Our coaches are some of the best in the business. They know the game of water polo inside and out. They played high-level water polo themselves in high school, college, and at the national level.
That’s why the Orange County Water Polo Club is the go-to water polo club for developing players’ skills and techniques from 10 & Under through college. Our club’s focus is to build good, all-around players through hard work and positive outcomes. And we take great pride when our athletes succeed off the pool deck as well.
Experienced Water Polo Coach with more than 25 years of experience planning, developing and implementing Water Polo skills and techniques to student-athletes ages 14 to 18 years old as well as developing age group Water Polo. Highly successful in developing some of Orange County’s leading High School Water Polo Student-Athletes. Responsible for providing precise skills and development to youth ages 6 to 18 years old, training them on utilizing their knowledge and awareness of Water Polo to develop fundamentals and proficiency for each of them to be successful in their accomplishments as student-athletes and positive individuals in the community.
Justin began playing water polo in Southern California at the age of 12. In the years to come he would compete in both club and high school, with and against, some of the best players and coaches in the country. Feeling at home in the water, his success was realized early when his teams placed 3rd in the 13u division, 1st in the 15u division, and 1st as a 17u…all in National Championships (JOs). He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School where he was a 3-year Varsity Letterman, High School All-American, 2nd Team All-CIF selection, Senior All-Star, and “Team MVP” during some of their most competitive years as a program. After high school Justin played at USC capturing the ’98 National Championship with his fellow Trojans.
In 2003, following graduation, he and fellow Head Coach, Peter Asic started “Split OC”, which is now known as “Orange County Water Polo Club” (OCWPC). During Justin’s first 7 years he coached the 12U emphasizing fundamentals, team cohesion both offensively and defensively, high energy counter attacks and “fun”; the most important aspect of the game, to date, still infused at all levels. In 2012 he took over the 10u program and has been moving up through the age groups respectively most recently landing at the 16u level. Under Coach Kroeze’s direction, the boys have won numerous championships in regional and national events. He prides himself in bringing OCWPC to the highest level tournaments across the country. Teams coached directly by him have placed in the top 10 at JOs in the Platinum/Championship division since 2004 with top 3 finishes by five of the OCWPC teams in those years.
This past year, Justin was chosen as the SoPac Zone Head Coach for USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP). He has been a part of the ODP program for the last 4 years and is looking to continue as their head coach for the 2016-17 season. Justin attributes his success to his tenure with Peter Asic and the many memorable learning experiences he’s had as a player and coach. The ODP program is enhancing this, providing him even more aptitude as he works side by side with some of the best players and most seasoned coaches in the county.
Water Polo is a passion for him, both coaching and playing, as he still competes with a local Master’s Team.
Originally from Croatia where water polo is the national sport, Coach Buich has been playing water polo for 25+ years. He played water polo in high school in Marin County and continued his playing career at Golden West College where he helped lead the team to a conference championship in 2006. After a couple of years of playing professionally overseas, he returned to the United States and began his coaching career.
In 2022, Ivan Buich entered his first season as Assistant Coach for USC Men’s Water Polo.
Buich comes to USC after spending seven seasons at San Juan Hills High School as head coach of the boys and girls teams, reaching two CIF finals in that span. He also served as an assistant coach on the Santa Margarita Catholic boys’ and girls’ coaching staff, helping the Eagles win the girls CIF title in 2013.
With Orange County Water Polo Club, Buich was a head coach at all levels, spending the last seven years with the 18U Boys. He also served as a head coach for Los Angeles Athletic Club for three years and coached at Mt. SAC as women’s assistant in the 2021-22 season.
Buich attended Redwood High School in Marin County, Calif., before going on to play at Golden West College and Long Beach State. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Arizona State. After college, he competed in Croatia for VK Gusar.
Coach Adam is a highly skilled and dedicated water polo coach with a specialization in coaching young athletes. He embarked on his water polo and swimming journey at the tender age of 10, and his talent quickly became evident as he amassed numerous all-American awards in the younger divisions. Throughout his high school years, Adam honed his skills while representing esteemed teams like Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo, where he earned notable distinctions as an All-CIF Division player.
