in the 2020-21 season.
“I’m pleased to announce that Danielle will be the first-ever head coach for our women’s water polo team”, said UU Executive Director of Athletics Larry Cox. “She brings extensive knowledge from her time both coaching and playing the sport, and she has experience working with the type of student-athletes that will be a great fit here at Urbana. With her passion, drive and commitment, I think we have the perfect person to lead the inaugural version of our Blue Knight Water Polo program.”
Montenegro, a native of Rowland Heights, California, comes to Urbana after serving as head coach and building the water polo program at Crafton Hills College. She also spent three years as assistant coach at Mt. San Antonio College.
“I want to thank Larry Cox and Dr. Christopher Washington for giving me the opportunity to become a part of the Blue Knight family,” said Montenegro. “I’m thrilled to be leading the inaugural program, not only as Urbana’s first water polo team, but also as the only Division II varsity program in Ohio. I look forward to building the sport in this exciting environment.”
Since 2008, Montenegro has coached and instructed at various high schools and clubs in Southern California, including Kennedy High School, Diamond Bar High School, Rowland and Nogales High School, Rose Bowl Aquatics and Rancho Tsunami Water Polo Club.
A standout water polo athlete, Montenegro earned National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III All-America status all four years at Occidental College. She was named Team most valuable player as a sophomore and was twice voted a team captain. Prior to college, Montenegro led her high school team to a pair of league championships while earning league MVP and Player of the Year awards.
Montenegro earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Occidental and obtained her master’s degree from Concordia University in applied exercise science, with an emphasis in strength and conditioning. She’s also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and certified physical therapist assistant.
Release courtesy Urbana University Athletics Communications
