University Southern California Trojans
Women's Water Polo
Carlee Kapana
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- kapana@usc.edu
Carlee Kapana enters her second season as an assistant coach for USC women’s water polo staff. Kapana brings elite playing experience, a championship mindset, and a deep knowledge of defensive and goalkeeper play. A standout goalkeeper at UCLA, Kapana leaves one of the most decorated careers in program history and now brings her passion for mentoring and athlete development to the Trojan family.
In 2026, Kapana helped the Trojans to a 25-3 record as USC went undefeated at home and on the road during the regular season. With a runner up finish at the MPSF Tournament, the Women of Troy earned the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans defeated Loyola Marymount, UCLA and California on their way to the program's eighth NCAA title.
During her four-year career at UCLA, Kapana established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) and on the national stage. She finished her career with 723 total saves, ranking third all-time on UCLA’s career chart.
Kapana also gained international experience representing the USA Junior National Team at the 2017 FINA Junior World Championships and was part of youth national teams that captured titles at world and Pan American competitions.
An alum of Newport Harbor High School, Kapana served as an assistant coach for the Sailors from 2019-2025. With Newport Beach Water Polo Club, she served as an assistant coach for 18-, 16-, and 14-under girls teams, and helped guide the 16-unders to a gold medal at the 2025 Junior Olympics. She also helped lead the 14-unders to two gold medals (2023 and 2025) and one silver medal (2024) at the Junior Olympics.
Kapana also served as a graduate assistant for both the men’s and women’s water polo teams at Concordia University from 2023-25.
In 2026, Kapana helped the Trojans to a 25-3 record as USC went undefeated at home and on the road during the regular season. With a runner up finish at the MPSF Tournament, the Women of Troy earned the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans defeated Loyola Marymount, UCLA and California on their way to the program's eighth NCAA title.
During her four-year career at UCLA, Kapana established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) and on the national stage. She finished her career with 723 total saves, ranking third all-time on UCLA’s career chart.
Kapana also gained international experience representing the USA Junior National Team at the 2017 FINA Junior World Championships and was part of youth national teams that captured titles at world and Pan American competitions.
An alum of Newport Harbor High School, Kapana served as an assistant coach for the Sailors from 2019-2025. With Newport Beach Water Polo Club, she served as an assistant coach for 18-, 16-, and 14-under girls teams, and helped guide the 16-unders to a gold medal at the 2025 Junior Olympics. She also helped lead the 14-unders to two gold medals (2023 and 2025) and one silver medal (2024) at the Junior Olympics.
Kapana also served as a graduate assistant for both the men’s and women’s water polo teams at Concordia University from 2023-25.
Wednesday, April 29
Sunday, April 26
Saturday, April 25
Monday, March 24
