Bucknell Water Polo Coach John McBride Departs Amidst Financial Mismanagement Allegations: A Shocking End to a Successful Era
Bucknell University’s water polo program is facing a significant change with the sudden departure of Head Coach John McBride, effective immediately. The decision comes amidst allegations of financial mismanagement and poor managerial skills, according to sources within the athletic department.
While the exact details of the situation are not publicly known, it is clear that the university has lost confidence in Coach McBride’s ability to lead the program. This development marks a surprising turn of events, given McBride’s impressive achievements during his tenure at Bucknell.
Under Coach McBride’s guidance, the men’s team achieved notable success, including the 2012 Southern Championships title and a historic appearance in the Eastern Championship title game, a feat not accomplished in nearly two decades. Additionally, the program earned its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1985, a testament to McBride’s ability to develop and lead a competitive team.
On the women’s side, Coach McBride also made significant strides, leading the team to its first .500 record since 2010 and a third-place finish at the CWPA Championship, the highest finish in program history. His accomplishments earned him recognition as the CWPA Coach of the Year following the regular season in 2016. McBride became the first coach in Bucknell history to record 100 wins with two different programs in 2019, a milestone that highlights his dedication and expertise.
Despite these achievements, financial mismanagement and poor managerial skills have led to Coach McBride’s departure. The university will now embark on a search for a new head coach to lead the program forward. As the water polo community reacts to this news, fans and alumni alike will be watching closely to see how the program responds to this change and who will step up to lead the team in the future.
The departure of Coach McBride serves as a reminder that even the most successful leaders can face challenges and setbacks. As the Bucknell water polo program moves forward, it is essential to learn from this experience and prioritize strong leadership, financial responsibility, and effective management to ensure the continued success of the team.