Guy Baker, director of the Olympic development program for USA Water Polo since 2008, has resigned, the federation announced Tuesday.

The ODP program has attracted many of Orange County’s top high school-age players.

“It has been a great 15-plus years working for USA Water Polo,” Baker said in a press release from USA Water Polo.

“It has been a journey that I will always cherish.  I feel very fortunate and thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with so many great athletes, coaches, and colleagues over the years.

“We were able to put together a good run over a long period of time, so it is nice now to take the time to think of all the amazing things that were done.  I wish USA Water Polo all the best in the future and especially all my best to our Olympic Teams at the upcoming Olympic Games in London.”

Before his run with the ODP, Baker was a three-time U.S. Olympic women’s coach. He coached many of the county’s top players such as Olympians Robin Beauregard (Marina), Jackie Frank (Los Al), Natalie Golda (Rosary), Brittany Hayes (Foothill), Bernice Orwig (Savanna/Cypress JC), Amber Stachowski (Capo Valley) and Julie Swail (Valencia).

The women’s team won two silver medals and one bronze at the Olympics under Baker.

Please send water polo news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com

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