Bio:
Coach Gina Castagnola has been the head coach of SI Girls Water Polo since 2021. The Wildcats have experienced many "firsts" under her guidance, including the strongest finish in school history for girls water polo (3rd in WCAL in 2023) and a program first victory over St. Francis. Under her leadership, the Wildcats also qualified for the CCS Open Division for the first time in 2022 and again in 2023.
Before returning back to her SI roots (class of '07), Gina spent 6 seasons as the head coach at Archie Williams, where she led the team to an NCS DII Championship in 2018 and an NCS DI Championship in 2019. The Falcons had undefeated MCAL league seasons from 2015 to 2019 and won 4 MCAL Championship Titles. She was also named Coach of the Year in 2021.
Castagnola is also heavily involved in the U.S. National Team program, having served in a variety of roles as a head coach and assistant coach. From 2017-2023, she was a head coach for the ODP PACE Youth Team earning Top Coach honors in 2019. She is currently serving as an assistant coach for the U16 USA National Team - that finished 3rd in U19 PanAmerican Games and 7th in World Championships in 2024.
Gina was a 4-year student-athlete at Loyola Marymount University. She made NCAA Division I Appearances in 2009 and 2010, finishing 6th in 2009 and 4th in 2010. She was named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-Academic Team (2010 and 2011) and WWPA All Academic Team (2010 and 2011). She continues to compete at the masters level for The Olympic Club where she has earned All-American honors and has played in World Championships in South Korea, and Japan.
Coaching Experience:
USA Cadet National Team Assistant Coach '23-present
SI Girls Varsity Water Polo '21-present
USA Pacific Zone ODP Coach '17-'23
Archie Williams Head Coach '15-'21
Terra Linda High School Head Coach '11-'12
Coaching Honors:
Awarded Top Youth Coach at the 2019 National Championships, Named 2021 Coach of the Year at Archie Williams High School
Playing Experience:
St. Ignatius '03-'07, Loyola Marymount University '07-'11, The Olympic Club '19-present
Athletic Career Honors:
NCAA Division I Appearances (2009, 2010) - 6th place finish 2009; 4th place finish 2010
