The University of Toronto Varsity Blues confirmed today that longtime water polo coach George Gross Jr. announced his retirement, effective May 1, 2024.

"George has been a cornerstone for water polo in the Ontario university athletics landscape," said Mary Beth Challoner, director of intercollegiate and high performance sport. "His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have led to continued development and growth of the sport at the collegiate level. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to George in his retirement."

A legendary figure within the water polo community, Gross Jr. most recently completed his 16th season as head coach of the Varsity Blues women's water polo team. During that stretch, which began in 2008, the Toronto native guided the Blues to five Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships and seven National Collegiate Water Polo (NCWP) titles, including a string of 10 straight provincial banners between 2013-23. For his efforts, Gross Jr. was named OUA coach of the year twice and NCWP coach of the year five times. His women's water polo players received all-star honours 44 times during those 16 seasons, while his Varsity Blues teams were recognized with both the most valuable goalie and most valuable player 19 times.

Prior to taking over the leadership of the Varsity Blues women's program, Gross Jr. was the coach of the men's water polo team from 1987-89. Following the 1989 season, he shifted into a managerial role for both the men's and women's teams, focused on recruiting and fundraising for the Blues water polo program.

Additionally, Gross Jr. won nine men's water polo national titles as head coach with his club teams and served as Canada's head coach from 1987-91 and 1994-96.

As a player, he was a 13-time Canadian first team all-star, a two-time Pan-Am Games bronze medalist, and a two-time Olympian (1976, 1984).

Gross Jr. has been inducted the U of T, Ontario Aquatics, USA Collegiate Water Polo, Etobicoke Sports, and Yale Water Polo halls of fame.
 
U of T Men's Water Polo Head Coach (1987-1989) [3]
U of T Men's & Women's Water Polo Manager (1990-1999) [10]
U of T Women's Water Polo Head Coach (2008-2023) [16]