UCLA Head Women’s Water Polo Coach Adam Wright will step back from his daily coaching duties for the 2026 season, according to an announcement from the university’s Athletics Department. Associate Head Coach Jason Falitz and Men’s Assistant Coach Matt Kubeck have been appointed as Interim Co-Head Coaches and will lead the team during the upcoming campaign.
“I have been dealing with a lot of back and nerve pain for the last six-plus months,” Wright said. “My hope was that I would be in a better place by now, but it has not improved, and I will need to step back from my day-to-day activity to address these health issues. This is going to take some time to figure out a plan of attack and how to handle the rehabilitation process.”
Wright, who led UCLA’s women’s team to an undefeated season in 2024 and their first NCAA Championship since 2009, will continue overseeing the program in an advisory capacity while focusing on his recovery.
“We appreciate Adam’s leadership and his commitment to both programs, but he needs to prioritize his health, which is of the utmost importance,” said Martin Jarmond, The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics. “We have outstanding coaches in Jason and Matt to lead our talented student-athletes this season. Their continuity, leadership, and deep understanding of UCLA’s culture will help make this a seamless transition. We will support Adam and our coaches as they prepare to compete for championships once again.”
The department also announced that a national search has begun for an assistant coach for the women’s water polo team.
“UCLA Women’s Water Polo is in an outstanding place, and that’s a credit to our student-athletes, our staff, and our administration,” Wright said. “Jason and Matt are exceptional coaches, teachers, and leaders. I have full confidence in them to guide this program forward and continue the standard of excellence that defines UCLA and our Bruin Water Polo Teams.”
Falitz and Kubeck bring 13 years of combined experience with UCLA’s water polo programs. They have contributed significantly in areas such as player development, recruiting, and game strategy during a period when UCLA secured three NCAA titles across both men’s (2024, 2025) and women’s (2024) teams.
Falitz recently completed his 11th season with UCLA men’s water polo in 2025. He joined as an assistant coach in 2015 before being promoted to associate head coach in 2017; he took on the same role with the women’s team in 2021. Kubeck brings experience from collegiate play as well as coaching at Harvard-Westlake School—one of the top high school programs—and assistant roles at LMU and Stanford. He has also worked with USA National Teams.
“I’m incredibly grateful for Adam’s leadership and mentorship,” Falitz said. “This program means everything to us, and we’re committed to honoring its tradition while continuing to push it forward.”
Kubeck added: “UCLA has a strong tradition of excellence and our focus will remain on developing champions in and out of the pool. We are excited to lead this group together.”
The Bruins are set to begin their 2026 season with exhibition games at Cal and Stanford on January 24 as part of the Cal Cup.
