Sept. 7, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Serela Kay, a former standout student-athlete who was a member of three national championship teams, has earned a promotion as the assistant water polo coach is now Maryland's associate head coach.

Kay was instrumental in Maryland's success last season.

In her first season on staff, the Terps posted a 19-14 record, including a perfect 4-0 mark in the CWPA Southern Division.

They also finished third in the CWPA Eastern Championship, matching their best-ever finish in the eight-year history of the program. Maryland was also No. 17 in the final national poll, the best showing in school history.

"I'm thrilled to be able to name Serela our associate head coach," Maryland head coach Carl Salyer said. "It's well deserved since she had an immediate and positive impact on our program. Serela's experience, knowledge and excitement for the game have proven to be great assets. In her short time at Maryland, Serela has raised the level of our recruiting, training and game tactics."

Kay has experience coaching in both college and at the international level.

The UCLA graduate, who helped lead the Bruins to NCAA titles in 1997, 1998 and 2000, had two stints as a Princeton assistant (2002-04, 2009) and spent time as an assistant on the California staff (2005-08).

Kay was also on the staff of the U.S. Women's Senior National Team that won a gold medal at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome and an assistant coach with the USA Water Polo Youth National Team.

She continued her playing career after UCLA. Kay was a member of the USA Junior National Team from 1995-97 as well, helping Team USA to a gold medal at the 1996 Junior Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba.