Chaney on board with U.S. team

In the past, Aaron Chaney would spend his summers working the international circuit, officiating men’s and women’s water polo games. But not this summer. He’s got a new gig.

Chaney, the Corona del Mar High girls’ water polo coach, was introduced Wednesday morning as an assistant coach for the U.S. women’s national team that will compete at the FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy next month.

It’s a different job for sure. He’s not so much used to being an assistant, but he’s adjusting.

“I don’t really do a lot of coaching during practice,” said Chaney, who had been an assistant since May and has been kept on. “As far as on-deck coaching, the three assistants don’t do much. I wish I had a little more of a role. [U.S. head coach Adam Krikorian] does have me working with the two-meter players. And, he’ll ask me for input. So, it’s not like I’m a tree there on the sideline.

“It’s hard because I’ve done so much before as a coach. It’s just trying to understand a different role.”

Chaney has become accustomed to being the head coach in his eight seasons with the Sea Kings and a successful one at that. He plans to return to Corona del Mar for his ninth season, as he is not expecting to remain with the national team, he said.

“I think it’s just a summer hire,” Chaney said. “It’s a one-shot deal.”

Chaney has compiled a 204-52 record with the Sea Kings. He guided them to CIF Southern Section titles in his first five years, the first coming in Division IV and the others in Division II.

The Sea Kings made it to the CIF Division I semifinals in 2007, and the Division I championship match the past two years.

Chaney was the CIF Southern Section Division IV Coach of the Year in 2002, and the Division II Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2004.

Corona del Mar means a great deal to Chaney.

In March, he and his wife, Hermie, had their first child, a girl named Kaiali’i, which means, “Royalty of the Sea.”

“It’s fun,” Chaney said of being a father.” I really look forward to coming home, picking her up and holding her.”

Before his daughter was born, Chaney retired from working as a referee, a job he held for 26 years, which included officiating the Olympics in 2004 and 2008. He said he wanted to stop working as a referee so that he can devote more time to his family and coaching.

Though it does not appear as much some of that coaching experience will come with Team USA.

The national team begins play in the world championships July 19 against Kazakhstan before meeting Russia and Greece in opening pool play.

Chaney was not able to be with the team when it won the FINA World League Super Final in Russia. He said had to stay back because it was the last week of school where he teaches, at Harbor Day Elementary.