VALLEJO, Calif. — Originally joining California Maritime Academy Athletics on an interim basis, Matt De Trane is the department’s new men’s and women’s head water polo coach, in addition to his role as an associate director of athletics and aquatics coordinator on a permanent basis.
“Matt’s ability to seamlessly join the department mid-year, create quality relationships with cadet-athletes to strengthen the men’s and women’s water polo programs are two of numerous reasons why I am excited to remove the interim tag and select him to lead Cal Maritime’s water polo and aquatics programs,” said Director of Athletics Lee Yoder.
“He is committed to helping cadet-athletes reach their academic and athletic potential, athletes will thrive under the tutelage of a former U.S. National Team and professional athlete of his caliber.”
Said De Trane, “I am committed to making a positive impact on the men’s and women’s water polo programs and Cal Martime’s cadets. I am thankful for Director of Athletics Karen Lee Yoder’s belief in what I can bring to Cal Maritime.”
De Trane possesses strong connections to the region since he grew up in Moraga, Calif: After graduating from Campolindo High School in 2008, he became a two-time All-America selection at Diablo Valley College in swimming and water polo.
The two-time all-state and conference MVP selection continued his academic and athletic career at Pepperdine University and further cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite talents by earning an additional pair of All-America honors.
After graduating in 2013 with his psychology degree, De Trane joined the National Team, competed in the FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final and World Championships.
De Trane spent the next three years competing professionally throughout Europe for VK Budva (Budva, Montenegro) and RN Bogliasco (Bogliasco, Italy) before returning to the United States to begin his coaching career at DVC and with Contra Costa United Water Polo Club.
With De Trane leading each program, CCU’s 18U team won a Junior Olympics championship; Diablo Valley College also strengthened its reputations as one of the top men’s water polo programs in California by winning multiple Big 8 Conference titles.
Added De Trane. “I am excited to become a Keelhauler, look forward to helping Cal Maritime’s aquatics programs grow and create teams that not only perform well in the pool but in the classroom as well.”
Release courtesy Cal Maritime Athletics Communications
