Citrus College Keeps Water Polo A Family Affair

Keeping it within the family, Citrus College hired former Owls All-American Crystal Rivas as the new women’s water polo coach, the school announced Wednesday.

Rivas takes over for former Head Coach Tim Kyle, who is now the head Swimming and Diving coach at nearby Azusa Pacific University.

“As a former student-athlete and assistant coach for Citrus College, I am honored to take on the role of Head Coach for the Women's Water Polo program,” Rivas said. “I am excited to share my passion for the game with the athletes while continuing to promote success on and off the pool deck.”

Rivas was a two-year standout for the Lady Owls during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Rivas currently ranks third in the record books for her 2008 season that garnered 94 goals and a Western State Conference Player of the Year nod. Rivas is second on the all-time career goal list with 165 goals, and fifth on the career assists list with 76 assists to her name.

Rivas’ husband, Brandon, is the men’s water polo coach for the Owls. A Charter Oaks High graduate, Rivas lives with her husband and son, Desmond, in Covina.

“We are excited to have Crystal take over the Women’s Water Polo program,” said Dean of Kinesiology, Health, and Athletics Jody Wise. “She was a stellar athlete while she played here, and we look forward to working with Crystal to continue the success of our water polo programs.”