POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray has announced the hiring of Chris Vidale as the head water polo coach. Vidale replaces former coach Natalie Benson, who resigned in June to take a position as the women’s water polo head coach at Fresno State.
“I’m thrilled to have Chris and his family be a part of the Marist community,” Murray said. “I have great confidence that he’ll continue to build on the strong foundation that Natalie Benson provided for us.”
Vidale, a graduate of Iona College in 2007, played for the Gaels men’s water polo team for four years. A defensive specialist, Vidale appeared in 67 games and tallied 30 goals, eight assists, 56 steals, and 38 drawn ejections while leading the Gaels to appearances in the Eastern Championship in 2003 and 2005.
After graduation, he then went on to play for the Trinidad and Tobago national team from 2008-12.
“I would like to thank Tim Murray for giving me this opportunity” Vidale said. “The administration has been nothing but welcoming to me and my family. I’m really excited to coach this team. They have talent, are aggressive and gritty, and with those three qualities, I believe we will be successful.”
Along with an extensive playing career, Vidale also brings with him a strong coaching background, having served as an assistant coach to the Iona men’s and women’s water polo teams from 2009-16. He also served as the head coach of the New York Athletic club’s women’s water polo team, which consisted of a variety of former collegiate and elite level players.
In 2014, Vidale was also named the head coach of the Greenwich High School boys’ varsity water polo program, leading the team to the 2015 Connecticut men’s state championship.
The Red Foxes finished the 2016 season with a record of 16-18 (9-3 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) and advanced to their third consecutive MAAC Championship where they fell to Wagner, 8-5. Marist returns 13 players from the previous season, including the MAAC Rookie of the Year and the team’s top five scorers. The Red Foxes have appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times in program history.