Newport Harbor has hired five-time Olympic gold medalist and world record-setting swimmer Aaron Peirsol, a graduate of the school, as its varsity boys swim coach, Principal Sean Boulton confirmed Monday.
Peirsol was a three-time Olympian who captured seven Olympic medals before retiring near his prime at age 27 in 2011.
Despite retiring about four years ago, Peirsol still holds world records in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke.
Boulton acknowledged Peirsol’s “global” resume Monday, but he stressed another element when talking about Peirsol, who helped the Sailors claim the CIF-SS Division 1 title as a senior in 2002.
“He’s a man of character,” Boulton said of Peirsol, who graduated from the University of Texas in 2006 and is involved in ocean advocacy programs.
Boulton said Newport Harbor first talked to Peirsol as a sounding board for its boys aquatics program following the resignation of water polo coach Robert Lynn in the summer and swim coach Trevor Basil in the fall.
The conversations with Peirsol progressed until he was hired Friday as a walk-on coach.
The boys water polo coaching position remains vacant after six interviews and 15 applicants, but Boulton is encouraged about the position because of the arrival of Peirsol.
“Greatness follows greatness,” he said. “(Peirsol) was a turning point for our boys aquatics program.”
Boulton said he hopes to re-open the boys water polo coaching position in mid-March.
Peirsol is expected to start coaching at Newport Harbor later this month, Athletic Director Mike Zimmerman said.
“We’re excited,” Zimmerman said.
