Dusty Litvak joins LMU as the new Head Women's Water Polo Coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a record of success in collegiate water polo. He arrives from Princeton University, where he served as Head Men's Water Polo Coach.
During his tenure at Princeton, Litvak led the men's program to five consecutive Northeast Water Polo Conference titles and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. In 2023, both the men's and women's programs advanced to the national semifinals. The 2024 squad set a program record with 514 goals and picked up 11 wins over ranked opponents. Litvak also oversaw the development of several All-Americans, including Roko Pozaric, a Cutino Award finalist who became the first Tiger to earn All-American honors in all four of his seasons.
Litvak also served as an assistant coach for Princeton's women's team from 2018 to 2024, helping the Tigers win two CWPA Championships and reach two NCAA Tournament appearances, including the run to the Final Four in 2023.
Before Princeton, Litvak was part of the UCLA coaching staff that guided the men's team to a national title in 2014 and helped lead the women's team to an MPSF championship and a runner-up finish at the 2017 NCAA Tournament. His coaching background also includes stops at Occidental College and Agoura High School, where he led the boys' team to multiple CIF Championships and earned numerous coaching honors.
At the national level, Litvak has coached with USA Water Polo's youth national teams, helping guide the men's youth national team to a gold medal at the 2017 UANA Youth Championships.
"To return to Los Angeles and to be entrusted with the continued development of LMU's fast rising and competitive women's water polo program is a dream come true for myself and my family," Litvak said. "We have been warmly welcomed and well-supported through the process of this immediate and exciting transition. Heading into this season, I look forward to working with Sarah, our student-athletes, alumni, and supporters to pursue championships while fostering the development of the remarkable young women on this team who represent LMU with pride."
Litvak also spoke to the value of working alongside LMU's current associate head coach. "I know the undeniable coaching talent and dedication Sarah Kreiser brings to this program will bolster the team's foundation as we work together to mold the future of LMU women's water polo," he said.
LMU Athletic Director Craig Pintens expressed confidence in Litvak's leadership. "Dusty Litvak has established himself as one of the brightest minds and most successful coaches in collegiate water polo," Pintens said. "Our women's water polo program is positioned for continued success, and we are confident Dusty is the right leader to build on our strong foundation of excellence."
