Mike Arteaga Named Men's Water Polo Coach

The VC Athletic Department has named Mike Arteaga as the new head men's water polo coach for the 2023 season. Most recently the assistant boys coach at Harvard-Westlake High School, Arteaga comes to Ventura College with experience at the NCAA Division III level with Cal Lutheran to the club level where he currently is the youth technical director with the LA Premier Water Polo Club. Arteaga is also a mental health counselor at Oxnard College.

With coaching experience at various high schools, clubs, and universities, Mike brings a wealth of expertise to Pirate program.

Arteaga comes to VC from his most recent experience as an assistant boys and girls water polo coach at Harvard-Westlake High School. He also is currently the Youth Technical Director with the LA Premier Water Polo Club. His other coaching stops included a stint as the assistant men's coach at Cal Lutheran and the head boys and girls coach at Westlake High School for four years. He was the Coastal Zone Development Head Coach for USA Water Polo for two years and also directed youth programs for the Sharks Water Polo Club.

Throughout his coaching career, Mike has contributed to the success of several championship teams, including two CIF titles, one Junior Olympic title, one SCIAC Men's Championship, and a CCCAA Western Conference title as a volunteer assistant coach.

In addition to his coaching experience, Mike currently works as a Mental Health Counselor at Oxnard College, where he provides support and guidance to students in need. This background gives him a deep understanding of the importance of mental well-being in student athletes' overall performance and success.

As the new men's water polo head coach at Ventura College, Mike is dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of our athletes' growth and development.