Sarah Lizotte, a four-time All-American, is making a return to the UC San Diego women’s water polo team as an assistant coach, according to head coach Brad Kreutzkamp. Lizotte, who played a significant role for the Tritons from 2011 to 2014, holds the record for the most goals and assists in the program’s history. She received First Team All-America recognition from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches in each of her seasons.
After spending the past year coaching both men’s and women’s programs at UCLA, Lizotte expressed her excitement about rejoining UC San Diego, a place she holds dear to her heart. She credited her time as a player at the university for being transformative and emphasized the exceptional support and camaraderie within the community.
During her time at UCLA, Lizotte’s coaching contributed to the women’s team securing a national title. She was involved in creating practice schedules, developing game strategies, and providing mentorship to players. Additionally, Lizotte played a role in recruiting efforts on a national and international level.
Lizotte’s coaching experience extends beyond UCLA, as she previously served as the head coach of the varsity women’s team at Canyon Crest Academy and as an assistant coach for the men’s varsity team at Cathedral Catholic High School. Her tenure with Cathedral Catholic High School coincided with the team winning two CIF titles. Moreover, Lizotte was the head coach and program director for the youth program at the Del Mar Water Polo Club in San Diego from 2010 to 2015.
As a professional player, Lizotte spent eight seasons with Club Esportiu Mediterrani in Barcelona, where she served as the team captain six times. Her leadership helped the team qualify and compete in the European Champions League.
Lizotte’s impressive performance as a player at UC San Diego is reflected in her ranking in the top three spots on the university’s single-season goals list. She graduated in 2014 with a degree in communications and a minor in business from UCSD’s Rady School of Business.
In the 2024 season, UC San Diego achieved an 18-12 overall record and a 4-3 record in Big West action. The team made it to the Big West Championship semifinals for the third consecutive year, showcasing their continued success under Coach Kreutzkamp’s leadership. Lizotte’s return as an assistant coach brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the program, further solidifying UC San Diego’s position as a competitive force in collegiate water polo.