ERIE, Pa. — Gannon University Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard-McGuirk announced the appointment of Golden Knights’ All-America selection Zarko Sadikovic as the men’s and women’s water polo coach. Sadikovic becomes the fifth different individual to oversee the two programs.
The 2017 Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)-West Region Most Valuable Player and a two-time (2017, 2018) MAWPC-West First Team All-Conference selection, Sadikovic is no stranger to the Gannon water polo program. The native of Nis, Serbia, played for the Golden Knights from 2015 to 2018. A 2017 and 2018 Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Division II First Team All-America selection, He finished his career ranked sixth on the all-time Gannon goals list (155), 11th (now 17th) in assists (64) and 22nd in steals (96).
“We are excited to welcome Zarko back to Gannon,” noted Goddard-McGuirk. “He is passionate about growing the game of water polo, has tremendous knowledge and experience, and is committed to providing a high-quality student-athlete experience.”
“Zarko’s demonstrated commitment to excellence will continue to elevate our men’s and women’s programs within the Western Water Polo Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).”
Sadikovic has served as the head coach of the men’s water polo team of the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program since October 2021, serving as an instructional coach for USA Cadet water polo athletes in the Great Lakes zone.
After graduating from Gannon in 2019, Sadikovic began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Penn State Behrend in the fall of 2019. That was followed by a stint as a graduate assistant at Mercyhurst University in 2020-21.
Sadikovic took over as Mercyhurst’s interim men’s head coach due to the passing of longtime coach Curtis Robinette from cancer just prior to the start of the 2021 season.
Sadikovic picked up his first win as a head coach with a 14-11 win over Penn State Behrend. During the Spring, he served as the assistant coach for the women’s water polo program.
Now, he returns to Gannon as the head coach of both water polo programs.
“It’s a surreal moment; it really is,” said Sadikovic. “Gannon University has meant so much to me and my family, and when that opportunity was presented to me, I could not turn it down. I feel obligated to give back, and I’m really looking forward to the future success of the program and getting the best out of both of my teams “
With Sadikovic playing a major role, Gannon enjoyed its most successful seasons during his playing career as the Golden Knights won three straight MAWPC-Western Region regular season championships from 2016-18 under former head coach Sean Morphy. In addition, Gannon finished third at the MAWPC-West Region Championship in both 2016 and 2018.
He helped the Golden Knights capture back-to-back Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division II Eastern Championships in 2017 and 2018 while earning First Team All-Tournament honors in 2016, 2017 and 2018 along with Most Valuable Player accolades in both 2017 and 2018. At the MAWPC-West Championship, he posted All-Tournament recognition three times (Second Team – 2016; First Team – 2017, 2018) along with MVP recognition in 2017.
Release courtesy Gannon University Athletics Communications
