PRINCETON, N.J. — Derek Ellingson has been named the interim head coach of the Princeton University men’s water polo team, while Becca Dorst will be the interim head coach of the women’s water polo squad. Luis Nicolao, the head coach of both teams at Princeton for the past 20 years, resigned last week to take the head coaching job for the men’s team at the United States Naval Academy, his alma mater.
Ellingson, recently finished his 14th year with the men’s program. He will be responsible for coaching the team during its off-season training, recruiting for the men’s and women’s programs while serving as the assistant coach for the women’s unit during its upcoming competition season. He is also taking on full administrative responsibilities for both programs.
In his career, Ellingson has been a part of nine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament teams, helping Queens College to the tournament in 1997 as a player and taking the Knights back to the tournament in 2002 as head coach. At Princeton, he helped the men’s unit to the 2004, 2009, 2011 and 2015 NCAA Tournaments. Also assisting with the women’s side prior to 2016, he helped lead the Tigers to nationals in 2012, 2013, and 2015.
Dorst is in her second season with Princeton. Last year, the Tigers finished at 24-4 and reached the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Championship game. She will be responsible for the day-to-day coaching of the women’s team during their championship competition season and recruiting. She will also assist Ellingson with all administrative responsibilities as needed.
A former All-America selection at UCLA, Dorst finished her collegiate career with 92 goals, 23 assists, 87 steals, 32 blocks, and a .471 shot percentage. As a senior in 2014, she garnered ACWPC honorable mention All-America honors, racking up 36 goals and 33 steals. During her four seasons, UCLA posted a 105-23 overall record.
A national search for Nicolao’s successor will begin in the Spring.
Release courtesy Princeton University Athletics Communications
