Coaches and Directors
Ed Carrera is the Program Director for North Irvine Water Polo Club. Ed Carrera began his aquatics career as a 7 year old in Irvine swimming for coaches Flip Darr, Dave Salo, Ken Lamont, Mindy Doherty, Ed French, and Lydia Abshier. Swimming with the likes of Jason Lezak, John Mykanen, Brian Pajer, Coleman and Chad Hundeby and many other accomplished swimmers.
Carrera was a four-year letterman at Irvine High School (swimming for Scott Hinman, Greg Gray, and Ken Dory), and qualified for CIF by the time he was a sophomore. Carrera also earned his junior national time standards for the 200yd breaststroke. Carrera then focused his attention to water polo.
In 1995 Carrera began his water polo coaching career as the assistant coach at Woodbridge High School for both polo and swim under Alex Abishier and Tom Norton Sr. (separate tenors). After Tom Norton left the program, Ed was named head water polo coach at 19 years old. After a 2 year coaching stint he decided to get back in the water as an athlete and attended his 2nd year at Saddleback College under his age group coach and mentor Flip Darr, Michael Santo, and Larry Larson. He was named captain, 1st team all conference, and was in the top 10 for goals scored and assists in California. He was then recruited by Dennis Ploessel at Chapman University where he was named captain but because of financials, could not continue and left Chapman shortly after.
In 2006, Carrera took over the Northwood High School Head water polo position (for brother Steve Carrera) and was the assistant swim coach along side (age group coach) Ken Lamont. At the same time he was asked to join the Concordia University Irvine Water Polo Coaching staff by (his High School Coach) Ken Dory, where he finished his under grad. Carrera left Concordia in 2010 for an opportunity to start a program from scratch. In 2010-2012, Carrera was the Aquatics Director at Vanguard University, where he was the Head Coach for both Swimming and Water Polo (Men’s and Women’s).
Ed is the current Head Swim Coach and Head Boys and Girls Water Polo Coach at Orange Lutheran High School where he (along with Steve Carrera) was part of the Division 1 CIF Championship Girls and Boys team in 2017 and State Champions for the girls team in 2018. He also coached a season at Portola High School in the fall of 2019 along side coach Kate Avery. Carrera's best finish at Junior Olympics was 3rd in 2017 with the 16U Girls recieving the bronze medal. In addition, Ed Carrera is a 2010, 2012, 2015, 2018 Member of the Ecuador SR. Men’s National Water Polo Team and competed in the Pan American Games in Toronto the summer of 2015. Carrera is also the program Director of Speed Aquatics (USA Swimming Club)and has been the head coach for the Woodbury Waves (Irvine Swim League Team) for the last 8 years, and guided the Waves to a 2012 Division 4 Championship, 2013 Division 3 Championship, and 2014 Division 2 Championship, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 Division 1 Championship. Carrera is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business and Leadership and has a wife, Kaylen and 2 children, Kyson and Fiori.
Chelsea Harrod is currently the Age Group Director for North Irvine Water Polo Club and the assistant coach at Orange Lutheran High school.
She has led 3 teams to top finishes at Junior Olympics;
(2019) 12&U Girls- 4th Place*
(2018) 12&U Girls- 4th Place*
(2017) 10&U CoEd- 5th Place*
Prior to North Irvine WPC, she coached at Newport Beach Water Polo club and Newport Harbor High School, Coaching boys and girls ages (10u-16u)
Chelsea played on the Women’s water polo team at Concordia University of Irvine, majoring in Business Marketing. Prior to transferring to Concordia, Chelsea played water polo at Riverside Community College (2009) for legendary Coach, Dave Almquist. During her year at Riverside, Chelsea led her team to an Undefeated State title with a record of (32-0). She was named first team All-American, All-Regional, and All-Conference as well as selected 1 of 7 players to earn All-State honors.
Harrod was also a member of Riverside’s women’s swim team. During her swimming career at RCC, she qualified for 5 events for the State Swimming Championship. Chelsea placed top 8 in all 5 events as well as earning All-American Honors in (Ind. 50 & 100 yd. Breaststroke, 100 yd. Individual Medley, and the 200 & 400 yd. Medley Relays). Harrod was Captain of both the Women’s Water Polo and Swim team.
