THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA

COMING UP ROSES! Rose Bowl Sweeps Champions Cup In Hawaii

VOLUME 32, NUMBER 1, SPRING 2017 UDOVICIC /KRIKORIAN RE-SIGN THROUGH 2020 p. 20

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA WATER POLO VOL. 32, NUM. 1, Spring 2017 What’s Inside... USA WATER POLO NATIONAL OFFICE COMINGRose Bowl Sweeps UP Champions Cup ROSES!In Hawaii ON THE COVER . . 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Rose Bowl Water Polo Inside Water...... 2 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 celebrates after double (714) 500-5445 business • (714) 500-5449 membership • (714) 960-2431 fax Turbo 5 Meters...... 4 USA WATER POLO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER gold at Champions Cup. 11360 Valley Forge Ave., Photo by Kristen Collat Los Alamitos, CA 90720 KRIKORIAN/UDOVICIC RE-SIGN Water Polo Times ...... 8 THROUGH WEB SITE 2020 p. 20 www.usawaterpolo.org A Day in the Life...... 26 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Christopher Ramsey CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Water Polo Scene...... 27 Marty Samuels CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jim Callahan From the Deck...... 28 CHIEF MEMBERSHIP & ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Stephanie London Krogius CHIEF HIGH PERFORMANCE OFFICER Lob Shots...... 33 John Abdou DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Greg Mescall Hot Shots...... 36 DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Christy Medigovich DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Scott Aubin ReCaps DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Joni Walbring HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGER 2016 Golf Tournament. . . 14 Anne Laurence MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER pg10 ReCaps Kayla Heath FINA Youth FINANCE MANAGER World Championsip . . . . 17 Fay Hu Rock-tober 2016 TEXAS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Joe Linehan Three squads claim gold in Arizona TRAVEL MANAGER Samantha Schuring Also In This Issue MARKETING COORDINATOR Annalece Montgomery DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR National Team Yiyon Lee HIGH PERFORMANCE COORDINATOR Coaches ...... 20 Kathryn Manderino VIDEO PRODUCER Sherie Key Expanding College EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO Mai Lam Programs...... 22 RECEPTIONIST Bryson Walker BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Graff (Chairman), Rudy Baldoni, Look Ahead... Richard Esterkin, Houston Hall, Ray Kennedy, Kay Krill, Jeremy Laster, Sheldon Pang, Walt Price, Alfonso Pulido, Steve Rodosky, Bill Smith, , Robert Sternfels, Next Issue Peter Varellas, > National League Year 3 EDITOR Greg Mescall CONTRIBUTORS Jim Cullingham, Kelley Casey, Kelley L. Cox, Angela Kraus, Paul Ciaravino, Jonathan Moore, Matt Szabo, Michael Randazzo, Dave Williamson, Naresh Rao, Brian Alexander, Chris Ramsey PRINTING pg16 ReCaps Quad Graphics, 555 South 108th Street, West Allis, WI 53214 CREATIVE > 2017 Junior Olympics Preview Adrenalin, Inc., 54 West 11th Ave., Denver, CO 80204 303-454-8888 • goadrenalin.com Dare To Dream Second edition proves to be as fun as the first USA Water Polo Skip Shot Magazine (ISSN# 15507580) is published four times per year by United States Water Polo, Inc., located at 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Periodicals postage is paid at Huntington Beach, CA 92648 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Skip Shot Magazine, United States Water usawaterpolo.org 1 Polo, Inc., 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 INSIDE WATER letter from the CEO, Christopher Ramsey USA WATER POLO Water polo is growing in California and expanding even faster in other regions of the country. New data from der—increased more than 9 percent in 2016 YOY, State University brought back men’s water polo USA Water Polo from 15,388 to 16,819, suggesting that increased after decades without a team while La Salle Uni- (USAWP) and the youth water polo play will fuel further high school versity in Philadelphia and McKendree University National Federation growth in the years ahead. outside of St. Louis added both men’s and women’s of High School As programs. Wagner College in New York added a - The trend in water polo is counter to a larger na- men’s water polo squad—joining an existing wom sociations (NFHS) tionwide crisis of physical inactivity, according - shared a strong positive trend line. NFHS re - to Forbes magazine. In 2014, inactivity among en’s team—and started play last fall. Saint Francis ported that women’s high school water polo grew children approached 20 percent and—in 2015— University in Loretto, Pennsylvania and California 7.9 percent while men’s water polo increased 5.5 increased to 37.1 percent, according to the Sports State University, Fresno both recently added wom- percent during the five years from 2011/12 to & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The SFIA en’s water polo programs that will compete for the 2015/16. During this period, mainstream high estimates that 81.6 million people were inactive first time in 2017 and 2018 respectively. school sports such as football, soccer, wrestling, in 2015, contributing to a sedentary culture and While the profile of USA Water Polo on the Olym- field hockey, volleyball, and basketball registered nationwide obesity trend. The SIFA posits that pic and International level reached new highs declines in varsity participation. the rush for kids to specialize in a specific sport at in 2016 with the women winning their second The NFHS data is mirrored by membership trends younger and younger ages has alienated a section consecutive Olympic Gold medal, preparations here at USAWP. In the last five years, nationwide of the youth population, with some experts esti- for the Tokyo Games in 2020 have already begun. membership jumped 25 percent—from 35,750 mating that 70 percent of young people quit youth The USA Women look to repeat as FINA World in 2011 to 44,773 in 2016. In the last eight years, sports by age 13. Champions this summer in Budapest, and the membership rose nearly 67 percent, from 26,873 USA Men aim for their first-ever medal at a World Texas is another example of where the University in 2008 to the current number, which is an all- Championship tournament after winning their Interscholastic League (UIL) will consider state- time high. first major FINA medal in eight years last summer. wide varsity status for water polo in the fall of 2017. The women’s and men’s programs are bolstered by Water polo as a club sport is surging in states like The move could create hundreds of new water polo the return of Head Coaches and Utah, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, and Oregon. Its programs across the Lone Star State, which also is Dejan Udovicic, both of whom recently signed club status means these states aren’t reflected in recognized as a swimming powerhouse. the aforementioned NFHS numbers. According new four-year contracts through the quadrennial. to USAWP records, high school-aged federation Growth hasn’t been limited to the high school and club ranks, either. So get your swagger on! membership (15-18) jumped from some 17,000 Water polo is the place to be. participants in 2012 to 19,099 in 2016, an increase According to the NCAA, varsity water polo par- of more than 12 percent. ticipation has remained essentially stable during the past five years, including 104 varsity men’s The fastest growing water polo region in America and women’s programs nationwide. The number is the Midwest, which jumped 42 percent year over of varsity water polo programs is projected to year (YOY) to 1,960 members. USAWP member increase in the next two years. Recently San Jose Chris players not yet of high school age—13 and un- Stay current with USA Water Polo by visiting USAWaterPolo.org or joining our social media community!

