Bailey Barlow                                  Emma Knott


HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay Athletics is excited to announce the first-ever Dr. Calvin "Cal" Caplan Aquatics Scholarship has been awarded to water polo's Bailey Barlow and swimming's Emma Knott.

Barlow is a two-meter driver from Corona, Calif., while Knott is a freestyle and butterfly swimmer from East Wenatchee, Wash. 

"It's well deserved," said Caplan. "What this represents to me is that the scholarship is applicable to all aquatics, not just the water polo program. It will continue to be that way in the future as well.

"I'm glad it can be used to bring in new recruits as well as provide additional help for student-athletes. I'm very gratified the department chose to offer this in my name, and I think it will serve our aquatics programs very well."

The Cal Caplan Aquatics Scholarship was established in 2021 honoring the legendary aquatics coach by a group of swimming, diving and water polo alumni. The founding donors surprised Caplan with news about this scholarship at a poolside event on Sept. 2. 

"Coach Caplan has an indelible legacy in Pioneer Athletics," said Cal State East Bay Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Allison Kern. "We are grateful for the impact he has had on so many of our student-athletes."

Dr. Caplan, Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology and Physical Education, has shown a dedication and loyalty to the aquatic programs at Cal State Hayward/East Bay for more than 50 years. He taught at Cal State Hayward/East Bay from 1968 until his retirement in 2005. He is recognized for playing a key role in the development of the university's Physical Education and Kinesiology department. 

Inducted into the Pioneer Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006, Dr. Caplan coached the Men's Water Polo team from 1968-91 and led the Pioneers to a pair of Far Western Conference championships in 1977 and 1981. He guided the Pioneers to a 29-4 record and a NCAA Small College Championship during the 1975 season. 

Dr. Caplan also served as the diving coach for the Pioneer women's and men's and women's swim teams, producing numerous divers who competed at the national level.

More recently, he has served as volunteer assistant coach for Cal State East Bay's Women's Water Polo team, overseeing the Pioneer goalies for over 10 years. 

During his tenure as assistant water polo coach, the Pioneers captured the 2008 Division III Collegiate National Championship, have produced two Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-Americans at goalkeeper, and have earned eight ACWPC Team Academic Awards.

You can donate to the Cal Caplan Aquatics Scholarship here.