It's been a busy summer for officials in Harvard's athletic department. After hiring new coaches for the soccer, squash, hockey and fencing teams from outside of the University, officials are now looking close to home to fill another top spot.

Athletic officials announced on Monday that current men's water polo head coach Jim Floerchinger will also head up the women's water polo team next season.

The positions of men's and women's water polo coaches were both part-time positions until Floerchinger got the nod to head both teams, becoming a full-time coach.

The twenty-seven-year-old Floerchinger gained favor during his year coaching the men's team, according to John P. Veneziano, director of the office of sports media relations.

"I think he impressed everyone in his first year as the men's coach," Veneziano said. "We were happy with how the students responded to him and his leadership."

Veneziano said search committee members were also impressed by Floerchinger's experience outside Harvard. Before beginning work with the Crimson last year, Floerchinger spent a year as head water polo coach and assistant swimming coach at Lehman College in New York. His resume also includes head-coaching experience with U.S. College, U.S. Club and New Zealand National teams.

Despite his past experiences, Floerchinger's first season as men's coach was hampered by inconsistent play. First-year goalkeeper Gresham Bayne suffered a season-ending injury before the opener, and the team finished with a 12-19 record.

But Veneziano said few were disappointed with Floerchinger's leadership.

"I think there was a lot of factors but he did an outstanding job, given the circumstances and what he was facing, injury-wise," Venziano said.