MICHEL ROY

CLASS OF 2025 - COACH INDUCTEE

Michel Roy’s induction into the Canadian Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2025 recognizes his extraordinary contributions as a coach, shaping the success of numerous athletes and teams over more than four decades. His coaching career has been defined by his ability to develop winning teams at both the national and international levels. Most notably, Roy played a pivotal role in leading two of Canada’s most successful water polo clubs—Vancouver Reign and Pacific Storm—to multiple national championships. Under his leadership, Vancouver Reign dominated the national stage in the early 1990s, winning consecutive Senior Men’s National Championships from 1992 to 1994. He replicated this success with Pacific Storm, where he coached his team to four consecutive Senior Men’s National Championships between 1999 and 2002, firmly establishing the club as a powerhouse in Canadian water polo. Over the course of his coaching career in Canada, he has won, as head coach, 29 National Championship Titles in both genders and various age groups.? Remarkably, Michel's Pacific Storm Club, in 1993, swept all National Titles in the Men's divisions (Juvenile, Junior, and Senior). 

Beyond his club success, Roy had a lasting impact on the national program, serving as head coach for Water Polo Canada across multiple age groups and divisions. He guided the Senior Women’s National Team to major international competitions, including the FINA World Championships and Olympic qualification events, and also led the Junior Men’s National Team to victories on the international stage. His leadership extended to the National Development Centre in Ottawa/Gatineau, where he mentored young athletes who would go on to represent Canada at the highest levels. Roy’s ability to build and sustain elite programs helped shape the next generation of Canadian water polo talent, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most influential coaches in the sport’s history. 

In addition to his contributions to club and national programs, Roy made a significant impact in the NCAA, serving as the head coach for the University of Hawaii’s Division I women’s team for a decade. Under his guidance, the program achieved historic success, making multiple NCAA Final Four appearances and consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. He was named MPSF Coach of the Year twice, a testament to his ability to elevate programs to new heights. Whether at the club, national, or collegiate level, Roy’s ability to cultivate championship-winning teams and foster athlete development has left an indelible mark on Canadian water polo, making his Hall of Fame induction a fitting recognition of his exceptional career.