Dec. 23, 2006

DAVIS, Calif. - Matt Jones, a former conference-champion swimmer, and Tiffany Hodgens, a six-time water polo All-American, have joined the UC Davis women's water polo coaching staff as assistant coaches, head coach Jamey Wright announced. Jones will serve as Wright's top aide while Hodgens will contribute as a volunteer assistant.

Jones and Hodgens will fill the vacancies left by former assistants Jon Burke and Angie Seto, both of whom joined the Aggie staff in 2003.

Jones completed a solid swimming and water polo career at UC Davis in 2005. Most of his accolades came during the winter season with the Aggie swimming squad. In 2004, he captured Pacific Collegiate Swimming Conference titles in both backstroke events, and added a third championship as the leadoff leg for the 400 medley relay team. Jones currently ranks second in school history in the 200 back with a personal-record time of 1:48.38.

Hodgens stands as the most decorated player in Aggie women's water polo history. She earned four Division II All-America awards from the AWPCA, including Player of the Year honors in 2001. Furthermore, she made the D-I All-America third team in 2001, then added D-I honorable mention as a senior in 2004. Hodgens holds every major school offensive record, includng her career goals total of 355, which placed her atop the all-time NCAA scoring leaders.

UC Davis went 22-12 in 2006, capturing the Western Water Polo Association championship and earning its first-ever berth to the National Collegiate (NCAA) Championships. The Aggies launch their 2007 season at home against Hartwick College on January 27.