U-M Athletics Announces Coaching Change for Water Polo Program
3/9/2026 2:00:00 PM | Water Polo
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced that Cassie Churnside resigned her position as head coach of the water polo program, effective March 6, 2026. Assistant coach Sami Tai will serve as the acting head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
"The water polo program has become part of who I am because of the incredible young women and staff I had the privilege to work around every day," said Churnside, "I'm so proud of everything we built together, and even more proud of the strong women behind it. I'm looking forward to new opportunities and new challenges."
"We want to thank Cassie for her efforts, and we wish her the best in her future pursuits and endeavors," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R Shepherd Director of Athletics. "We are looking forward to continuing to support these young women in the pursuit of their season goals."
Churnside was in the midst of her fourth season leading the Wolverines' water polo program in 2026. She led the team to top-three finishes in the CWPA Championship during her three seasons in Ann Arbor.
