Meet the team

Over 100 years of proven excellence

Wilson Aquatics stands as one of the proudest traditions in Long Beach athletics, built on decades of excellence in the pool. Generations of Bruins have carried the banner of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, producing Olympians, world-class athletes, and countless leaders shaped by the water. The program’s history is rich with championships and unforgettable moments, but what sets Wilson apart is the enduring culture of pride and commitment that continues to define every practice, every race, and every game.

That legacy is not just something to look back on—it’s a foundation to build upon. Each new season brings in young athletes ready to embrace the challenge, uphold the standard, and add their own names to a story still being written. With the support of families, alumni, and the broader Long Beach community, Wilson Aquatics looks to the future with confidence, knowing that the spirit of past champions lives on in every Bruin who steps onto the deck.

16 Olympians

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100+ Moore League Championships

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21 C.I.F. Titles

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16 Olympians 〰️ 100+ Moore League Championships 〰️ 21 C.I.F. Titles 〰️

water polo

From pioneering training methods to producing athletes who have represented the United States, Wilson has long been a proving ground for excellence. Its history is more than titles—it is a culture that expects greatness, embraces hard work, and thrives under pressure.

That tradition fuels today’s vision for even greater heights. Current Bruins inherit not just a record of success but a standard that pushes them further. With a pipeline of young talent, dedicated coaching, and the unwavering support of the Wilson community, the program is poised to keep producing champions in the pool and leaders beyond it. The next era will honor Wilson’s Olympic heritage while carving new pathways for future generations.

Wilson’s water polo program is woven into the fabric of Southern California aquatics, carrying a legacy of championships, innovation, and an Olympic pedigree few high schools can match.

Swim team

Wilson’s water polo program is central to Southern California aquatics, with a legacy of championships, innovation, and an Olympic pedigree few high schools can match. From redefining training methods to producing athletes who have represented the United States, Wilson has long been a proving ground for excellence. Its history isn’t just titles—it’s a culture of high standards, hard work, and thriving under pressure.

That tradition drives today’s Bruins to aim higher. They inherit not only a record of success but a standard that pushes them further. With rising talent, dedicated coaching, and the support of the Wilson community, the program is ready to keep producing champions in the pool and leaders beyond it. The next era will honor Wilson’s Olympic heritage while paving new paths for generations to come.

The Coaches

Zac Polmanteer

Varsity Water Polo / Frosh/Soph Swim
Wilson Alumni - 2013

Coach Zac began his water polo career in 8th grade with Shore Aquatics under the guidance of former Olympian Chi Kredell and others.

At Wilson High School, he was part of the 2011 CIF Championship team that defeated Corona Del Mar and the 2012 runner-up squad against Mater Dei, while continuing his training with Shore.

He went on to play water polo and swim at the University of Redlands, helping the program earn national top-20 rankings in 2013 and 2017. After college, he coached youth teams at Shore and served as a Graduate Assistant at Whittier College, where he completed his Teaching Credential and MA in Education and contributed to the program’s 2019 Division III National Championship.

Zac is also active in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for Coastal Youth levels.

Brandon D’Sa

Varsity Swim / Frosh/Soph Water Polo
Wilson Alumni - 2011

Coach D’sa also has years of championship experience being a Head Coach and player at the highest levels. After Coach D’sa’s leadership in a CIF Semi-Final appearance his senior year, he broke multiple school and league records in Swimming. He went on to play Water Polo at UCLA.

Coach D’sa also teaches in the School of Leadership and Public Service pathway, with his class being 12th grade Justice in America. Their insight and assistance will create a dynamic learning environment for our younger student athletes in the Bruin Group.

Jeff Nesmith

Frosh/Soph Water Polo and Swim
Wilson Alumni - 1999

Coach Nezzy brings years of coaching experience, with multiple championships as a player and coach. After winning 4 consecutive CIF Championships at Wilson, Coach Nezzy moved on to play at Stanford, winning a pair of National Championships. Coach Nezzy is a member of our Wilson Hall of Fame!

After short coaching stints at neighboring high schools, Nezzy returned to Wilson to run the program for 8 seasons, winning 8 League titles and a CIF Division I Semifinal appearance.

Coach Nesmith teaches in the School of Leadership and Public Service pathway, with his class being 10th Grade Social Justice.

Jack Marshall

Swim & Water Polo
Wilson Alumni - 2023

Marshall is back in Long Beach after moving away directly after graduation.

Marshall was a Varsity Center with Wilson as an Ironman recipient. He also played club Water Polo with Shore Aquatics. We are stoked to have Coach Marshall on board for a third year! 

Ian Decker

Goalie Coach
Wilson Alumni - 2013

Coach Ian is a Wilson Alumni, the same year as Coach Zac. Coach Decker attended Chapman University, playing for four years and winning the starting position in goal for three seasons. Ian doubled as an all conference goalie and Film major.

Ian now volunteers his time with the Wilson program when he isn’t working as a technical director for ESPN. This will be Coach Decker’s third Season as a Wilson Coach.

2025-2026
WBA Board

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, the WBA is governed by a group of volunteer parents in collaboration with the coaches and Wilson High. Much gratitude and thanks go out to these volunteers.

Officers

President

Liz Palmer

Vice President

Sofia Rejon

Secretary

Stephanie Baker

Treasurer

Kimberly Casem

Chairpersons

Fundraising

Sofia Rejon

Historian

Jen Sison

Website / Newsletter

Dave Conrey

at large Members

Scott Baker

Wendy Bloeser

Deanne Burmeister

Kara Camper

Richard Camper

Bill D’Alvia

Mieke Dumont

Fernando Rejon