UC Irvine Men’s Water Polo Adds Chris Whitelegge as Assistant Coach
August 21, 2026 | General, Men's Water Polo
IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine men's water polo head coach Dan Klatt has announced the hiring of Chris Whitelegge as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026 season.
"For our women's program, we saw a really high trajectory for our goalkeepers throughout the season and how important dedicated programming was to their development. It made a lot of sense to offer that same support to our men's goalkeepers, with dedicated programming and oversight for the position," Klatt said. "You want to be able to do everything as a head coach, but it's just not realistic. Having someone specifically for that position is really important," Klatt added. "Chris is an excellent goalkeeper. He's explosive, moves well in the water, and has been coaching goalkeepers in this area for a long time," Klatt said. "He brings maturity and professionalism to the position, and I trust his programming. He's a really good fit for us, and we're excited to have him working with our men's goalkeepers."
A Costa Mesa native and Newport Harbor High School graduate, Whitelegge enjoyed a decorated prep career, earning California-Hawaii All-American Second Team and All-CIF First Team honors while also being named Sunset League Player of the Year.
Whitelegge continued his playing career at UC Santa Barbara, where he established himself as one of the program's all-time top goalkeepers. He holds the top two single-season marks for saves in UCSB history with 307 in 2015 and 296 in 2013, while his 895 career saves from 2012-15 remain a program record. During his time as a Gaucho, Whitelegge earned All-MPSF Honorable Mention honors in 2013. He graduated with a degree in sociology and a certificate in sports management.
Following his collegiate career, Whitelegge continued playing at the professional and international level, earning First Team AWL honors in Australia's Australian Water Polo League in 2018 and winning USA Water Polo's Best Goalkeeper award twice (2023 and 2026) for his performances with NYAC during their championship campaigns. He also played goalkeeper for the New York Athletic Club, helping the club to win National Championships in 2021, 2023, 2024, & 2026.
In addition to his playing accomplishments, Whitelegge brings extensive coaching experience to Irvine, having coached at Newport Harbor High School, Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation and Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club.
Now, the decorated goalkeeper returns to Orange County, bringing his experience and expertise to the Anteaters as he helps guide the next chapter of UC Irvine men's water polo.
"For our women's program, we saw a really high trajectory for our goalkeepers throughout the season and how important dedicated programming was to their development. It made a lot of sense to offer that same support to our men's goalkeepers, with dedicated programming and oversight for the position," Klatt said. "You want to be able to do everything as a head coach, but it's just not realistic. Having someone specifically for that position is really important," Klatt added. "Chris is an excellent goalkeeper. He's explosive, moves well in the water, and has been coaching goalkeepers in this area for a long time," Klatt said. "He brings maturity and professionalism to the position, and I trust his programming. He's a really good fit for us, and we're excited to have him working with our men's goalkeepers."
A Costa Mesa native and Newport Harbor High School graduate, Whitelegge enjoyed a decorated prep career, earning California-Hawaii All-American Second Team and All-CIF First Team honors while also being named Sunset League Player of the Year.
Whitelegge continued his playing career at UC Santa Barbara, where he established himself as one of the program's all-time top goalkeepers. He holds the top two single-season marks for saves in UCSB history with 307 in 2015 and 296 in 2013, while his 895 career saves from 2012-15 remain a program record. During his time as a Gaucho, Whitelegge earned All-MPSF Honorable Mention honors in 2013. He graduated with a degree in sociology and a certificate in sports management.
Following his collegiate career, Whitelegge continued playing at the professional and international level, earning First Team AWL honors in Australia's Australian Water Polo League in 2018 and winning USA Water Polo's Best Goalkeeper award twice (2023 and 2026) for his performances with NYAC during their championship campaigns. He also played goalkeeper for the New York Athletic Club, helping the club to win National Championships in 2021, 2023, 2024, & 2026.
In addition to his playing accomplishments, Whitelegge brings extensive coaching experience to Irvine, having coached at Newport Harbor High School, Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation and Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club.
Now, the decorated goalkeeper returns to Orange County, bringing his experience and expertise to the Anteaters as he helps guide the next chapter of UC Irvine men's water polo.
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