May 8, 2006
TEMPE, Ariz. - Todd Clapper, the head coach of the Arizona State University water polo program, has been selected as the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Youth Team, USA Water Polo and Women's National Team Head Coach Guy Baker announced May 5. Clapper, who recently completed his first season at the helm of the Sun Devil program, will be in charge of selecting the players that comprise the youth team and represent the U.S. in international competitions.
Clapper is no stranger to USA Water Polo after serving as an assistant coach for the Women's Junior National Team last summer, as well as holding the position of video coach for the Women's Senior National Team in 2005. With the Sun Devils, Clapper guided the team to a 15-13 record and tied for seventh in MPSF regular season standings. As the No. 7 seed, the Sun Devils went 2-2 at the MPSF Championships and placed sixth overall, their highest finish in three years of competing in the event.
Following the conference tournament, the Sun Devils climbed to No. 6 in the national rankings, marking the highest ranking the program has held and third time this season the Sun Devils have been ranked among the Top 10 teams in the nation. His team also scored several upsets of higher ranked foes throughout the season, including a win over No. 4 Hawaii, marking the highest-ranked foe ASU has defeated in its five years as a varsity program.
Clapper was one of four coaches selected for positions within USA Water Polo. Chris Oeding was selected as the head coach of the women's cadet team, Robert Lynn will head the men's youth team and Jason Lynch will guide the men's cadet team.
