CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Bret Lathrope has been named as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) men’s water polo head coach, as announced by Julie Soriero, MIT Director of Athletics.
“We are excited to welcome Bret into this new leadership role as our head coach,” said Soriero. “Having served as our assistant last year, he has a good understanding of our program, the competitiveness of our water polo conference and our student-athletes. He brings experience and enthusiasm to the position and his impact should be immediate.”
Lathrope served as the program’s assistant coach for the 2017 season, assisting with daily training plans, in-game strategy and other day-to-day activities. He also served as a player mentor, led film review sessions and helped the team balance athletics and academics.
“I want to thank Julie Soriero, John Benedick and the search committee for offering me the incredible opportunity to lead the MIT Men’s Water Polo program,” said Lathrope. “I would also like to thank the members of the team, the alumni and my family who supported me throughout the process. The student-athletes at MIT are truly outstanding. I am excited to begin working with the players to achieve a new level of excellence for our water polo program.”
Most recently, Lathrope has worked as a coach with the 680 Water Polo Association in Walnut Creek, Calif., where he served as the head coach of the Boys 18 and under team. Prior to his season with the MIT squad, Lathrope was an assistant coach for the Bucknell University men’s and women’s water polo teams, while also working as an assistant coach for the USA Collegiate Team in the USA Water Polo National League.
The former UCLA standout was also previously an assistant coach at the University of California-Davis and played professionally in Spain for Agrupacio Esportiva Santa Eulalia.
During his four-year career at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), the Bruins made three appearances in the national championship game as he finished with 56 goals in his career, including a career-high 19 as a junior in 2011.
Lathrope graduated from UCLA in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in history and received the Dr. James Puffer Award for Dedication and Commitment to the UCLA Water Polo program.
Release courtesy MIT Athletics Communications
