Ellett, Connell selected to lead UC Merced water polo programs

MERCED, Calif. - The UC Merced men's and women's water polo programs will have new leaders when the Bobcats dive into the pool in 2025-26.

Merced, Calif. native Hannah Ellett, previously UC Merced's lead assistant, will take over the men's program. Britt Connell, who served the past four seasons as an assistant at Brown University, takes over the women's side.

Ellett was on staff for UC Merced's historic win over NCAA Division I foe Long Island Univeristy - the program's first over a NCAA Division I opponent. She also coached ACWPC Honorable Mention All-American Camden Peterson and six of her student-athletes earned ACWPC All-Academic honors.

"Having spent the last year with both programs, I look forward to continuing to develop a culture of academic and athletic excellence," said Ellett. "As a Merced native, I feel exceptionally lucky to have this opportunity to work within my own community and contribute to the development of water polo in the Central Valley."

For more on Hannah Ellett, visit www.ucmercedbobcats.com.

The Brown women's program had its best four-year run in program history with Connell on staff. It posted back-to-back 25+ win seasons in 2022 and 2023 with the Bears' 26 wins in '23 being the most in school history. The men's team logged a pair of 20+ win seasons with Connell on deck.

"Water polo has been a key part of my life, and I'm excited to continue furthering the sport in the Central Valley," said Connell. "I am thrilled and look forward to working with these young women to create a legacy of empowerment and leadership through sport."

For more on Britt Connell, visit www.ucmercedbobcats.com.