Water polo Background:

Coach Charles Kim began his water polo career at Peninsula High School ('13), where he instantly fell in love with the sport. He competed for Peninsula High School and the South Bay Peninsula Water Polo Club under Albert Garcia, a former standout for UCLA and the U.S. National Team. After graduating from UC Irvine, Coach Kim began coaching at Palos Verdes High School. He has since returned to his alma mater, where he now serves as the Head Boys' and Girls' Water Polo Coach.

In addition to coaching at his alma mater, he also coaches for the Palos Verdes Water Polo Club and previously served as a Cadet Coach for the Coastal California Zone Team in the Olympic Development Program with USA Water Polo.

Personal Background

Coach Kim earned a B.A. in History and Literary Journalism from UC Irvine. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science from USC. He currently works as a full-time Social Science teacher and serves as the Head Boys’ and Girls’ Water Polo Coach at Peninsula High School.

Coaching Philosophy

I’ve been fortunate to learn the game of water polo from some incredibly knowledgeable and influential mentors throughout my life. My high school coach, Albert Garcia, brought a high level of experience and passion to the sport, and I was also deeply influenced by coaches like Erik Healy and Robert Lynn. From them, I learned not only the technical side of the game, but also what it truly means to teach and mentor student-athletes.

As I grew into coaching myself, I came to understand that high school athletics are about much more than just water polo. Student-athletes are still young people learning how to balance academics, athletics, friendships, family, and personal growth. My philosophy has always been that the lessons learned through water polo — discipline, accountability, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance — extend far beyond the pool.

I believe high school sports provide an incredible opportunity for young people to learn how to overcome adversity, develop leadership skills, and grow into responsible young adults. My goal as a coach is not only to help athletes succeed in water polo, but also to help prepare them for life beyond the sport.