Coaching Staff

I grew up in Draper, Utah and I started swimming my junior year of high school. While swimming I was invited to tryout for water polo (because I played baseball up until my junior year) I agreed to play, even though I had never heard of the sport. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I qualified for the Junior Olympic team from Utah both my junior and senior years of high school playing on the 1-2 side. I was invited to practice with the University of Utah (the U) team my senior year of high school. Upon graduating I elected to serve a 2 year mission to Brazil.

Upon returning home, I was training to return to water polo at the U when I met my wife. We got married before the men's season started and I decided not to play that year. After having received my undergrad elsewhere and deciding to change career fields, I returned to the U and played defense (position 3) on the team for the 2018 and the 2019 seasons where we qualified for the Collegiate National Club tournament. 

I met Coach D at the Rigby Lake Invitational in 2021 upon moving to Pocatello for grad school. We have been playing together ever since.

I am excited to grow the sport of water polo in Idaho as it was a pivotal moment in my life that helped me get to where I am today. I want to pass on the love for water polo to everyone!

-Coach Shaw

I grew up in North San Diego County. I’ve been around Water Polo for nearly my entire life. I began playing at the age of six. Throughout my water polo career I have had the privilege of playing alongside top collegiate and now professional water polo players. I’ve played on teams that have qualified and traveled to participate in the Speedo Cup, and many consecutive Junior Olympics. I made the 14u ALL American Junior Olympics.  I have participated in the Olympic Development Program and was awarded first team in Southern California. I played for Vista High School and was a four year Varsity letter. I had the opportunity to play for three CIF divisional titles. I was selected  three years in a row for First Team All League and two years for First Team All CIF. I was selected for the All County Sportsmanship Award. I decided to not take scholarship offers and instead play at my local community college. My freshman year I made First Team All American, and then left to serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Upon my return home I made the difficult decision to not return to play collegiately.

I am left handed and played my entire career on the 45 side, and the set position. My love for water polo came from the Tanner Tradition that my dad instilled upon my family as a young boy. I grew up with the privilege of being able to play year round water polo, compete against the best athletes in the sport, and I hope to grow the sport in Idaho. I’m exited to build the next generation of cutthroat water polo players!

-Coach D