Pepperdine University will remove the interim tag from Dan Marella‘s title, making him the new head coach of women’s swimming & diving.
Marella has served as the interim head coach for the program since December 2025, when Ellie Monobe left to take over the program at nearby St. Mary’s College, which will begin competition in the 2026-2027 season.
Prior to helping the team finish the season, Marella served as a full-time assistant from 2023-2025 and a volunteer assistant for the 2022-2023 season.
“Dan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with our student-athletes in and out of the pool while playing a vital role in the program’s unprecedented success over the past few seasons,” said Tanner Gardner, Director of Athletics. “He has successfully led with purpose this season while stepping in as interim head coach in November, and we’re excited for the future of Pepperdine Swimming & Diving under his direction.”
Pepperdine won the MPSF conference title in 2025, Marella’s second season as an assistant coach. That was the team’s third MPSF title in four seasons.
The Waves finished 6th at the 2026 MPSF Championship meet and set six new school records in the 800 free relay, 200 free, 200 medley relay, 400 IM, platform diving, and 400 free relay. The team also won a dual meet against the University of San Diego for the first time since 2021.
The team finished the fall 2025 semester with its highest-ever GPA of 3.62.
Marella is just the fifth non-interim head coach in program history. Pepperdine launched its varsity program in 1985; Tim Elson was head coach for 15 seasons, Nick Rodionoff took over for the next 18, Joe Spahn lasted just a season-and-a-half, and Monboe was coach for five-and-a-half seasons.
“I am incredibly honored to be named the Head Swimming and Diving Coach at Pepperdine University,” said Marella. “Over the past few years, I’ve seen the commitment, resilience, and belief that defines this program. Our goal is simple: to develop student-athletes of character, excel in the classroom, compete for championships and represent Pepperdine with pride.”
Marella was a two-time team captain for UCSB as an athlete and was a top 3 finisher at the MPSF Championships. He graduated from UCSB in 2022 with a degree in music studies. At just 25 years old, he becomes one of the youngest (possibly the youngest) head coaches in NCAA Division I swimming.
Can’t wait to see how the team succeeds! Seems like a great fit, unlike the commenter here that likes to bring up the past (we know its you joe)
So stoked for this bright and talented young man. He’ll be one of the greats!
My daughter swam against Pepperdine for four years. After her last meet in Malibu, Dan congratulated her and praised her competitive spirit and wished her well after graduation. Class act all the way.
Joe Spahn is currently killing it at SDSU.
Sure is. Mountain West Champions. Wasn’t a great end to his time at Pepperdine, but this is the risk of hiring young coaches: you don’t always get the best version of them.
Spahn was never a good fit for Pepperdine. The team excelled beyond measure after he was fired. Congrats to Coach Dan! Can’t wait to see the team continue to grow & succeed!
better be loving the title as assistant because head coach will never come back 💀
GREAT decision by Pepperdine. Congratulations Coach Dan!
He is the next Mike Stevens!
Great decision by the admin @ Pepperdine. Congrats, Dan!