 "Photo: Samuel Oksner, Chief Photographer | Valley Star")
The rose-tinted glow that adorns Jim McMillan's face is clear evidence of a long career in the sunshine; Valley College's head water polo coach has trained student athletes outdoors for more than 20 years, and although the faces have changed, McMillan's goal to "mold student athletes into men" has not.
McMillan, who declined to state his age joking that "even the team don't know," coached at Pepperdine University for 12 years, where he took the 1997 team to a victory against USC to win the national championship. His decision to move to the Junior College level was built on an aspiration for personal growth and a belief that he could help athletes successfully transfer from community college.
"This is a better opportunity for me to help the athletes through life," he said. "The main priority remains the same, to help with life lessons, to help these athletes grow with the help of athletics."
After leaving college, McMillan became a lifeguard and worked at Huntington Beach. Although a "great job in the summer months," McMillan said he enjoys his current outdoor job most. As a former college player, he identifies with the hard work each player puts in to be a part of his team.
"They train everyday, starting at 6 a.m.," he said. "For these guys it's non-stop. They have families, jobs, all sorts of issues. So if I can help them it's all I want."
While the training remains non-stop for the athletes, McMillan remains active himself off campus. A keen golfer, he claims to keep fit outside of school with a range of sporting activities, also including hiking and jogging. He enjoys sports with family, friends and his two Labradors, who are never far behind on his outdoor trips.
The passion McMillan has is also recognized among colleagues; Valley's Sports Information Director Dale Beck has known McMillan since he began working at Valley, stating that he has "raised the bar," thanks to his prior experience.
"As both a former high school and Division 1 coach, he's developed an excellent understanding of what it takes to properly motivate his players to excel," said Beck. "The mutual respect is evident in the interaction one sees in both the weight room and around the pool."
Although some may feel that athletic talent and the chance to win major awards would be more gratifying at McMillan's previous Pepperdine position, he remains focused on the outcome of each performer, rather than the rewards.
As I always say, winning is only a bonus," said McMillan. "I don't do this job for that."
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