LA MIRADA, Calif. — When Rick Nordell agreed to become the first head coach of Biola Men's Water Polo back in 2020, there was no pool, no program, no gear, and not yet any team members. 

His task was daunting as he faced the prospect of bringing in 20 young men to form a team, all while in the middle of a global pandemic when he could not even assess talent in person. Not to mention, he'd never coached at the college level or recruited to a university. 

Despite the obstacles, Nordell churned away from his home base in Central California to get this program off the ground and bring in the first batch of Biola Eagles  - 10 of which had their final game for Biola just last month.

Fast forward five years and coach Nordell has built Biola Men's Water Polo into a highly regarded program complete with a conference championship, a national tournament berth, healthy rivalries, and a full four years of graduated Godly young men. 

Just a month after his first freshman class celebrated their senior day, Coach Nordell announced his retirement. He will remain in his position through the spring 2025 training season and will officially step down as head coach at the end of June 2025.

A search for the next head coach is now underway. Interested applicants can view the job description and submit an application at this link.

"It has been an incredible privilege to coach such an outstanding group of student-athletes," said Nordell. "From the inaugural team who laid the foundation for this program four years ago to the current freshmen who will carry forward our team's camaraderie, traditions, and competitive spirit, these young men have been an extraordinary blessing in my life."

It's not easy to put into words the impact Nordell and his family leave behind as they prepare to depart Biola. His steady hand has helped to carry this team through all the highs and lows that come with launching a brand new program in the heart of his sport's most competitive geographical area.

His work on the pool deck, in the vans during travel, in his office during one-on-one meetings and around the community illustrates so clearly a coach who understands and works to achieve the mission of Biola University - equipping his men in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Rick has been a joy to have on our Athletics team. He is beloved on our staff and is high capacity in all the key areas," said Dr. Bethany Miller, associate vice president for student development. "He's cared deeply for his student-athletes and their growth in the Lord, he is an inspiring coach who has led the program to great competitive success, and is very strong in his organizational leadership. Coach Nordell is going to be immensely missed, and we pray great joy over his family and his new adventures in retirement."

He led his teams to 51 wins over the past four years, highlighted by 48 over those over these past three seasons. He earned the 2023 Western Water Polo Association Coach of the Year title and he was also named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

From 2021 to 2024, he coached his student-athletes to achieve a total of 20 individual postseason selections in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA), including first-team honors for John Grasso and Mitchell Carpenter in 2024. He also guided Nolan Rapp to win the NCAA Division II Player of the Year award in 2023 and had seven athletes total recognized on the ACWPC NCAA Division II All-American teams.

His teams consistently excelled academically, earning 33 WWPA All-Academic selections, with many athletes also receiving ACWPC academic awards.

Coach Nordell leaves behind an impressive legacy of accomplishments in the pool. However, his true legacy lies in his humility, friendly personality, caring nature, and unwavering commitment to living out his faith in Jesus Christ every day.

When you meet him on the pool deck or in the hallway and ask him how he's doing, his answer is immediate and always the same, a quick and courteous "Better than I deserve". A response that always gives him the chance to give honor to the Lord.

For those of us who have had the privilege of working with or playing for Nordell over the past few years, we can confidently say that thanks in large part to his influence, we are each "better than we deserve."

Coach Nordell about his time at Biola:
My time at Biola has been nothing short of extraordinary. Working at an institution that seamlessly integrates Christian faith into every aspect of the student-athlete experience has truly been a dream come true. I feel deeply blessed to have been surrounded by a supportive athletic leadership team and fellow coaches who consistently care for, encourage, and challenge me to grow each day. These past five years at Biola have been the most meaningful of my life, and I genuinely wish everyone could experience the unique and uplifting Christian community we have here at Biola University.

Quote from Coach Nordell about his team, players, coaches
It has been an incredible privilege to coach such an outstanding group of student-athletes. From the inaugural team who laid the foundation for this program four years ago to the current freshmen who will carry forward our team's camaraderie, traditions, and competitive spirit, these young men have been an extraordinary blessing in my life. Behind these young men stand their parents and families, who have not only supported them throughout their collegiate journey but have also been a constant source of encouragement for me, truly becoming an extension of our family. I have also had the honor of working alongside an exceptional coaching staff over the past four years. Their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement have not only strengthened our team's competitiveness but also enriched the experience of our student-athletes here at Biola. I will always be deeply grateful to every individual who has been a part of Biola Men's Water Polo.