Chelsea graduated from Murrieta Valley High School in 2009 where she played for Head Coach Bryan Lynton. During her high school water polo career, her team won Back-to-Back CIF titles in 2007 and 2008. She received All CIF & All American honors. Chelsea began her age group water polo career for Elite Water Polo Club (Murrieta, CA) under Coach Bryan Lynton.
Chelsea strives to encourage the youth to pursue their passions, and fulfill their dreams. Harrod firmly believes a strong program emphasizes team togetherness and unselfish play.
Nestor
Nunez is currently the 18 and under coach for NIWPC. Nestor is also
the associate head coach at Orange Lutheran High school under Head
Coach Edwin Carrera and is currently a biology teacher at Orange
Lutheran High School. Currently, he is an ODP coach for the
Southern Pacific Zone Cadet boys team.Prior to NIWPC, he coached at
Northwood High School as an assistant in 2011-2013, under Chris
Murin and Jocelyn Manderino, helping the Timberwolves to a Pacific
Coast League Championship in 2012. Prior to Northwood High School
he coached 14u-18u at Orcutt Polo Associate/One Way Water Polo Club
under Rob Knight and Kyle Shaffer.
Nestor
played on the men’s water polo team at Concordia University
of Irvine playing for coach Steve Carrera where the eagles won an
NAIA title in 2011. He double majored in Biology and Chemistry and
received ACWPL Academic All American honors in 2011.
Prior to
transferring to Concordia, Nestor played water polo and swam at
Cuesta College (2009) for long time coach John Marsh. During his
year at Cuesta, his team earned a second place finish in 2009 and a
Western State Conference Championship in 2010.
Nestor graduated from Santa Maria High School in 2009 where he was
a two year letterman and played club water polo at OPA/One Way
Water Polo Club under coaches, Eric Tucker, Rob Knight, and Charles
Bell.
Nestor strives to help develop young men and women of high
character and strong fundamental
skills.
Tim currently teaches K-6 in the Irvine Unified School District. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Education from Concordia University Irvine, and his Multiple Subject, Teaching Credential from CalStateTEACH (CSULA) in Primary Education (K-6).
Tim has over 25+ years of aquatic experience as a swimmer athlete and water polo club player, club youth / coach in Orange County, CA. He began coaching at the age of fifteen in Lake Forest as a Dolphin where he learned to swim and coach under Coach John and Rita Bandarak. He graduated from S.M.C.H.S. and coached with the Blanc Family, Kevin Ricks, Craig Brown for seven years, was a varsity scholar/athlete & twice received Most Inspirational Player Award in 2003 & 2004. Tim helped coach the Eagles to 7 x F.S./J.V. Serra / Trinity League Championships in swimming & water polo from 2005-2012. In 2013, Tim became a Youth Director of Alliance Boys Water Polo Club. Under Coach Tim’s supervision, his teams medaled 4 of his 6 years at National Junior Olympics: 2019 - 12U boys 2nd place finish (Silver Div.) 2018 - 12U Boys 1st (Bronze Div.) 2015 - 12U boys: 1st place finalist (Gold Div.) 2014 14U boys 2nd place (Gold Div.). Tim is also a former Head Coach in the Irvine Swim League, Oak Creek Orcas. He led his team to a 2013 Div. III championship in the I.S.L.
As a former High School Swimming & Water Polo coach, in 2015 Tim helped Steve Yancey coach Capistrano Valley High School Varsity Boys team to a CIF Div. III Runner Up Finalist Award, and a Sea View League Championship. Prior to CVHS, he coached Dana Hills High School as a 3x South Coast League Champion in swimming and water polo (2012-2013). Other club coaching experiences include assistant coaching SOCAL W.P.C. Youth Boys (2011) - Santa Margarita Catholic High School Swimming & Water Polo (2005 - 2012). (2012) O.C.W.P.C. Girls 12U & High School Boys / Alliance W.P.C. - Dana Hills High School Swimming & Water Polo (2012-2014) & Capistrano Valley High School Assistant Varsity/ JV Head Coach Swimming & Water Polo (2015-2017).
Tim brings a high standard of excellence in youth development in the community of Irvine, teaching within the Irvine Unified School District: K-6 classrooms, creating a safe, healthy and competitive environment for young student/athletes to grow. His love for water polo and love for teaching young children make him a natural, fulfilling his role as coach of the 12U Boys at North Irvine Water Polo Club.
