Citrus College Women’s Water Polo Welcomes New Head Coach Chris Gielen

The Citrus College Women's Water Polo program has announced the hiring of Chris Gielen as its new head coach, beginning in Fall 2025. Gielen takes the helm following a successful era under Jennifer Spalding, who guided the Owls for seven seasons, and Jordan Ellis, who served as assistant coach for six. | ORIGINAL RELEASE

In the 2024 season, Spalding and Ellis led the team to a 15-16 overall record and a berth in the first round of the 3C2A SoCal Regionals. Spalding's tenure was marked by historic achievements, including six regional appearances in eight years. In her first year as head coach in 2016, she broke a decade-long postseason drought by leading the Owls to a 23-11 record. In 2019, her team set a program record with 28 wins.

Spalding retires as the winningest coach in Citrus College Women's Water Polo history, amassing 141 career victories and holding the highest winning percentage in program history.

Stepping into the role, Coach Gielen brings over 19 years of NCAA Division III coaching experience. He most recently served as Director and Head Coach of Women's Water Polo at the University of Redlands, where he led the Bulldogs from 2014 to 2024. During his 10-season tenure, Gielen amassed 72 total wins, including 44 in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) play.

As only the second head coach in Redlands Women's Water Polo's 31-year history, Gielen produced 12 All-Conference selections, including one in 2024 and a Defensive Athlete of the Year. He coached five athletes who posted six top-10 single-season records and two who achieved career records. His teams maintained 100% compliance with NCAA and Title IX regulations through ongoing education and reporting.

In addition to his collegiate success, Gielen co-led the Men's Water Polo program at Redlands and brings more than 11 years of club coaching experience from his time with Foothill Club Water Polo.

Gielen's extensive background and leadership are expected to continue the program's momentum and build on the solid foundation laid by Coach Spalding and Coach Ellis.