Jan. 29, 2011

BERKELEY -

After one of the greatest all-around seasons in California water polo history, Ivan Rackov has been named the 2010 National Player of the Year by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. The junior standout was the leading scorer and paced the team in assists and steals for the national runner-up Golden Bears.

Rackov, from Belgrade, Serbia, helped Cal finish 24-4 and advance to the NCAA title match. He was a 2010 first-team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation selection and a member of both NCAA and the MPSF All-Tournament Teams.

The talented driver led the MPSF with 79 goals in 28 matches (2.82 gpg) and was twice named MPSF Player of the Week (Oct. 18 and Nov. 1). Rackov also led Cal with 82 assists and 70 steals and was the Bears' top scorer in 18 of 28 matches, tallying at least one goal in every match this season.

In addition, Rackov was named a first-team All-American by the ACWPC, along with Cal senior Zach White. Senior Brian Dudley, junior Cory Nasoff and sophomore goalie Justin Parsons were tabbed as third-team All-Americans, while juniors Charlie Steffens and Luka Saponjic were named honorable mention All-Americans for the Bears.

"Having seven players recognized by the Coaches Association is a great honor," said Cal coach Kirk Everist, who was the 1988 NCAA Player of the Year. "We are very proud of all of their accomplishments. Ivan had a tremendous year for us and the Player of Year award is well deserved. As a Coach and Alum of the program it is fantastic to see Ivan bring home the program's 15th Player of the Year award. "