VISTA, Calif. --- The rise of the Biola men's water polo team reached its pinnacle so far with a WWPA Championship on Sunday. The team has improved year over year under the leadership of Head Coach Rick Nordell, who was awarded the WWPA Coach of the Year honor on Tuesday.

"We are extremely proud and blessed to have Rick Nordell leading this Biola University Men's Water Polo program," said Neil Morgan, associate athletics director. "Rick's energy is infectious and his level of care for his group of student-athletes is unmatched. He and Micah have done a tremendous job of maximizing this program during the season. Their hard work, along the commitment from the student-athletes, is taking Biola to new heights."

With Nordell at the helm, BU men's water polo began its program and within three years had conquered its conference tournament. 

In 2021, the Eagles walked through its inaugural season, picking up three wins in a tough schedule. The team took leaps forward in year two with 15 wins and a win in the opening round of the conference tourney. The improvement continued in 2023, as the team set program-bests across the board, posting a record of 18-12 in the regular season, including a 10-game winning streak. The season culminated in a WWPA Championship; the first in program history.

Nordell guided the team through each step of the process from 2021-2023. The team continued to reach new heights and will see a new stage, entering the National Collegiate Men's Water Polo Championships for the first time. Once of only eight teams to make the national championships, the Eagles will make their nationals debut just two seasons following their inaugural campaign.

BU will take on No. 1 UCLA in the first round of the NC Men's Water Polo Championships. The two teams will face off at USC on Friday, December 1 at 12:00 pm.