IRVINE, Calif. -- USA Water Polo has announced the winners of the 2024 National Awards, naming head Augustana men's water polo coach, Ryan Pryor, the winner of the Monte Nitzkowski (Men's Elite) Distinguished Coaching National Award Winner.

In early March, Pryor won the regional version of this award for the second straight season, notching the accolade for the midwest zone. The midwest encompasses Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The Zone Awards released by USA Water Polo represent zones from all across the country and honor contributions in variety of areas including coaching, officiating, volunteering, masters water polo, and more.

Last week, Pryor was named the national winner on the men's side. He led the Vikings to a 16-7 record in 2024.Augustana won the MPSF East for the third consecutive season and notched a third-place standing at the USA Water Polo National Tournament following a 9-7 victory over MIT.

Established in 2010, the annual awards from USA Water Polo have each been named in honor of a person or people who have made an extraordinary contribution to the sport of water polo. Winners were chosen through a zone nomination process and then reviewed by a national selection panel.