Coaching Squad – Girls Team
Eric Rise
Eric Rise (erise@sbcglobal.net) has been coaching at SJA Water Polo Club and Leland High School girls varsity team for the past 20 years. During his tenure, his SJA teams have consistently placed in the top 20 nationally. They have placed in the top 15 four times and the top 20 Eric led his Leland High School girls varsity water polo team to four CCS section championships, including two Open Division section titles – most of any public school. He has also led Leland to 15 straight BVAL league championships. He has also had the privilege to coach over 30 All Americans and send over 30 athletes to play in college. He graduated from Westmont College with a BSW in mathematics and science and finished his masters degree in education from San Jose State.
Tony Samson
Tony Samson (samsonanthony53@yahoo.com) has been a coach at SJA Water Polo for the past 10 years. He serves as the director of SJA and the head coach of the U18 girls. He has also led multiple teams to top 20 places in the Junior Olympics. He is a former SJA Water Polo Club player and played at DeAnza College. Tony was a first team All Mercury News athlete for Pioneer High School. Tony lead the U16 girls team to a 22nd national ranking. He has over twenty years of playing and coaching experience.