Justin Papa resigns as Corona del Mar girls’ water polo coach

Justin Papa has resigned as the Corona del Mar High girls’ water polo coach after three seasons, CdM athletic director Don Grable said Thursday.

Grable said in an email that Papa resigned for personal reasons. Papa, at CdM alumnus who also played water polo at UC Irvine, did not return messages seeking comment.

The Sea Kings were 55-33 overall in Papa’s three years in charge. Last year, they advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title match for the first time since 2013, losing 9-8 to Laguna Beach in sudden-death overtime in the final.

CdM finished 12-16 this season and failed to advance to the playoffs.

“He worked very hard for us in creating a positive and competitive culture in which our players have thrived,” Grable said in the email. “Justin will truly be missed and we wish him nothing but the best as he pursues new opportunities in his life. We really appreciate that Justin helped all those involved in our program to become better people and teammates, as well as better water polo players.”

Two-time Olympians Kelly Rulon and Brandon Brooks, as well as CdM alumna Alex Musselman, are all coaching the 16- and 18-and-under club water polo girls this spring, according to the CdM Aquatics website.

Grable said that interested applicants for the high school girls’ head coaching position should send him a letter of interest, resume and up to three letters of recommendation at dgrable@nmusd.us. The deadline is March 23.

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