Our Coaches and Directors - Train with the Best
Jamey Wright, Program Director
Jamey Wright serves as the head coach for DWPC and its Program Director. Coach Wright has served as the Head Coach of the UC Davis Women’s Water Polo team since its conception and in June of 2010 was inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame.
When the NCAA began sponsoring an annual National Collegiate Championship in 2001, Wright embarked on a new quest: to bring his program to prominence on that stage. In 2006, his Aggie team reached that pinnacle. With an 8-7 upset over Loyola Marymount in the Western Water Polo Association title game, UC Davis earned the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA postseason.
Wright returned his program to the national stage in 2008 with UC Davis' qualification to the NCAA Championship at Stanford. With a 10-9 win over Loyola Marymount in the conference title game, the Aggies won their last-ever Western Water Polo Association championship to capture the conference's automatic qualifier to the national tournament.
Wright now is charged with the task of guiding his program through a new era: as a member of the highly competitive Big West Conference. That league launched its inaugural season in 2009, pitting UC Davis in a tough race with UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Northridge, Long Beach State and Hawaii.
Wright guided the Aggies to the USWP national championship game six times, winning the title in 1984, 1988 and 1993. In 1999, the Aggies placed seventh at nationals after winning the inaugural WWPA women's title, earning Wright Coach of the Year merit.
Along with the team success, Wright has coached 65 All-Americans and has had eight players compete on the U.S. Senior National `A' Team.
Additionally, he was selected Collegiate I Coach of the Year in 1991 and served as the U.S. Senior National `B' Team Coach from 1990 to 1999, coaching teams competing in Hungary, Great Britain, Holland, Canada and Puerto Rico.
A 1980 graduate of UC Davis, Wright earned first team All-Far Western Conference honors in water polo in 1977 and 1978. He was a team captain and a 1980 All-American in swimming as well.
Jamey and his wife Nancy, who starred for the Aggies during the program's club heydays, reside in Davis with their children Michael, Hailey and Cameron. Michael and Hailey both competed for UC Davis. His youngest son, Cameron, plays for Davis Senior High School and the DWPC club team.
Tracy Stapleton
Stapleton has led the Davis High School boys water polo program for 29 seasons and is one of Northern California's most decorated water polo coaches. During his tenure at Davis Senior High School, Stapleton collected 9 of the school's 15 San Joaquin Division I CIF Section titles. In addition to coaching water polo, Stapleton is the Davis Senior High School boys and girls swim coach and last year picked up another Division I CIF Section title in Girls Swimming.
Stapleton teaches economic and civics at Davis High School. He resides in Davis with his wife Tara. His son Connor attends Stanford University and is a member of its water polo team as well as the USA National Junior Team. Stapleton's daughter Colby is a freshman at Harvard University and a member of its water polo team. She is also a member of USA Water Polo's Olympic Development Program National Team.
Kandace Waldthaler
Doug Wright
Doug Wright leads DWPC's high school girls' program. In addition, Wright has led the Davis Senior High School girls’ water polo program for 26 seasons and was the girls swim team coach for 12 seasons. Wright started at Davis Senior High School in 1994 as the head coach for girls swimming and took over the girls’ water polo program in 1996, the year it gained CIF recognition as a varsity sport.
During his tenure, Wright has collected 17 CIF SJS D1 water polo titles and 4 D1 CIF SJS swimming titles. Wright is in his 27th year teaching and his 18th at Davis Senior High School.
Wright started his coaching career in 1990 as coach of the boys’ high school water polo team at Menlo-Atherton High School, his alma matar. Shortly thereafter, Wright attended UC Davis where he both swam and played water polo. As a senior, Wright earned All-American status in the 200 butterfly and 200 freestyle relay, helping UC Davis capture the Pacific Collegiate Swimming Conference title and a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships. As a team captain in water polo, he was named second-team All-WWPA. Wright earned his B.A. in Art History in 1994 from UC Davis.
Wright served as Assistant Coach for UC Davis Men's and Women's Water Polo teams from 1993 to 1997. Wright also served as the Central Zone USA Water Polo Coach from 1997-1998 and USA Water Polo National Youth Team Coach from 1999-2000.
When he's not on the pool deck, Wright can often be found in the pool or on the trails running. Wright swam the English Channel in 2010 and has toed the line at many ultra-running events.
Wright's children Malaya (17) swims and plays waster polo for Davis Senior High School where she is in her senior year and Luke (13) play's water polo for DWPC as well as competes in football and basketball in Davis. Wright and his wife also have four more children Aubree (6), Landon (5), Payton (4) and Nevaeh (2) who frequent games but would rather be at home swimming.
Wright has helped direct and coach the girl's side of the Davis Water Polo Club since 1995.
Dan Leyson
Owning more than 30 years of experience at both the collegiate and international levels, Dan Leyson enters his tenth season at the Aggie helm in 2022.
Leyson, who owns a 127-66 overall record at UC Davis and a commanding 41-3 record in Western Water Polo Association play, brought an immediate impact to the Aggie program, guiding UC Davis to an undefeated Western Water Polo Association record in his first year. The 2015 squad then reached new heights: the program's best win-loss percentage (.692) since 2007 and the highest national ranking during the regular season (No. 9) since 2011.
