ƵWater Polo Coach Chris Oeding Heads to Paris Olympics
Ƶhas a proud connection with Olympic Water Polo Success

Press Release
ƵWater Polo Coach Chris Oeding Headshot

It is an exciting Summer for Ƶ (LBCC) Vikings Water Polo Head Coach Chris Oeding, who was first inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame on June 7, and will now head to Paris for his third trip to the Olympics as a coach.

Since 2000, Oeding has served as head coach for the Ƶwater polo and swimming programs, leading them to six state championships. In 2013, he joined the staff of the US women’s national team as an assistant coach, a role he has served in for five World Championships.

“U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame Coach Chris Oeding is a water polo superstar who exemplifies the exceptional quality of our Ƶfaculty, from sports to STEM,” said ƵSuperintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. “A two-time Olympian and one of the greatest water polo coaches in a region steeped in tradition, Chris has guided hundreds, if not thousands, of our students into becoming better athletes and people. We here at Ƶwe are incredibly proud to see Coach Oeding share his talents with Team USA and represent not only the excellence of U.S. athletics, but the excellence of Ƶ.” 

“We are thrilled to wish Coach Oeding the best of luck as he once again represents Ƶon the world stage at the Paris Olympics,” said Vivian Malauulu, ƵBoard of Trustees President. “His dedication and talent inspire our entire community, showcasing the remarkable achievements and spirit of our Viking family.”

“I am truly honored, grateful and humbled to be inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame,” said Coach Oeding. “Honored to be recognized. Grateful to all my coaches and teammates who I feel I share this distinction with. And, humbled to be a part of this class and those who came before us.”

As a player, Oeding was named the 1988 CIF Player of the Year at Corona del Mar High School, where he was also a three-time All-American and led his team to two CIF Championships. He then attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he helped the Golden Bears win three consecutive NCAA Championships and shared Player of the Year honors in 1992.

Oeding was selected for the USA junior national teams in 1989 and 1991, which led to a seven-year stint on the US men’s national team. During this time, he competed in two Olympic Games (1996 and 2000) and captained the gold medal-winning team in Athens, Greece.

Oeding leaves for Paris on July 20 for what he hopes to be a more spirited Olympic games than the previous two for which he coached. Rio in 2016 was marked by concerns over Zika virus and in 2020/21 the COVID-19 pandemic affected all aspects of competition.

For more information about Chris and his journey to the Paris Olympics, stay tuned to .


Ƶ Ƶ
Ƶ consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 25,000 students each semester and serves the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Avalon. Ƶpromotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities. Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information about Ƶ.

MEDIA CONTACT

Stacey Toda,
Ƶ, Director
Communications & Community Engagement
(562) 938-4004stoda@LBCC.edu