Aidan O’Neill is a new coach with NIWPC. Aidan started with playing with the club when he was 10 years old and played all the way through 18us. Also he went to Orange Lutheran High School and played water polo and swim all 4 years under Steve and Ed Carrera, Nestor Nunez, Chelsea Harrod.
Some of Aidan’s player accomplishment’s were that in 2015 him and his team won the 2015 Junior Olympics. Also in 2016 during his senior year Aidan and his team at Orange Lutheran won the 2016 CIF Division 1 Championship. Aidan attended Mt San Antonio College for two years to continue his water polo career where both years his team made it to the state regional semi finals. Also in college Aidan received an athletic award both years for outstanding achievement in water polo and a coaches award his second year for great leadership with the team. For coaching Aidan hasn’t been coaching long but has recently led the 14u boys silver team to winning the holiday cup 2019. Aidan is looking forward to continue coaching with the club and the many more great memories and success that comes along with coaching the 14 boys team.
Some of Aidan’s Mentors have been Jure, Jakov, Duje who were some of Aidan’s coaches back when he started off with the club and how they taught him so much about water polo and how the game was played and how to be successful in the game of water polo. Some of Aidan’s other mentor’s were Ed Carrera, Steve Carrera who Aidan really appreciated as having them as his high school coaches because of how much they taught Aidan about playing water polo the right way and teaching him everything that he knows about playing the game of water polo and all of the life lessons that Aidan learned from Steve and Ed as well. Aidan’s last mentor is his college coach Marc Ruh who trusted Aidan on being the leader for the Mt Sac boys water polo team the two years he was playing at Mt Sac that showed Aidan what being a leader was and taught him how to be a leader as well and the trust that his coach could put in him and also the respect that Aidan’s teammates put in him as well.
Aidan started playing sports water polo at the age of 10 and fell in love with the sport instantly and has had great times playing water polo with all of the accomplishments that he was gotten playing the sport and also playing under some great coaches/mentors that taught him so much about the water polo and how to play the sport and now how to teach the kids he coaches everyday. Aidan was also the team captain both years he was at Mt Sac where he played water polo and studied Fire Technology to one day become a Firefighter.
Aidan wants all of the kids he coaches to grow up and be successful in life no matter what path they choose in life as long as their happy he’s happy. Aidan also believes in team bonding because that is really what brings a team together is having good team chemistry and being able to trust each other in life and while playing water polo. Aidan is excited to continue to coach with the club and all the good times that come along with it.
Marc has always enjoyed being in the water. He started surfing at age 7 and swimming even before that. Marc did not swim or play water polo competitively until his high school years. Marc is still still an avid surfer today.
Whittier High School (1982-85)
Fresh/Soph league champs water polo ‘82-‘83
Captain 1983
All CIF 1983 water polo and swimming
Played varsity two years ‘84-‘85
League Swim Champs 4 years
Rio Hondo Jr College swimming and water polo 1987-1988
League champs both years
Captain both years
All Conference 1987 & 1988 in swimming and water polo
Coached 1987-1989 at La Serna High School, Whittier CA
Frosh/Soph league champs all three years, Assisted two CIF Champion games.
Head Coach at Pioneer High school 1993-1998
Marc returned to coaching when his daughter Sofia started the sport at age seven in 2013.
2013- 2016 Head and Assistant coach for 10u through 14u at Admiral Water Polo, Whittier, CA
2016 Volunteer coached Laguna Beach Water Polo 10u- 1st place (Platinum) Jr. Olympics
2017 Assistant Coach Laguna Beach 10u girls- 1st place (Platinum) Jr. Olympics
Assistant Coach Laguna Beach 10u Co-Ed- 4th place Jr. Olympics
2018 Assistant Coach Laguna Beach 12u girls- 1st Place (Platinum) Jr. Olympics
2019 Assistant Coach Laguna Beach 12u girls A- 1st place (PlatInum) Jr. Olympics
2019 Head Coach Laguna Beach 12u B- 11th place (Platinum) Jr. Olympics
Marc currently lives in Whittier with his wife Yolanda, son Kai and daughter Sofia.
Thomas Chiaromonte is a new coach at North Irvine Water Polo Club. He started Playing in 12u at the age of 11 and played through 18us. He went to Orange Lutheran to swim and play water polo under Ed and Steve Carrera, and Nestor Nunez and currently attends California State University, Fullerton.