Driven by his unwavering passion for the sport, Adam pursued further education at Cal State Long Beach, deepening his understanding of water polo and expanding his knowledge base. However, it is in coaching where Adam has truly excelled. With over 17 years of coaching experience since 2006, he has been an integral part of the OCWPC coaching staff, working with athletes of various age groups ranging from 10 and under to 18 and under. This extensive experience has provided Adam with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental needs and challenges faced by young water polo players.
In addition to his tenure at OCWPC, Adam played a pivotal role in the early establishment of the water polo program at Jserra. Collaborating with renowned coach Petar Asic, Adam contributed his expertise for two years, actively shaping and guiding the team's growth. This invaluable experience not only solidified his coaching skills but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the positive impact that coaching can have on athletes' lives.
Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Adam has cultivated strong connections within the water polo community. Through these relationships, he has gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the sport and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coaching in shaping not only athletic abilities but also essential life skills. Adam's unwavering commitment to the development of young athletes and his deep understanding of the sport make him an exceptional coach for aspiring water polo players.
I have been with OCWPC since I was 12 years old which helped me become a 4-year varsity letterman at Santa Margarita Catholic HS. Being a triplet, we grew up playing together for the club along many other talented athletes and coaches.
Played in NCAA Division 1 Water Polo at Long Beach State University. Captain of the team during 2018-2019 season. Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Sciences as well as a Spanish minor.
2018 Golden Coast Conference Champion. Named to the 2017, 2018 All-GCC Academic Teams.
Member of the Ecuador Senior National Team since 2012.
"I started playing at Orange County Water Polo Club when I was 11 and instantly found a home with Coach Peter. Playing for OCWPC jumpstarted my love for water polo and the club. I recently just finished my final Collegiate season at the University of La Verne as the starting Center Defender and am excited to be back at OC and coaching!"
CAREER: Asic was a four-time All-American in his time at Pepperdine, and his 240 career goals land him at third all-time at Pepperdine, passing his father Pero by just a single goal.
PEPPERDINE 2019: Appeared in 31 games as a redshirt-senior … Passed his father Pero on the all-time scoring list with 240 career goals … Named an ACWPC All-American honorable mention … Named All-GCC honorable mention … Named GCC Player of the Week (10/17) … Scored 58 goals on the year and assisted on 12 more for 70 total points, third on the team … Drew 17 exclusions and had 15 steals on the year.
PEPPERDINE 2018: Redshirted in 2018.
PEPPERDINE 2017: Named ACWPC All-American honorable mention as a junior ... Made the All-GCC second team ... Led the team and finished fourth in the GCC with 68 goals ... Was fifth in the GCC at 2.1 goals per game ... Played in all 32 games and also had 16 assists ... Scored a goal in 28 of the 32 games and had 25 multi-goal games ... Scored a season-high four goals against Redlands (9/16), Whittier (9/17) and Long Beach State (10/13).
PEPPERDINE 2016: Earned ACWPC All-American second team honors as a sophomore ... Named the first-ever GCC Player of the Year and to the All-GCC first team ... Played in all 27 games … Scored 69 goals and posted 13 assists … Scored five goals on four separate occasions, and had a season-high two assists against UC Santa Barbara (11/19).
PEPPERDINE 2015: Earned ACWPC All-American honorable mention status as a freshman ... Played in 25 games for the Waves and scored a team-high 45 goals … His 1.67 goals per game were good for 15th in the MPSF … Scored a season-high five goals against Pacific (10/31).
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Dana Hills High School, located in Dana Point, Calif., in 2015 … Spent freshman year at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano … In four years, compiled 294 goals, 169 assists and 208 steals … Was a two-time All-American and four-time All-League in high school … In his senior year at Dana Hills, Asic had 97 goals, 70 assists and 59 steals ... Was All-CIF first team and MVP of the South Coast League as a senior ... Set the school record for most goals scored in a game with 11 and most career goals.
CLUB: Played for his father, Peter, for the Orange County Water Polo Club.
PERSONAL: Born in San Pedro, Calif. ... Son of Peter and Lada Asic … Brother to Vlaho … Father Peter attended Pepperdine and was a two-time All-American in water polo who ranks fourth all-time with 239 goals ... Majoring in sport administration.
