Feb. 6, 2013

In his debut as interim head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, USC's Jovan Vavic, along with Trojan head assistant coach Marko Pintaric, successfully guided Team USA to qualification for the upcoming FINA World Championships. Leading a fairly young U.S. squad -- which included current Trojan Nikola Vavic and former Trojan Tommy Corcoran -- coach Vavic helped the United States to reach the final of the UANA World Aquatic Championship Qualification Tournament in order to secure a spot at Worlds.

Vavic and Pintaric both have returned to USC to resume duties leading the USC women as they begin their 2013 season. Both coaches have concluded their roles with USA Water Polo and continue on staff for the USC men and women.

Vavic's USA team was upended only by host Canada during the tournament, having rebounded from a round-robin loss to the Canadians to beat Brazil and Argentina during pool play and then beat Argentina again in the semifinals to lock in on qualification with its trip to the final match. There, the United States fell in a tight contest to the host Canadians, but that ticket to Barcelona was already punched thanks to the championship match appearance. Team USA and Canada will both advance to the 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona.

In addition to the coaching leadership of Jovan Vavic and goalie coach Marko Pintaric, USC had some powerful representation in the pool from Trojans Nikola Vavic and Tommy Corcoran. Named 2012 National Player of the Year while in Canada with Team USA, Nikola Vavic led the team with 10 goals in the tournament while also supplying nine assists. Tommy Corcoran -- a 2009 grad and member of USC's 2005 national championship team -- led Team USA with 15 ejections drawn during the tournament and also added three goals.