Water Polo Canada Announces Resignation of Senior Women's National Team Head Coach David Paradelo

Water Polo Canada announces that Coach David Paradelo has resigned his position as Head Coach of the Women’s National Team, effective March 7th. Mr. Paradelo will remain involved with the organization in fulfilling other duties in the near future, such as some coaching of Age Group National Teams.

Mr. Paradelo has held various coaching roles with Water Polo Canada over the years, including work with Age Group National Teams and as both Assistant Coach and Head Coach of the Senior Women’s National Team, a position he’s held since April 2019.  During his tenure, he guided the Team to two silver medals at Pan Am Games, a 7^th place at the Fukuoka 2023 World Championships and two Olympic participations, at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.

“Water Polo Canada and I mutually agreed it’s the right time for me to step away from this role, as the organization defines its vision for the future and embarks on its preparations for the LA 2028 & Brisbane 2032 Olympic cycles,” said David Paradelo, who will now pursue other opportunities.

“It has been an honour to lead this Team and to contribute to the growth of the women’s program over the years” added David Paradelo. “Working with this dedicated group of athletes and staff has been a true privilege. I wish to thank my family and friends for the continued support through the years. I also want to recognize all the coaches that have been in support of all athletes I have had the privilege to work with. The dedication that every coach has in order to develop our sport is paramount to the development of Water Polo in our Country.  I acknowledge Water Polo Canada for this opportunity, and wish the organization success going forward, as I look forward to the next chapter in my career. I also look forward to remaining involved with the sport of water polo and to continue to contribute to the growth and evolution of the sport in Canada.” 

“On behalf of the entire organization, I want to sincerely thank David for his steadfast commitment to Water Polo Canada and for the important milestones he’s helped achieve during his time as Head Coach, including leading the Women’s Team to their first Olympic qualification since 2004. The sacrifices that David and the rest of the Team made, training through a Pandemic in preparation for Tokyo 2020, and their successful drive to qualify for two consecutive Olympic Games, is a testament to David’s legacy” said Water Polo Canada President Kathleen Dawson.

“David’s passion for the game and dedication to the Team is evident to all those he has worked with, and we sincerely wish him the very best”, added Water Polo Canada’s High-Performance Director, Olivier Pineau. “The organization will promptly begin the search for the Senior Women’s National Team next Head Coach.”