Emily Whalen has submitted to the St. Francis Athletics Department her decision to resign after a total of four years dedicated to the Troubadour Water Polo program. Whalen held the varsity head coach post from 2019-21 after serving as the junior varsity head coach in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Coach Whalen sent a goodbye message to her team on Thurs, June 24. "I've loved being a part of the St. Francis Water Polo community. The team has always been the best part of coaching and the parents have been extremely supportive and helpful. I've decided to step back from coaching in order to focus more on my teaching job and achieve a better work/life balance," Whalen stated. "Thank you to the St. Francis Athletic Department for always being available to always answer questions and provide support when needed. I will miss being a part of this community."
Athletic Director Mark McGreevy reflected, "It's always tough to see a talented coach move on, however, I cannot help but feel grateful for the years of service our Troubadour water polo athletes received under Coach Whalen's tutelage. She's a first-class educator and demonstrated her commitment to the development of her students as both athletes and people on a daily basis. We will truly miss her and her presence on the pool deck."
In 2019, her only non-COVID-affected varsity season, the Troubadours qualified to play in the CIF Northern California Championships after reaching the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championship game as the No. 2 seed. Currently, seven of her players have been named to the USA Water Polo Academic All-American Team: Riley Glenn ('21), Alyssa Jacobsen ('20), Emma Johnson ('21), Gauri Mathrakett, Claire McManus ('21), Libby Slater ('21) and Zoe Sloat ('21). Eight Troubies have committed to play collegiate water polo from her two varsity squads: Kendall Houck ('20 San Diego State), Alyssa Jacobsen ('20, George Washington), Sarah Mudd ('20, Sierra College), Emma Olver ('21, American River College), Libby Slater ('21, Santa Clara), Zoe Sloat ('21, Santa Clara), Bella Vierra ('20, Wagner), and Caroline Wilkins ('20, San Diego State).
Coach Whalen will stay on this summer to assist with building the 2021 Fall season schedule. The search for her replacement has begun. The link for applications will be posted at https://www.stfrancishs.org/careers or interested candidates can send a current resume and cover letter to careers@stfrancishs.org.
