Published September 2, 2026
By SOPHIE CANAN
After playing Division I water polo at San Jose State University and club water polo at University of California, Santa Barbara, Belene Rodriguez has stepped in as the new CHS girls’ water polo coach, bringing new energy to the pool deck.
With a competitive spirit and love for the sport, Rodriguez decided to coach high school students and share her passion for the game with the next generation of water polo players. Prior to coming to CHS, she coached for NorCal Aquatics Water Polo Club and various private clinics for a total of three years.
“Water polo is such a difficult sport and it has offered me so much in my life,” says the coach. “I want to be able to impart my experiences and share my love for the sport.”
Belene Rodriguez played Division I water polo in college, giving her skills and experience she hopes to use when coaching the CHS girls’ team. courtesy of BELENE RODRIGUEZ
Rodriguez decided to coach at CHS in hopes of building up water polo on the Monterey Peninsula. By improving skills at the high school level and partnering with local clubs and coaches to encourage younger players to join, her goal is to have stronger players while building up the sport.
“With her as our coach, we’ve already seen a lot more girls show interest in the sport,” says senior team captain Ava Waroff. “She’s really well driven and has a lot of experience.”
Last year, the team ended the season 0-7 in league. This year, with 11 girls on the team, the coach wants to use her years of experience as a player to help each of the players improve individually.
“My goal for the team is to give these girls as many opportunities to grow in their skill of water polo,” Rodriguez explains.“But also, through that, teach them skills about life.”
Rodriguez also wants to offer the team some stability after coaching changes, despite only being able to coach at CHS for one year.
“I might not be here next year, but I still want to give the team a really fun and memorable season,” the coach explains. “I want them to enjoy playing the sport and have fun above all.”
Rodriguez hopes that her excitement about coaching at a new school will bring new energy to the rest of the team that can help create strong bonds.
“I can’t wait to get to know this group of girls because they are each so different,” says Rodriguez. “It’s a team sport, so if we can build a really strong core connection, the sky is the limit.”
The CHS girls’ water polo team will have their first game Sept. 3.
