FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Kara Pavlovic as head coach of the Sunbirds women's water polo program. Pavlovic succeeds Bryan Suhovy, who led the program since its inception in 2008. She will begin her duties on July 1.

With extensive coaching experience across water polo and swimming, Pavlovic brings a strong reputation for developing student-athletes throughout the Central Valley, and deep ties to the local aquatics community.

"We are excited to welcome Kara to Fresno Pacific," said FPU Director of Athletics Kyle Ferguson. "Her passion for student-athlete development, competitive excellence, and commitment to our mission make her an outstanding fit for the Sunbird family."

Pavlovic arrives at Fresno Pacific following a highly successful tenure at Reedley High School, where she served as head women's water polo and swim coach. During her time leading the Pirates' water polo program, Reedley captured nine undefeated league championships, made three CIF Division II semifinal appearances, and qualified for the Division I playoffs. Pavlovic was named Reedley High School Coach of the Year for 2025-26. Prior to her time at Reedley, Pavlovic held coaching roles at Clovis North High School, Granite Ridge Intermediate, Ripon High School, Clovis Water Polo Club and Ripon Aquatics. At Granite Ridge, her teams won two undefeated league championships.

Pavlovic has also been a significant presence at the club level. She has served as the Girls Director for Praetorian Water Polo Club since 2017 and has been an Adjunct Coach for ODP Central Zone since 2023. Her club experience also includes coaching with Clovis Water Polo Club and Ripon Aquatics.

Her success as a coach has not been limited to just water polo. Under Pavlovic's leadership, Reedley swimming produced a 2024 CIF Division II runner-up finish, a 2026 state championship qualifier, five undefeated North Yosemite League championships, a Tri-County Conference co-league title and an undefeated TCC championship. Multiple school records were also broken during her time with the program.

"My philosophy is centered on developing the whole person," Pavlovic said at the time of her appointment. "While pursuing excellence in competition, I strive to help student-athletes grow as leaders, communicators, and women of strong character and faith."

A Clovis East graduate, Pavlovic competed collegiately at Merced College from 2006-08. She was the team's leading scorer in both 2006 and 2007 and earned First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Northern California and First Team All-American honors in 2007. She was also named team MVP that season.

Pavlovic and her husband, Micha - a Fresno Pacific alumnus and former Sunbird water polo and swim student-athlete – have three children and reside in the Fresno area. The family enjoys traveling together and spending much of their time around youth sports.

"I believe culture drives success," Pavlovic added. "By leading by example and establishing clear expectations from day one, I will create an environment built on accountability, discipline, respect, and service."

Please join all of us at FPU Athletics in welcoming Coach Kara and family as she embarks on this exciting new chapter leading Sunbird women's water polo.
 
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