Jordi Valls: “The Spanish women's national team will continue to be competitive”
Before a multitude of media outlets, Jordi Valls Nart was officially presented this afternoon as the new head coach of the Spanish women's water polo team for the 2025-28 cycle at the CAR (High-Performance Center) in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona), the training hub of Spanish water polo and sports. A question lingers in the air: Can we maintain the level of excellence after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics? He answers himself: "The women's water polo team will continue to be competitive."
Rodrigo Gil-Sabio (RFEN Aquatics Communication, Sant Cugat del Vallès-Barcelona)
There was great anticipation surrounding the urgent press conference called by RFEN Aquatics to introduce the new leader of Spain’s golden team following the departure of Miki Oca.
For Fernando Carpena, "Jordi’s work has been absolutely essential, connecting the efforts made at this center with the national teams. Now he takes a step forward." He also acknowledged that "Miki Oca’s leadership and extraordinary work cannot be overlooked."
Jordi Valls began by expressing his gratitude: "I want to thank Fernando Carpena and his RFEN board of directors for their trust, as well as the Technical and Sports Directorate led by Rafa Aguilar, the regional federations, and the Catalan Federation. Thanks to all the coaches, staff, players, and everyone I have worked with over the years. And especially, to Miki Oca."
Valls is a familiar figure in the system, and that has been evident from the very start of 2025: "One of our greatest strengths, which has fostered unity over the years, is the seamless synchronization across all levels—from youth development to the elite level. Miki has always given me full freedom, and we have all the ingredients to ensure that the Spanish women's national team remains competitive."
Regarding the team, he stated: "We have great players, depth, and strong institutional support to keep women's water polo achieving success. I don't know what will happen, but all the key elements are in place," said the new head coach.
When asked about Maica García, Pili Peña, or Anni Espar, he responded: "I have had private conversations with all of them, and we will continue monitoring all the players to see how they evolve. They have been part of the team for many years, and I have my discussions with them. They understand the different situations—some were at the Olympics, while others are not currently in the team."
A new chapter begins: Jordi Valls 2025-2028. Congratulations, and let’s go for it!
Photo: Formal agreement between Jordi Valls and Fernando Carpena (RFEN Aquatics) / (C) FCN, provided to RFEN
