IRVINE, Calif. --- Milos Skaljac has been named assistant men's water polo coach at UC Irvine, announced by Anteaters' head coach Marc Hunt.

"I'm very excited to add Milos to our staff, Hunt said.  "Milos is a technically-sound water polo coach and he strongly emphasizes the teaching of fundamentals.

"Milos brings an energy and passion every day to the pool deck.  He's tireless in his effort to teach the game and connect with his players.

"Our program will feel an impact immediately with his presence on several fronts.  His insightful eye will bolster our recruiting strategy and strengthen our team," Hunt added.

Skaljac brings a wealth of coaching experience on multiple levels to the UCI program.

He is highly active with the USA Water Polo Olympic Development program, coaching the Southern Pacific Zone 16U team.

Since 2008, Skaljac has been head coach of the Orange County Water Polo Club, which has earned over 75 trophies and medals in age-group competition throughout the nation.

Skaljac also has been head coach of the European Water Polo Academy, based in Laguna Niguel, since 2008.  The academy has developed systems of training for boys and girls in preparing them for competition at the high school, collegiate, U.S. National Team and professional levels.

He served as an assistant coach at Concordia University Irvine, his alma mater, in 2011-12 when the Eagles won the NAIA national championship.  Skaljac was Concordia's Most Valuable Player in 2009-10 and also earned All-America honors on the Eagles' national-championship teams in 2009 and 2010.

Skaljac played two seasons at Long Beach City College, which won the state title both years and he was state MVP in 2006.

Skaljac, a member of the Yugoslavian Cadet National Team from 1999-2005, previously served as an assistant coach at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, where he helped developed the water polo program.

He is a product of Red Star, one of the premier European clubs in Belgrade, Serbia, that competes in the competitive Adriatic League.