Bakersfield Announces Addition of Water Polo; Hirayama Named as Head Coach

BAKERSFIELD, CA — Bakersfield College Athletics is proud to announce the official launch of Women's Water Polo, the newest addition to its robust lineup of intercollegiate sports. The program will make its debut in Fall 2025, marking a significant milestone as the college continues to expand its commitment to athletic and academic excellence.

As part of a larger initiative to increase opportunities to participation, the introduction of Women's Water Polo offers female student-athletes in Kern County a new opportunity to compete at the collegiate level while receiving a quality education at one of the nation's top-ranked community colleges.

"This is an exciting moment for Bakersfield College Athletics," said Athletic Director Reggie Bolton, "We are thrilled to bring Women's Water Polo to our campus and continue building a legacy of excellence both in competition and in the classroom."

Leading the Renegades will be Bryan Hirayama.Coach Bryan R. Hirayama brings over 30 years of experience both in the water and from the bench. A two-time All-American in both water polo and swimming at the community college level, he possesses a deep well of knowledge as both a player and a coach. Throughout his career, Coach Hirayama has served as a head coach and assistant for numerous Central Valley High School water polo programs. He has remained active in the sport, competing in the USA Water Polo Masters Nationals and playing for club teams from the Bay Area to Southern California. Currently, he is a member of the coaching staff at V'Nited Water Polo Club in Visalia, where he helped lead the team to top finishes at the 2024 Junior Olympics.

Now at Bakersfield College, Coach Hirayama aims to build a winning tradition with the Women's Water Polo program while helping to elevate the level of competition in the greater Bakersfield area.