Candice Vorbeck, a former Division I assistant coach, has been named head coach of the Pacific women’s water polo program, marking the first time Pacific has had separate men’s and women’s head coaches since 2013.

Vorbeck spent last season as an assistant for Cal State Northridge, helping guide the Matadors to 17 wins, their most in nine seasons.

“We are pleased to add the new position of head women’s water polo coach to Pacific,” said Athletics Director Janet Lucas. “Most importantly, we are excited to have Coach Vorbeck join the program. Her coaching and playing experience will bring valued perspective to building the legacy of our women’s water polo team.”

James Graham, who has coached both programs since 2013, has been promoted to the role of director of water polo and will retain his role as men’s head coach.

During his tenure, Graham elevated the women’s program to a national level, taking the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. He was named Golden Coast Conference Coach of the Year twice (2017, 2019).

Graham’s teams have finished in the top 10 of the coaches poll three times.

The Tigers came within one game of advancing to the NCAA tournament this past season, falling to Fresno State 5-3 in the championship of the Golden Coast Conference tournament. Sophomore Hila Futorian was also selected as an honorable mention for this year’s All-America team by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

Graham said the addition of a women’s head coach will allow more time for recruiting and will help both programs move toward their goals of winning NCAA championships.

“We are excited to welcome Candice to the Tiger family,” Graham said. “She brings energy and curiosity around how the game can and should be played. She brings a lot of experience working with high-level coaches, and we believe she will do an amazing job for us and help us take the next steps within the program.”

Before her time at CSU Northridge, Vorbeck was an assistant for the McKendree (Illinois) men’s and women’s water polo teams for the 2021-22 season. The men’s program finished 11-9 and the women 16-7.

From 2018-21, Vorbeck was an assistant at Pomona-Pitzer for the men’s and women’s teams. The women’s team had two Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season championships, one SCIAC tournament title and reached the NCAA tournament in 2018 during her time with the team.

With Vorbeck’s help, the men’s team captured a regular-season title, a conference tournament championship and a trip to the 2018 NCAA tournament.

“I am excited and hungry for success. Having the opportunity to represent and lead the Tigers is a huge step in my career as a coach,” Vorbeck said. “My mind and heart are focused on this program’s development and continued success. Athletes, coaches and support staff have committed to a culture of respect, adaptation and team cohesion. With those beliefs already instilled, we can overcome any obstacles in our path. I can’t wait to get started.”

Vorbeck attended Eureka and Lafayette high schools in St. Louis, Missouri. She lettered in water polo and swimming throughout her four years. Among her multiple accolades during high school, she received the Missouri Female Player of the Year honor from 2012-14. 

She started her college career at Golden West College in Huntington Beach for two years before transferring to University of La Verne where she earned a degree in biology. 

She will join the Tigers on July 1.