July 16, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Carl Salyer, a former water polo player at UCLA and assistant coach at the Naval Academy, has been named the new head coach for water polo at the University of Maryland, associate athletics director Shawn Flynn announced Friday.

Salyer, a southern California native, comes to Maryland after serving as an assistant coach at Navy since 1999. Salyer helped guide the Midshipmen to the 2000 and 2003 NCAA Final Four and a 25-8 final record last season.

"The University of Maryland is lucky to have Carl Salyer to help guide its water polo program to prominence," said Flynn. "We have somebody with a tremendous amount of experience and local ties, which will benefit our student-athletes and program."

Prior to his time at Navy, Salyer spent five years working with the Naval Academy Aquatic Club. He guided the Navy AC 18 & Under women's team to the National Junior Olympic Championship in August of 2000 and coached the U.S. Men's National Youth "B" Team in the summer of 2002. He also guided the Navy AC to back-to-back championships at the Maui Invitational. His coaching experience on the club level has helped place many men and women in Division I programs.

"I am excited to be part of an athletic program with the success that Maryland has had," Salyer said. "I look forward to building the water polo program to the same level of success."

As a player, Salyer competed at Golden West (Calif.) Community College for two seasons and at perennial national power UCLA for one. Salyer recently earned a degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.