Iosefa Tuiasau, an Aotearoa, New Zealand native and Cal men's water polo alum, returned to the Golden Bears' men's water polo program for his first year as an assistant coach in June of 2024.
Tuiasau spent the previous two years as an assistant coach for the Pacific men’s and women’s water polo programs. In his first year with the Tigers in 2022, he helped guide the team to a 22-7 record and an NCAA Championship Semifinal appearance. The 22 wins were one shy of the program's largest win total in more than 25 years.
A member of the Bears' 2009-11 squads, Sefa competed professionally throughout Europe and Australia following his collegiate playing days. He eventually returned home to New Zealand where he began his coaching career at the high school, club and international levels. He notably served as an assistant coach for the New Zealand Women’s National Team and found immense success during his stint at Rangitoto College that resulted in numerous trophies, including a three-peat at the Trans Tasman Championship. In addition to coaching numerous high school athletes who went on to join the New Zealand Men's national team program and continue their playing careers in the United States and Europe, he also coached the prestigious North Harbor Water Polo Club and won New Zealand National Championships in every age group level.
Tuiasau, a proud Pacific Islander, is the only pacific island male to have played collegiately, professionally and internationaly that is currently coaching in the NCAA.
