Sasha Poljak enters his third year at the helm of the Cal State Bakersfield water polo team, bringing a wealth of experience as a collegiate and national player to the Roadrunner program.
Poljak, a native of Yugoslavia (Croatia), earned a spot on the national team just out of high school, helping the Yugoslavian team to three World Championships in 1981, 1983 and in 1985 before moving to the U.S. to play water polo at Pepperdine.
While playing for the Waves, Poljak was a three–time first–team All-American and was twice the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation MVP. He helped Pepperdine to three NCAA Finals appearances where they placed fourth twice and fifth once.
Poljak entered a professional career after graduating from Pepperdine — but not in water polo — choosing to enter the business world instead. He has worked a number of years in sales and marketing, including holding the position of Vice President of Sales for a major healthcare supplier and a maintenance repair and operations company. He also recently served as President of a Bakersfield holding company before returning to the sport he loves.
Poljak began his return to water polo by coaching at the European Water Polo Academy in Orange, Calif. He coached the last two years prior to joining the CSUB program.
