Foothill girls water polo coach Paden Mitchell resigns after seven seasons

Foothill girls water polo coach Paden Mitchell, who in February guided the Knights to their first CIF-SS title since 2007, has resigned to be spend more time with his family, he recently confirmed.

“I love leading the Knights but I also have two beautiful kids I want to spend time with and an amazing wife that I want to support (in her career),” Mitchell said. “Coaching at Foothill just wasn’t lining up for our family.”

“I leave Foothill with a heavy heart but I’m excited for what’s ahead — my new role as a full-time dad,” he added.

This past season, Mitchell led Foothill to the Division 1 crown with a 7-4 win against San Clemente in the final.

In seven seasons under Mitchell, the Knights claimed seven league titles, a CIF SoCal Regional Division I crown in 2023 and reached three section finals.

“Most of all, I’m proud of the 30 student-athletes who achieved their dream of playing Division I college water polo,” he added.

Mitchell said he will continue to coach club with SOCAL.

Please send water polo news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 11:03 PM.