Student Life
Athletics
Boys Water Polo
PROGRAM HISTORY
Program Philosophy
The Justin-Siena Water Polo Program believes that sports provide a unique platform for comprehensive growth, where education, competition, and physical development converge with essential life lessons. Joining the Justin-Siena water polo team offers a chance to learn game skills and strategies while fostering values of teamwork, camaraderie, sacrifice, and dedication. The program aims to create an environment where players feel supported and motivated to push beyond their comfort zones, understanding that significant growth happens during challenges and adversity. By promoting unity and shared goals among team members, the program aspires to develop not only skilled athletes but also compassionate individuals who value collaboration and mutual respect.
At the core of the Justin-Siena Water Polo Program philosophy is the incorporation of Lasallian educational principles of faith, service, and community into all athletic activities. The program is committed to nurturing the whole person, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Through meaningful interactions, mentorship, and leading by example, the program seeks to empower athletes to realize their potential and make a positive impact on the world around them. By exemplifying empathy, integrity, and solidarity, both in and out of the pool, the program aims to inspire a lifelong dedication to personal growth, serving others, and striving for excellence.
Key Dates
At the core of the Justin-Siena Water Polo Program philosophy is the incorporation of Lasallian educational principles of faith, service, and community into all athletic activities. The program is committed to nurturing the whole person, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Through meaningful interactions, mentorship, and leading by example, the program seeks to empower athletes to realize their potential and make a positive impact on the world around them. By exemplifying empathy, integrity, and solidarity, both in and out of the pool, the program aims to inspire a lifelong dedication to personal growth, serving others, and striving for excellence.
Key Dates
- The season will officially begin on August 10, 2026
- VVAL Championship Tournament- October 22, October 27, October 29
- NCS Playoffs- November 4 - 14, 2026
Meet the Coach
Tom Coughlan leads Justin-Siena’s boys water polo program, returning for his second stint as head coach in 2023. A familiar face on deck, Coach Coughlan previously served as head coach at Justin-Siena from 2007–2010, where he helped lead both the boys and girls teams to the first North Coast Section playoff appearances in program history while significantly growing participation across the program.
Beyond Justin-Siena, Tom’s coaching experience includes roles with the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s water polo programs at University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as coaching positions at Saint Mary's College of California, Monte Vista High School, De La Salle High School, and Bishop O'Dowd High School.
As a water polo athlete, Tom was a high school All-American at De La Salle High School, an NCAA All-American at University of California, Santa Barbara, and competed internationally with the USA National B Team, the Ireland National Team and professionally in France.
Tom holds degrees from University of California, Santa Barbara and Saint Mary's College of California and currently serves as Executive Director of the Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation. He is passionate about building a competitive, disciplined, and positive culture that helps student-athletes grow in and out of the pool.
For questions about the program, Coach Coughlan can be reached at tcoughlan@justin-siena.org
Justin-Siena High School
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.