The Valhalla Men’s Water Polo Community is concerned for the mental health of our players. On the heels of the pandemic, we are looking at the 3rd head coach in three years. It is just over a month until the season starts. The boys were loudly supportive of Gerardo Arellano for the job last time the position was filled and were shocked and upset when he didn’t get it. Please consider Gerardo Arellano for the Valhalla Men’s Water Polo coach this time. He is the best candidate and it would be the easiest and healthiest transition for the current players.

Coach Gerardo was told he didn’t get the position last time because he didn’t have a teaching credential. But a teaching credential is not part of the job requirements and many of Valhalla’s current coaches, including the current Women’s Water Polo coach, do not have teaching credentials. Why is the Men’s coach being held to a higher standard?

In addition to actively coaching most of the current players, Coach Gerardo is highly qualified:

1. Coach Gerardo is an exceptional water polo coach who cares deeply for his teams. Coach Gerardo is one of the best coaches in all of San Diego County. His ability to teach water polo fundamentals is exceptional, he understands all aspects of the game, and he communicates well with each individual player and their family. He fosters a positive spirit of community and teamwork and his players support each other, on and off the pool deck. His players respect him and, in return, he gives them the encouragement and attention they need to play their best. He supports his players physically and mentally.

2. Coach Gerardo supports the Aquatic department. Coach Gerardo requires a substantial amount of swimming in his high school and Club programs and strongly encourages his Club water polo players to swim this year. When several Odin Water Polo Club players participated in Valhalla Varsity swim this year, they were allowed to arrive late to Club water polo trainings and/or were permitted to miss trainings, to prioritize swim. He tracked their swim times with them and, when several beat their personal swim records, his pool deck was their first stop; they knew how happy Coach Gerardo would be for them. He will work to ensure that the proud Orange Nation Aquatics legacy continues.

3. Coach Gerardo is a FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) referee. FINA is the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competitions in water sports. Coach Gerardo oversees international and professional games, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game and a knowledge of current rules beyond most coaches. His referee experience also helps him advocate for the “right calls” and communicates with referees respectfully, as professionals and peers.  

4. Coach Gerardo would bring diversity to the pool deck. Coach Gerardo is a bilingual Mexican American, bringing diversity to the pool deck and encouraging an environment of inclusion.

5. Coach Gerardo is your only candidate who needs no time to adjust to Valhalla or the team.  With little time to waste and the season only a month away, Coach Gerardo is ready to go.  He’s been a part of the Orange Nation and knows the kids, so he can get right to work. Almost all of the Valhalla water polo players who have chosen to play this summer are playing with Coach Gerardo right now. They want to be able to continue playing with him at Valhalla this fall.

Please hire Coach Gerardo Arellano as he is the best candidate for the job, the coach that the boys want, and has the full support of the local water polo community.

Sincerely,

The Valhalla Men’s Water Polo Community of players, their families, future players, alumni, and community water polo stakeholders