March 11, 2008

Stockton, Calif. - University of the Pacific Director of Athletics Lynn King has announced the hiring of James Graham as head men's water polo coach.

Graham has spent the past five seasons at Santa Rosa Junior College, building the Bear Cubs into a state power at the JC level. He led Santa Rosa JC to a record of 86-50-1 over his five years, including a third place finish at the California State Championships in 2007. The third place finish was the highest in school history, coming on the heels of a Big 8 Conference championship. For his efforts in 2007, he was named Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year. He won the same award in 2006, in addition to Northern California Coach of the Year honors, after leading the Bear Cubs to the Northern California championship.

"We are pleased to welcome James," said King. "He has established a remarkable reputation in a very short period of time, and he brings an enthusiasm that is contagious."

"I feel very honored and fortunate to be a part of University of the Pacific's athletics program and its long history of success," said Graham. "I look forward to taking this great group of players and becoming a team and a family together."

From 2005-07, James served as the assistant coach for the United States National Youth Team, and recently traveled to Europe with the USA Men's Senior National Team as a part of their staff for the World Super Finals. James has also been the head coach for the National 2-Meter Development Camp and Holiday Camp held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Col., over the past three years. In addition, he has been a coach at the Camp of Champions annually held in Long Beach, Calif. James has coached since 1997, and has been instrumental in starting water polo clubs in three different cities in Sonoma County.

James began his collegiate water polo career at Santa Rosa JC, where he played for two years. He was named All-America Honorable Mention and All-Northern California in 1999. James transferred to University of Redlands, and played for the Bulldogs from 2001-02. During his time there, the team finished first in Division III both years. James was a two-time Academic All-American at University of Redlands, and earned All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors as a senior.