Santa Fe Christian (SFC) is excited to announce the return of alumni Graham Saber as the Head Coach of the boys’ water polo team.
This marks a full-circle moment for Saber, whose journey as an athlete began at SFC and who now returns to lead the next generation of players.
Saber’s deep connection to SFC, combined with his experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, makes him the ideal person to continue building on the legacy of excellence in the program.
A Legacy of Success at Santa Fe Christian
Graham Saber’s ties to SFC water polo go back many years, and his accomplishments as a player remain a high point in the school’s history. During his senior year, he led the Eagles to a 25-7 record and a historic playoff run in the CIF’s top division.
The highlight of that season was an unforgettable upset over the top-ranked La Jolla team, a comeback that has become a part of San Diego water polo lore.
The Eagles fell just short in the CIF final against The Bishop’s School, but Saber’s leadership and determination left a lasting impact.
Saber’s individual performance that season was remarkable. He set SFC records for goals (160), assists (102), and steals (158), earning him All-American honors, All-CIF First Team, Union-Tribune All-Academic Team recognition, and North County Times Player of the Year.
These achievements helped cement Saber’s status as one of the most accomplished players in SFC water polo history.
From College Success to Coaching Excellence
After his standout high school career, Saber continued his water polo journey at Pepperdine University before transferring to UC San Diego. At UCSD, Saber played a key role in helping the Tritons win their first conference title in five years.
As a senior, he scored 83 goals, ranking sixth in UCSD history, and was named an ACWPC All-American, All-WWPA Tournament First Team, All-NCAA Tournament First Team, and WWPA Player of the Week.
He finished his college career with 16 hat tricks and scored multiple goals in 22 consecutive games.
Saber’s transition from a successful player to a coach is natural, as he brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and experience to the SFC water polo program. He is not only focused on achieving success in the pool but also on developing young men of character.
Coaching Philosophy: Building Men of Grit, Discipline, and Faith
Coach Saber’s coaching philosophy extends beyond just winning games. “Coaching isn’t just about the scoreboard — though make no mistake, we’re here to compete.
It’s about forging men of grit, discipline, and unshakable faith,” he said. Saber’s mission is to mold players into strong, God-fearing leaders who play with passion, lead with integrity, and honor Christ in all they do.
Saber’s approach to coaching emphasizes developing a strong work ethic, building leadership qualities, and fostering a deep sense of faith.
This mission-driven approach is expected to resonate deeply with both players and the larger SFC community.
A Strong Leadership Team
Saber is not alone in his efforts to transform the SFC boys’ water polo team. He is joined by Jonny Haahr, his 2006 co-captain and the player who scored the game-winning shot in the iconic upset over La Jolla.
Haahr, a multi-sport athlete and valedictorian of SFC’s Class of 2007, brings a wealth of leadership experience. He went on to attend Cornell University, where he competed in javelin and served as Vice President of The Navigators Christian fellowship.
Haahr’s leadership, strong character, and passion for mentoring make him an invaluable addition to the coaching staff.
Together, Saber and Haahr are committed to guiding the boys’ water polo team into a new era of success, both on and off the field. Their experience as players, along with their shared commitment to strong Christian values, will help the team achieve great things in the future.
A New Era for SFC Water Polo
Doug Miller, the SFC Athletic Director, is confident that the return of Saber and Haahr will energize the water polo program and the wider community.
“I was at the games where Coach Saber & Haahr shocked the county, and watching them play was super natural and electric,” said Miller. “Our players and our community will rally around these SFC legends, and I’m confident the excitement for this sport will explode.
More importantly, these new coaches are also some of the most grounded Godly leaders of young men, and I’m committed to their success in that capacity as well.”
As the new coaching staff takes the reins, SFC Water Polo is poised for a bright future. With their combination of experience, faith, and leadership, Saber and Haahr are ready to help the team achieve its goals and inspire the next generation of players.
The return of Graham Saber as Head Coach of the SFC boys’ water polo team marks an exciting chapter in the program’s history.
Saber’s success as both a player and coach, along with his mission-driven approach, will set the foundation for continued excellence.
With Jonny Haahr by his side, the SFC water polo team is ready to embark on a new era of success, building not only skilled athletes but strong, faith-driven leaders.
