STANFORD, Calif. - James Lathrop has been named The Penner Family Assistant Men's Water Polo Coach, announced Friday by The Dunlevie Family Director of Men's Water Polo Brian Flacks, entering his first season at the helm of the Cardinal.
Lathrop joins Stanford with over 20 years of experience in both high school and international training and competition. He has served as the head coach for his alma mater, Miramonte High School, since 2003, while also serving as the director for boys water polo at Lamorinda Water Polo Club and enjoying several stints with the junior national team and boys Olympic development program with USA Water polo.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Stanford University men's water polo program!" commented Lathrop. "I am excited for the opportunity to coach such a talented group of young men and work alongside Coach Flacks. I appreciate what a special place Stanford University is and the legacy that Stanford men's water polo has created by all the amazing players and coaches in the past."
Coaching highlights for Lathrop while working with the Matadors include 10 CIF North Coast Section championships and four runner-up finishes, while being named the 2008 California Coaches Association Coach of the Year as his team was ranked No. 1 nationally that season. He led the USA Junior National Team in the 2013 FINA World Championships and successfully oversaw and managed the development of the nation's best talent in his time both with USA Water Polo and Lamorinda Water Polo Club.
In addition to his coaching duties at Miramonte, Lathrop has been the athletic director for the school since 2018 while serving as a history teacher.
"James is one of the best coaches in the United States," added Flacks. "He's had unparalleled success at the high school, club, and national team level over the last two decades. His contributions to Stanford will be profound and I am thrilled to have him on staff and a part of this program."
Originally from the East Bay, Lathrop graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 2000, earning a degree in American History. He spent time as a captain for the Golden Bears' water polo program before earning his teaching credential at Saint Mary's.