FAVORITES: Favorites include Primorje VK (pro team), Sandro Sukno (pro athlete), The Art of Racing in the Rain (book), Austin Powers (movie), Daredevil (TV show), J. Cole (musical artist), Cevapi-Croatian sausages (food) and basketball (sport other than water polo).
As a Coach, Educator, and Sport Psychology Consultant, with over seven years of experience engaging
and challenging students to reach their full potential, I believe it is critical to show respect for each
student: the individual, situation, and efforts. This student-centered approach motivates and encourages
students to feel comfortable, reciprocate respect, develop self-efficacy, and achieve at the highest level.
Professional Experience
College Water Polo Head Coach 2020 - Present
Orange Coast College, Huntington Beach, CA
• Head coach for both Men’s and Women’s aquatic programs
• Recruited and retained quality prospects for Men’s and Women’s water polo programs
• Collaborated with coaching staff to enrich, motivate, and educate elite-level athletes
• Communicated openly and effectively with athletes, recruits, administrators, and boosters
• Devised workout programs to fit the developmental needs of our athletes
• Created mental skills training sessions for teams to supplement physical training
NCAA Water Polo Coach 2019 – 2020
California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
• Division I Water Polo Assistant Coach of a top-tier nationally ranked program
• Assumed all head coach duties in spring season while head coach is with Olympic team
• Recruited and signed the nation’s top-level prospective student-athletes
• Complied with all NCAA rules and regulations under the direction of athletic directors
• Integrated Sport Psychology and Wellness programs to enhance athletic performance
High School Water Polo Club Coach 2014 - 2021
South Bay United, Manhattan Beach, CA
• Program Director and Head Coach for 18u and 16u water polo programs
• Developed a climate of trust, integrity, and open communication within the club
• Increased program enrollment by over 90 percent
Kinesiology Instructor 2020 - Present
Orange Coast College, Huntington Beach, CA
• Designed course content and launched Kin 110: Mental Skills for Performance
• Diverse teaching experience within the Kinesiology Department
• Experienced serving and effectively communicating with a diverse student population
• Achieved and accurately documented all Student Learning Outcomes
• Accustomed to delivery methods, principles, and techniques for effective student learning
• Developed Open Resource course materials to extend the accessibility of course content
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Laguna Beach High in Laguna Beach, Calif., where he graduated in 2018... Served as captain of the Breakers as a senior.... Played club for OCWPC 18’s.
College
2018
Played in all 34 games as a true freshman... Scored 14 goals and logged 32 assists, with three multi-goal and four multi-assist games... Recorded 16 steals, drew seven exclusions and had six field blocks... Had four games with a goal, assist and steal.
2019
Played in all 32 games as a sophomore... Ranked second on the team with 49 assists, with 14 multi-assist performances... Scored 20 goals on a 41.7 shooting percentage (20-48) and also won 18 sprints... Logged 25 steals and six field blocks... Enjoyed a season-long 10-game streak with an assist... Posted 14 multi-assist games, with a career-high five against Bucknell on Sept. 7, which tied for fifth in the program's single-game record book... Received ACWPC Excellent All-Academic honors.
2020
Played in all 12 games of the shortened season as a junior... Logged 21 points on 15 assists and six goals... Added eight steals, two drawn ejections and a field block... Posted a season-high four assists against Air Force in the WWPA Championship game on March 6 and three steals in the WWPA Championship semifinals against Loyola Marymount on March 5... Tallied a goal, assist and drawn ejection in the NCAA Championships against UCLA on March 18.
2021
Played in all 34 games as a senior... Ranked second on the team with 46 assists... Logged 59 points with 13 goals and also had 20 steals... Recorded an assist in 12-straight games and had 11 multi-assist games on the year... Posted a season-high four assists against Fresno Pacific on Oct. 21.
Experienced Water Polo Coach with more than 25 years of experience planning, developing and implementing Water Polo skills and techniques to student-athletes ages 14 to 18 years old as well as developing age group Water Polo. Highly successful in developing some of Orange County’s leading High School Water Polo Student-Athletes. Responsible for providing precise skills and development to youth ages 6 to 18 years old, training them on utilizing their knowledge and awareness of Water Polo to develop fundamentals and proficiency for each of them to be successful in their accomplishments as student-athletes and positive individuals in the community.
