The Biola Men’s Water Polo team started off the 2025-26 season with big additions and high energy, featuring twelve newcomers and a new head coach, Jens Cole. After sending off the program’s first four-year class and finishing in third place in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) tournament in 2024, the team is ready to ride that momentum into the next season with a new lineup and passionate coaching.
Starting Off the Season
The team started off the year at the Air Force Rare Air Invitational. They fought hard, showing promise and coming out with a 2-2 split. In this tournament they were victorious against Mount St. Mary’s University and Ottawa University (OUAZ), however they couldn’t get the better of Salem University and The Air Force Academy.
Biola attended the Inland Empire Classic September 5-6 in which they came up short in all four matches over the weekend. In their closest match against the Occidental Tigers, senior political science major Nick Murray stood out scoring five total goals with Gavin McKenzie close behind scoring four. Despite some late goals during overtime from Murray and McKenzie, the Eagles lost with a final score of 11-12.
This season has already shown it will be challenging, but it’s clear the team will maintain their dedication and continue giving their best.
“This season is off to a bit of a rough start, going into our 3rd tournament of the season we are 2-6,” Sophomore business major Brandt McBride said, “we are working hard at practice to learn from our mistakes, and grow as a team. We have only been all together for 3 weeks and as a team we have an enormous amount of faith in Coach Jens’s vision and his process.”
Students have the chance to support the team during a home game at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center Oct. 8.
Under New Management
The new head coach, Jens Cole, brings both guidance and promise to Biola this year with his extensive background and insight. Most recently, Cole was assistant coach for the men’s and women’s water polo teams at CSU Fullerton, and before that he was head coach at Westlake High School.
In his four year run at Westlake, Cole turned a Division III team into a Division I by 2023. His boys’ team won two tournaments with 80 matches won total over a span of three consecutive 20 win seasons.
He brings Olympic Development Program (ODP) experience with the Southern Pacific Zone and served as assistant coach in helping win the 2025 Youth Boys ODP National Championship.
New Coach, New Methods
While a new coach is definitely an adjustment for the returning players, his coaching style is already making an impact on the team. Although change is always part of the process, the team has not only accepted it but is enjoying it and the opportunity for something new.
“The real change that has come with our new coach is definitely in the culture aspect of it,” Murray explained. “Coach has us spend a lot of time together when we are not at the pool, and I think that it has really helped our brotherhood grow stronger. Another focal point of his culture change is mental strength, and this has been a huge change that is very beneficial for the team.”
Even though the season has had a challenging start, the team is motivated and excited for their season under new head coach Jens Cole. With his experience and passion for the game, Coach Cole establishes a strong foundation for this season.