For his achievements, Leyson was awarded the Monte Nitzkowski Distinguished Men's Coaching Award by USA Water Polo and served as the head coach for USA NorCal in the second season of the USAWP National League.
Never one to rest on laurels, Leyson continues to raise the bar for Aggie men's water polo. In 2016, the former U.S. National Team player and coach guided UC Davis to its first Western Water Polo Association championship and NCAA postseason appearance since 1997, setting then-school records for wins (23), winning percentage (.793), goals scored (12.6 per game) and final national ranking (No. 10).
In his seven years at UC Davis, Leyson has guided the Aggies to six winning seasons — including the last five straight — and a top-two finish at the WWPA Tournament six times, including titles in 2016, 2017, and 2019. His last four teams have also finished among the top 10 in the final national polls.
An assistant for two years (2002-04) under legendary coach Ratko Rudic for the United States National Team for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, as well as appearances at the FINA World League (bronze medal), the 2003 World Championships, and the 2003 Pan American Games (gold medal), Leyson embarked on his coaching career at his alma mater where he was an assistant at USC from 2000-02, helping the Trojans to a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships in his first year.
Following that experience, Leyson moved on to the club level in 2005, serving as head coach of the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club, which tripled its membership to more than 200 members representing 70 schools during his tenure. He earned Best Coach accolades in the 2010 Ironman League while leading the 16-under boys team to the league's championship.
Leyson was named winner of the Bill Barnet Distinguished Men's Coach Award (Scholastic) from the U.S.A Water Polo Assembly in 2011. Three of his boys teams that year captured gold medals at the South Florida International competition. He also served as head coach for the California Coastal Zone for the Olympic Development Team (2006-07).
Returning to the collegiate ranks in 2011, Leyson was an assistant at UCLA for two years, helping the Bruins to a championship in the powerful Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and a pair of runner-up finishes at the NCAA Championships before joining the UC Davis program.
A four-year starter, a three-year scholar-athlete, and three-time All-American for the Trojans as a player — including first-team honors in 1992 when he helped lead USC to a third-place NCAA finish and led the tournament in scoring — Leyson played professionally overseas with Club Natacio Atletic-Barceloneta, a 1st-division Spanish team, until 1998. He also competed with the U.S. National Team for trips to Denmark, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, and Canada, participated in three Olympic Festivals, and twice competed at the Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal in 1993.
After earning his undergraduate degree in business from USC in 1992, Leyson went on to earn his master's in physical education, with an emphasis on coaching, from Ball State in 2008. He and his wife, Camille, are parents to daughter Mia and twin sons, Benjamin and Silas.
Dan has coached DWPC's 14u Girls and 10u, 12u, and 14u Boys.
Nick Alden
A graduate of Leland High School (2014), Nick Alden played for SJA and the Outlaws before continuing their career at West Valley College. In 2017, they helped lead West Valley to a Nor-Cal Championship while also earning two Central Coast Section titles as an assistant coach at Leland High School.
After earning an Associate’s Degree in Communication at West Valley, Coach Alden went on to Southern Oregon University (SOU), where they completed a Bachelor's in Health and Physical Education. During their time at SOU, they worked with the NAIA Championship Basketball Team as a volunteer athletic trainer, further expanding their skills in sports medicine and athlete development.
Following graduation, Coach took on the role of Youth Director at the California Republic Water Polo Club, before transitioning to UC Davis as an Assistant Coach for the Men’s Water Polo Team, where they continue to develop and mentor athletes.
With a passion for fostering athletic excellence and a well-rounded background in both coaching and sports management, [Your Name] is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential both in the pool and in life.
Tony Seto
Tony Seto brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for water polo to his coaching career. With a rich background as both a player and a coach, Tony has dedicated his life to the sport, fostering talent and inspiring athletes at various levels of competition. Tony's journey in water polo began at Merced High and continued through Merced College, where he honed his skills and developed a profound understanding of the game. From 2001 to 2009, Tony served as a respected referee in the Sac-Joaquin section, bringing fairness and integrity to every match he officiated.
Tony's coaching career is marked by extensive experience and notable achievements:
- 1994-2009: Tony coached at Merced High, Golden Valley High, Merced College, Fairfield High, and Solano College. His tenure at these institutions was characterized by his commitment to developing young athletes and building competitive teams. Tony also coached the UCD Women's Club team and under his guidance, the UC Davis Women’s Club made two national appearances, showcasing his ability to lead teams to success on the national stage.
- 2021-Present: Tony returned to coaching, bringing his expertise to Davis WPC.
- Tony was honored to serve as a guest coach at the Olympic Training Center on two occasions, reflecting his recognition and respect within the water polo community.
- Throughout his coaching career, Tony has had only one season below .500, a testament to his coaching prowess. Remarkably, this season involved teaching JV boys at Merced High how to swim, highlighting his dedication to developing foundational skills in his athletes.
- Many of Tony's players have gone on to play at the collegiate level, a clear indication of his ability to nurture and prepare athletes for the next stage of their athletic careers.
