Hancock Names Dominique Miller New Women's Water Polo Head Coach

Allan Hancock College Athletic Director Kim Ensing has selected Dominique Miller to be the new women's water polo head coach. Miller served as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs during the program's 2015 season. Miller played four years of Division I water polo at San Diego State University. She was an All-Conference Scholar-Athlete, and the team's Most Valuable Player her senior season. Miller finished her career in the Aztecs' Top 10 for most career steals and assists.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the program. I look forward to continuing to build the culture, brand and reputation of Hancock water polo," said Miller. "I played for a nationally ranked Division I team and I am ready to help our athletes get a chance to compete at the next level."

Miller replaces Ben Britten, who has accepted a full-time position in the college's counseling department. It will be Miller's first stint as a head coach.

"Ben was a great mentor and allowed me to participate in conference meetings, scheduling, recruiting, strategizing and running practices. I am ready," said Miller. "I have high expectations, but I will work just as hard, if not harder, than the athletes to ensure the team is as successful as possible in the pool and in the classroom."

For the last year, she has also coached for One Way, a local youth and masters water polo club team.

"Dominique has a strong background in Division I water polo and we are lucky to have her as a mentor to our female student-athletes," said Ensing. "She was critical to the success of our 2015 team. She has a great perspective on community college athletics and will serve our program well."

Hancock finished its inaugural season 3-8 overall. The team's top two scorers, Rebecca Gonzalez and Nikki Gurgiolo, will return in 2016. Gonzalez, a Nipomo High School graduate, led the Bulldogs with 25 goals. Gurgiolo, a Righetti High School product, added 17 goals and a team-high 16 assists.

"We are lucky to have some great returning players who can lead the team. I am also very excited about our talented incoming freshmen from area high schools, who can come in and make an immediate impact," said Miller.

Miller earned a criminal justice degree from San Diego State. She played four years of varsity water polo at Cabrillo High School, where she was a three-time All-CIF First Team selection.

The hiring still requires approval from the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees at the board's next meeting in June.