Coming off a season in which they went 8-20 and lost in the CIF DI quarterfinals, the Coronado Islanders boys’ water polo program will be looking for better play and results in 2025. With a roster turnover, now playing in a new league, and a new Head Coach, David Troop, at the lead, things will be different this year.

“We’ve started outing our exceptions on the broad scope, and on the micro level, in not only how we approach practice but in how we approach a drill or situation; and we are bringing them back to center when they deviate,” said Troop. “This has been a really receptive group thus far, and I like a lot of what we’ve seen. There is still a lot of room for growth, and these guys can surprise themselves by investing in what we’re saying to them as coaches.”

When looking at the current roster, Troop was quick to note a number of names that they expect to lean on in 2025. Junior Luca Morocco and senior Charlie Pretzinger will be back in the pool for the Islanders and look to lead the way on the attack.

Also impressing Troop early, and who could make an impact, is a pair of sophomores, Carter Mondzelewski and Devin Ertekin. Among other names, Troop noted the importance and impact that the brothers Russell and Quint Richardson will have on the ’25 team.

“Russell is a junior and Quint is a senior; both are going to have huge roles on this team,” commented Troop. “Russell will be holding down the center of the pool, alongside Leo Salata.”

What is clear is that, perimeter-wise, Coronado has a lot of things to work with. Troop is confident that this is a group who can have consistent contributors up and down the roster, with more time and coaching,

Along with new names on the roster, the Islanders’ schedule will also be a bit different this season. For the 2025 season, the Islanders have made the move from the Western League, which featured teams such as Bishops and Cathedral, to the Eastern League, which features Clairemont, Francis Parker, and Patrick Henry High School.

On paper, yes, Coronado is now in an “easier” league. However, on paper and in the pool are two very different things. The Islanders have seen the three schools sparingly over the years, meaning they won’t have a tactical familiarity when playing against these teams late in the season.

“I was fortunate to scout those teams a bit last season when I was officiating, so I know what some of their tendencies are,” Troop said with a laugh.

“I think the guys are excited for this new challenge, and there’s a level of ability to build some confidence. In previous years, it felt like we might get beaten down, regardless. To build confidence, they need those opportunities to be competitive in those league games. I think the schedule that we have now provides that.”

The start to the Islanders’ season is also an interesting one as their schedule is front-loaded with nine tournament games in the first nine days of the season. While Troop wants to stack wins, he believes it will also serve as an early-season test of some of the things they’ve emphasized during the off-season.

“Those games will be good to test our physical and mental conditioning. They also provide a chance to look at more film that we can come back to and revisit to break down why things happen,” said Troop.

“I think this helps to grow their overall knowledge of the game.”