David Huelsman: Pioneering Water Polo in North Central Florida

David Huelsman has been instrumental in introducing and developing water polo in North Central Florida. As the president and head coach of Gator Water Polo Inc., he has dedicated years to nurturing young talent and promoting the sport in the region.

Early Life and Education:

Huelsman’s affinity for aquatic sports began in his youth. He was an active member of the swimming and water polo teams at Redlands High School in Redlands, California. His passion continued through college, where he played water polo and swam competitively. He also coached swimming with the City of Corona and served as the head swimming coach at Chino Hills High School. After graduating from the University of Redlands, he relocated to Gainesville, Florida, in 2007 to take a position as an Information Security Architect at the University of Florida. (David Huelsman – Gator Water Polo)

Coaching Career and Contributions:

In Gainesville, Huelsman expanded his coaching repertoire. He coached baseball at Gainesville High School (GHS) from 2007 to 2014, leading the team to multiple victories, including two appearances in the state tournament’s final four. He returned to swimming and diving in 2013, guiding the GHS swim team to significant achievements, such as a second-place finish for the men’s team at the state meet in 2013 and a women’s state title in 2015.

In 2016, Huelsman became the head coach of the University of Florida’s men’s water polo team. Under his leadership, the team secured three State of Florida titles (2017, 2018, 2019) and made three appearances at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) National Championships, achieving a sixth-place finish in 2019. He was named CWPA Florida Conference Coach of the Year for three consecutive years (2017-2019).

Beyond collegiate coaching, Huelsman co-founded the first youth water polo team in North Florida in 2013. The program, which started with just a few participants, grew to include over 50 athletes practicing six days a week. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the first North Florida FHSAA High School Water Polo program at GHS in 2015. (David Huelsman – Gator Water Polo)

Recent Developments and Controversies:

In June 2024, Huelsman was dismissed from his coaching position at GHS and banned from the University of Florida campus for three years following allegations of inappropriate behavior with athletes. Reports indicated that he was “overly touchy” with players and allegedly pressured them into sharing beds during away matches. Huelsman denied these allegations, attributing them to a former athlete with a vendetta. He has not been charged with any crime.

Despite these controversies, Huelsman remains listed as the president and head coach of Gator Water Polo Inc., a non-profit organization that operates youth teams and instructional camps. The organization has been a significant force in promoting water polo in Gainesville, hosting tournaments and receiving substantial athletic grants from Alachua County.

Conclusion

David Huelsman’s contributions to water polo in North Central Florida are noteworthy. His efforts have laid the foundation for the sport’s growth in the region. However, recent allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy, leading to his dismissal from key coaching positions. The future of his involvement in the sport remains uncertain as the community grapples with these developments.

FAQs

1. Who is David Huelsman?

David Huelsman is a coach known for his significant contributions to water polo in North Central Florida, particularly through his leadership at Gator Water Polo Inc.

2. What is Gator Water Polo Inc.?

Gator Water Polo Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Gainesville, Florida, dedicated to promoting youth water polo through teams and instructional camps.

3. What are the recent allegations against Huelsman?

In 2024, Huelsman faced allegations of inappropriate behavior with athletes, leading to his dismissal from Gainesville High School and a three-year ban from the University of Florida campus.