While at Orange Lutheran although Thomas did not immediately achieve a spot-on varsity, he earned recognition for the level he was playing at. During his freshman season, he received Defensive Player of the Year. After his first year, the need for a goalie showed itself and Thomas volunteered, having no experience. He then continued the rest of his water polo career in that position and after one year he was then moved onto varsity as the backup goalie where he was on the team to win CIF D-2 Championship. He won 2 MVP awards and set a new record of highest number of saves in one water polo game at Orange Lutheran as well as second place for 5 meters saved in a single season.
Thomas stresses an emphasis on becoming great and strong fundamental water polo players, but also devolving the character of each player who chooses the North Irvine Water Polo Club which adds to his role in this club.
Hannah Palmer spent her entire nine years of her age group career with North Irvine Water Polo Club, starting at the age of 9. She was named Junior Olympic All-American six times, won bronze with the 16U team at the 2017 Junior Olympics, and a member of the USA Water Polo Development ODP National Team in 2015. Palmer, being a dual-citizen in the Philippines, was also a part of the Women’s Philippine National Water Polo Team and played in tournaments in Thailand and Hong Kong.
Palmer is currently a rising sophomore attending UCLA where she is also a part of the Women’s Water Polo Team. During her 2020 freshman campaign, she was named to the All-MPSF Newcomer Team. She led the Bruins and the MPSF is assists. Her major is undeclared.
Palmer attended high school at Orange Lutheran, where she was a four-year varsity letter performer in water polo and swimming, while being coached under Steve and Ed Carrera. Her freshman year, they won the 2016 Division 1 CIF Southern Section Championship. During her senior year, she led OLu to win the 2019 Division 1 CIF Regional Championship. Also, in her senior year, she was named OLu’s Team Captain, Trinity League MVP, All-CIF Southern Section Div. 1 First Team, first team All-Orange County Register, first team All-Trinity League, NISCA/Speedo All-American first team nominee, and Orange County Athlete of the Week by the OC Register. In her junior year, she was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Div. 1 First Team, first team All-Trinity League, second team All-Orange County Register, and NISCA/Speedo All-American third team nominee. In Palmer’s sophomore year, she was named third team All-CIF SS Div. 1, second team All-Trinity League, third team All-County, and NISCA/Speedo All-American Honorable mention. Her freshman year, behind winning the CIF SS Division 1 Championship, she was named third team All-CIF SS Div. 1, third team All-County, and second team All-Trinity League. Hannah was a four-year varsity starter on water polo, but also made CIF all four years for swimming, even setting a school record for the 100 breast that still stands.
Coach Shelby was Varsity starter at Riverside Poly High School, 2010-2014, where she was a 4-time all-league and all-CIF player, CIF Player of the Year 2014, League MVP 2013 and 2014. She also swam at Poly where she was a Varsity swimmer all 4 years she earned
1st in league in the 200 free and
1st in league in 200 free and 400 free relay 2010-2014
5th in CIF D2 200 free in 2013, 4th in 2014
10th in CIF D2 500 free 2013, and 6th in 500 free in 2014. Coach Shelby played at Xtreme Water Polo Club, at club she was awarded USA All-American 2008-2014, helped lead team to top 10 finishes 2008-2014. Coach Shelby went to Virginia Military Institute, D1, for college where she was a 2 year 2nd team All - Conference player, 2 year 1st team All-Conference, 2 year All-Tournament MAAC team, Record holder for career goals, Record holder for in-season goals, Record holder for career drawn ejections, Record holder for career steals, female athlete of the year junior and senior year, NCAA D1 All-American 2018.
Coach Shelby also comes from coaching as an assistant varsity coach at Riverside Poly High, assistant varsity coach at Valley View High School, Head Coach Yeti Water Polo club in Moreno Valley, CA, Head coach for both the Boys’ and Girls’ programs at Fountain Valley High School (2018-2019), and also the Head boys and girls high school coach at United Water Polo Club 2018-2019.
Her personal coaching philosophy is every coach should believe in teaching the fundamentals of the game first and foremost. In order to succeed as a team each player needs an enhanced overall understanding of the game and have clear over-all goal(s) that contribute to a strong team dynamic. As a coach, it is our responsibility to not only help the players in the water but also out of it. Shelby comes from a large sports family that is full of coaches. Her father, Bob Barkley coached basketball and baseball for over 20 years and now is a goalie coach at Riverside Poly since 2013. She also has 3 older brothers who are the reason she started water polo by the age of 5. She has a BS in Psychology from Virginia Military Institute.
