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Bailey receives coaching honor from USA Water Polo

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Corona del Mar High girls’ water polo coach Sam Bailey was honored Saturday night, receiving the Doc Hunkler Distinguished Women’s Coaching Award at the USA Water Polo awards dinner in Los Angeles.

The awards dinner was held in conjunction with the USA Water Polo Assembly at the LAX Crowne Plaza. Bailey was the recipient of the national award, given each year to the top women’s coach in the country at the scholastic level.

Bailey, in his third year coaching at CdM, has led the Sea Kings to a 62-14 overall record. In his first two years at the helm, the CdM girls have made the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals and finals, respectively. CdM has also won the California State High School Championship tournament each of the last two years.

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Bailey also started up a successful club program, CdM Aquatics, in early 2011. In his spare time, he leads the service organization, Eco Surf Volunteers.

“Great reflection of CdM parents and athletes,” Bailey said in a text message of receiving the award.

Richard “Doc” Hunkler was a legendary coach who helped build the sport of water polo at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

Bob Greene of Serra High received the Bill Barnett Distinguished Men’s Coaching Award.

— Matt Szabo

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