The Monmouth College water polo teams will be under the watchful eyes of an All-American when the teams begin their third varsity season this fall. Peter Ollis – a Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) All-American for Virginia Tech in 2011 – will begin his duties as head coach of the men's and women's teams July 1.

      Ollis has been coaching collegiately on the East coast, just completing a four-year stint as an assistant at Utica College, where he was highly involved in the recruiting process and served as an assistant for the men's and women's swim teams. Prior to Utica, Ollis guided the men's and women's water polo teams at his alma mater for two seasons.

      "We're very fortunate to have sparked interest from a coach with his credentials," said Roger Haynes, MC's director of athletics. "He has all the qualities we were looking for. His experience in recruiting and working with student-athletes of all levels and his goal-oriented team plans for practice and games made him the clear choice to advance our program."

      A four-time all-conference performer at Virginia Tech, Ollis approaches practices in much the same manner as a classroom setting, routinely "pop quizzing" his team to ensure they understand the purpose and are progressing with each drill. That philosophy is mirrored in the classroom, where his team is required to put in the same dedicated effort in the pursuit of their degree.

      "Water polo is a very distinctive element in Monmouth College's athletics and recreational program," said Monmouth president Clarence R. Wyatt. "We are excited to see it grow even stronger under Peter Ollis's leadership. He brings a great record as an athlete and coach to us, and his commitment to the development of young women and men will serve the College well."

      Ollis has also exhibited his commitment to public service, volunteering as an assistant coach at Hamilton College. On the national stage, Ollis has worked at the last two Women's Water Polo Club National Championship meets.

      "During the interview process, Peter made clear his commitment to helping student-athletes get the most from their college experience, both athletically and academically," said Jacquelyn Condon, Monmouth's dean of students. "His student-athlete coaching philosophy is a perfect match for our program."

      Ollis, who will also serve Monmouth as the assistant coach for swimming and diving, earned his undergraduate degree in sociology and psychology from Virginia Tech and his master's in cybersecurity from Utica.