ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst University Director of Athletics Joe Spano announced Brandon Bricarell as the institution’s men’s water polo head coach and Mike Doyle as the leader of the women’s water polo program.
“I am thrilled to announce the hiring of both a men’s and women’s head coach for water polo” said Spano. “Mike brings decades of coaching experience and is widely respected across the water polo community. Brandon returns to Erie after a successful high school coaching career in Texas, and he’s no stranger to our region.
“Both coaches are known for their exceptional work ethic, deep knowledge of the game, and commitment to building strong programs. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
Doyle brings over a decade of coaching experience to his new role at Mercyhurst. Doyle got his start in coaching locally in 2008 as the head coach for the Cathedral Prep water polo and swim teams. He served as the head coach from 2008 to 2022 and was named aquatic manager in addition to his coaching role in 2015.
The 2015 Pennsylvania Water Polo Coach of the Year, Doyle led the Ramblers to five Western Conference Championships. He also led the swim team to 14 consecutive District 10 and Region III titles as well as state championships in 2019 and 2022.
Most recently, Doyle served as the aquatics director and head swim coach at the Kahkwa Club in Erie.
A graduate of John Carroll University, where he swam for three years, Doyle was the athletics director at Erie Catholic Schools, overseeing all athletic programs at six elementary schools, prior to his current role, .
Bricarell, a 2013 graduate of Gannon University, returns to Erie after spending over a decade as a teacher and coach in the Houston area. Bricarell helped establish the water polo program at Cypress Falls High School and served as the head coach. In addition to his role as head water polo coach, he led the swimming team.
In the 2024 season, Bricarell coached a Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Super Elite Team selection, an award honoring the top 10 girls’ water polo players in the state of Texas. He also coached six All-District honorees and seven All-State Academic Team members.
As a student-athlete at Gannon, Bricarell was a 13-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship qualifier and nine-time conference finalist. He was named team captain in 2012 and 2013. In 2022, Bricarell earned his Master’s of Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
Release courtesy Mercyhurst University Athletics Communications
