After making it to the Division I finals last season, the Coronado High School boys water polo team is looking for another strong run in 2023.
This year, it will be under the coaching and guidance of five time Olympian and 2008 silver medalist Jesse Smith.
Smith is returning to CHS with a successful history as a student-athlete in the program.
He led the Islanders to three straight Division II CIF Championships from 1998 to 2000, and he won the title of San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
“It’s fulfilling to coach at my alma mater, reconnecting with its values and engaging with the Coronado community,” Smith said.
Eager to maximize player’s strengths, focus on teamwork and strive for overall improvement, Smith is looking forward to the development of the 35-man team within the season’s short timeframe.
Season opener win against Valhalla
The opener against Valhalla on Aug. 23 resulted in a successful 9-7 win for CHS.
Senior goalie Spencer Williams led the team with his communication and blocks, while junior Ryan Mondzelewski and senior Luke Machin each had three goals, according to Smith.
“I think we have great depth and need more games to build confidence and trust in each other. I am really excited to see this group come together and everyone step up in their different roles.”
-Jesse Smith, CHS water polo coach.
“I think we have great depth and need more games to build confidence and trust in each other,” Smith said. “I am really excited to see this group come together and everyone step up in their different roles.”
The three captains— Williams, Machin and Mondzelewski—are all exceptional leaders and role models for the team, said Smith.
Four-year varsity letter winner Machin
Machin is a top-scorer for the water polo team and was recently identified as a “water player to watch” in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
As a right driver and attacker in the four/five position, Machin repeatedly leads the scoreboard for the team.
In addition to the three-goal boost for the season opener against Valhalla, Machin scored four out of the team’s five goals in the Draz Tournament against Santana High School on Aug. 19. The game resulted in a 5-5 draw.
Having the stats to back up his impressive offensive resume, Machin also said one of his greatest strengths is defense.
His well-rounded approach is something that he has been working on since he was 8, when he started playing water polo in Laguna Beach.
After moving to Coronado High his freshman year, Machin has been a four-year letter winner for the varsity team and is a multi-sport athlete, playing baseball during the spring.
Bouncing back after surgery
He is also ambidextrous, but this has not always been the case.
At 14, Machin was told by his doctors that he would never play baseball again after getting surgery on his right elbow, which was his dominant arm.
Instead of giving up baseball, a sport that he started playing at 5, Machin made a decision to learn to compete with his left arm.
As long as he used his other hand, he was allowed to get in the pool eight months post surgery, so water polo became his dominant sport, Machin said.
“In the beginning I had to relearn how to throw and everything because I was originally a righty.”
-Luke Machin, senior water polo player and captain.
“At the beginning I had to relearn how to throw and everything because I was originally a righty,” Machin said. “I do use both in water polo, mainly left, because it’s more useful, but for baseball, I use my right arm more.”
Being able to play with both hands makes Machin a secret weapon—a talent he combines with his love for the physicality and camaraderie of the game.
“I’m looking forward to playing with the guys,” Machin said. “I’ve played with a bunch of these guys since freshman year. [I’m] looking forward to having a fun season.”
After he graduates, Machin has plans to attend the Air Force Academy and play water polo.
