IRVINE, Calif. --- Dan Klatt has been named the Director of Water Polo at UC Irvine, Director of Athletics Paula Smith announced Tuesday.  

"I am confident in Dan's leadership and his ability to bring talented people together to build a successful program in and out of the pool. Dan has strong values, does things the right way and is committed to fostering a culture of excellence," Smith said. "I am grateful for the accomplishments and legacy of our past coaches and student-athletes. I am excited for the student-athletes, alums, and UCI community; and I look forward to the future of UCI men's water polo." 

Klatt will serve as the head coach for both the men's and women's programs, becoming the fourth head coach in UCI men's water polo history.  

"I'm excited. It's humbling and an honor to coach a program that has had such an impact on my life", Klatt said. "This opportunity is bigger than just a coaching job for me. This is my family, and I want to do my best to honor the legacy of our past coaches and alumni."  

Klatt has totaled a 338-173 record in 17 seasons at the helm of the UCI women's program. His teams have recorded 16 straight winning seasons, including seven years with 20 or more wins.  

Under Klatt, the Anteaters have captured seven Big West titles and made six NCAA appearances. He is the winningest coach in Big West women's water polo history (.660), garnering Big West Coach of the Year honors seven times.   

Klatt graduated from UCI in 2001, playing under legendary head coach Ted Newland for four seasons. He garnered MPSF All-Conference honors twice and was named an All-American in 1998 and 2000.  

Following graduation, he was a member of the 2004 U.S. Men's Olympic Water Polo team that competed in the Athens Games.  

Most recently, Klatt has served as an assistant coach with the U.S. Women's Water Polo team, helping the Americans to three consecutive gold medals.  

"I am well versed in our program's traditions and understand the strength and pride of our alumni base," Klatt added. "We have a lot of work to do to ensure we create a competitive environment our student-athletes and alumni can be proud of. Our current student-athletes and alumni deserve our very best, and that is exactly what they are going to get from our coaching staff."