Tony believes in the power of hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and challenging environment where athletes can grow both as players and individuals. His approach emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the game.
Scott Strong
Scott Strong joined Davis Water Polo Club in 2022 to help the Davis 10u Boys. Scott now leads the Davis 12U Boys team aiming to continue building on the success of past seasons.
Scott brings a wealth of experience and a passion for water polo to his coaching role. Starting with Sacramento Water Polo at the age of 9, Scott has been around the game for over 30 years. As a 2-meter offensive player at Granite Bay High School, Scott was a two-time All-American, two-time league MVP, and a three-time All-City honoree. Scott played club water polo at Lamorinda where his team placed 3rd in the 18U platinum division in back-to-back summers. As a collegiate athlete at UC Santa Barbara, he continued to excel and was recognized as the Most Improved Player of the 2003 season.
After his playing days, Scott transitioned into coaching, eager to share his knowledge and love for the game with the next generation of athletes. From 2006 to 2009, he returned to his alma mater, Granite Bay High School and made an immediate impact as a coach, leading Granite Bay to a CIF section title. In 2021, Scott took on a new challenge at Woodcreek High School, where he continues to build a competitive program. His coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, teamwork, and the importance of a positive attitude. Scott is dedicated to helping his athletes reach their full potential, not just as players, but as individuals.
Gabriel Bensen
My name is Gabriel Bensen and I have been playing water polo for 8 years. I grew up in San Diego, and played for Carlsbad Club and La Jolla United before coming to UC Davis. I am a left-handed attacker/driver. I just finished my freshman season, where I made the travel roster, and learned so much that I am eager to share as a coach.
Maddi Sparre
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Madison Sparre is in her third year at UC Davis as a Biological Systems Engineering major and co-captain of the UC Davis Women’s Water Polo Team.
At the youth level, she began playing for Santa Barbara 805 Water Polo Club at age ten and placed in the top 10 of Junior Olympics Platinum Division all eight years with the club, making it to the top 4 two of those years.
Sparre was a four year varsity letterwinner during her time with the San Marcos Royals, team captain of the squad her senior year in the 2022-23 season. She earned the NISCA Water Polo All-American accolade in 2022 and was recognized as a USA Water Polo Academic All-American.
Appeared in all 29 matches during her debut season for the Aggies, scored 17 goals and dished out 16 assists for 33 total points, drew 10 exclusions and recorded seven steals.
As a sophomore, appeared in 28 matches as a starter for the Aggies, ended the season with 13 goals and 13 assists, drew 25 exclusions for powerplay advantages, recorded 9 steals and a field block for the defense, won 17 of the sprints she faced off in and was named 2024 ACWPC Superior Academic All-American and 2024 Big West Academic All-Conference.
Lucy Holland
Lucy Holland is a third-year goalkeeper for the UC Davis Division I Women’s Water Polo team. She began playing water polo at the age of 11 with West Valley Water Polo Club after watching her dad play her whole life. At Los Gatos High School, she was a four-year varsity goalie, and three sport athlete, lettering in Varsity Lacrosse and Swimming as well. She earned recognition as the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League Most Valuable Goalie and a spot on the All-Central Coast Section Second Team during her senior year.
In addition to competing, Lucy began coaching at the age of 15, using her experience and knowledge to mentor younger players. She also honed her skills by regularly attending Jack Bowen’s Goalie Combines starting in 8th grade, which helped solidify her technique and foundational training. She uses the culmination of coaching ideas from her high school and club teams, outside clinics and camps, and three years of DI water polo experience in order to effectively coach the goalies of Davis Water Polo Club
Peter Gavallos
Gavallos is currently a student at UC Davis, studying Biomedical Engineering and playing for the UC Davis Club Waterpolo team. He has coached Junipero Serra High School as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. He has also coached for San Mateo Aquatic Club coaching 12U-18U teams. He has been playing water polo for nine years primarily as a driver/center defender.
Liberty Massman
Liberty is a third year center on the UC Davis women's water polo team. In her time as an Aggie she has been named to the all Big West academic team, was the fifth overall highest goal scorer, and received her team award for Most Improved. She has been playing for nine years for her club Arroyo Grande and her high school, San Luis Obispo High School. She was named all league first team and all league MVP in high school as well as receiving multiple team awards.
Noelle Wijnbelt
Noelle Wijnbelt is a former UC Davis water polo player with 16 years of experience, including a successful five-year collegiate career at UC Davis. A center for the Aggies, she earned 5 ACWPA All-American honors, she was a four-time First Team All-Big West selection, and was named Freshman of the Year. She finished as the second-highest all-time scorer in UC Davis history with 258 goals and was also named to the Peter J. Cutino Award Watch List. Prior to college, she played and coached for Socal Water Polo Club. After her water polo career and graduation from UC Davis with a Bachelors in Human Development, she earned a BSN and became a Registered Nurse. She is excited to be back in Davis to assist in developing the next generation of athletes.
Eva Stein
My name is Eva Stein I am a redshirt sophomore on the UC Davis women’s water polo team. I’m a goalie and have been playing for around 8 years and I’m from park city Utah!