www.facebook.com/usawp www.youtube.com/usawp www.twitter.com/usawp snapchat www.instragram.com/usawp Follow “USAWP”

If you have a comment or question concerning Skip Shot magazine, send in a letter to the editor. LETTERS TO You can write to Skip Shot Magazine: THE EDITOR c/o USA Water Polo, 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or 2 send an email to: [email protected] Stop by Sea Air Federal Credit Union’s booth for information about our exclusive package designed to support our student-aged savers and learn about our youth programs for great saving opportunities.

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USA WATER POLO WATER POLO Five Questions with... DAVE MILLER, Lindenwood University (MO) collegiate level, but the financial, family, and business commitments Men’s and Women’s Water Polo Head Coach prevented it. At first I told my family that the drive was too far from home…I was too old…I really didn’t think I wanted to work full time SKIPSHOT: The Lindenwood men just again, etc. In short, I made up excuses as to why I couldn’t apply for won their third straight collegiate the position. That’s when my wife and sons encouraged me to apply, as cup crown. What has made this they knew it was basically a bucket list job for me. So I applied—never program so successful? thinking I’d be hired. And now that I’m on staff I’m really happy my DAVE MILLER: The Lindenwood family pushed me. I’ve never been happier, and I’m doing what I always men’s water polo team is comprised want to do! The men’s and women’s team members are great, and the of players from several diverse Lindenwood University administration has supported me and the cultural groups from around the team. world who’ve worked extremely SS: What are the challenges in keeping a club team competitive year in hard to blend different playing and year out? styles and systems into a cohesive DM: team unit. Currently we have Recruiting. Identifying qualified potential players interested in the players from Croatia, Serbia, Spain, academic programs offered by LU. Fundraising and scheduling higher- South Africa, Central America, caliber games. California, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, SS: How has the water polo scene in Missouri developed over the last 10 Illinois, Georgia and Missouri years, and what can be done to continue growth? on our team. In the past we’ve had players from Brazil, Egypt, North DM: Unfortunately statewide water polo hasn’t been adopted by the Africa and South East Asia. Next season we have incoming freshmen high school athletic association. With a combination of schools that from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Hungry, Serbia, and don’t have facilities and a lack of qualified coaches, I really don’t see five American states. Our oldest player is 47, our youngest is 17—but that situation changing anytime soon. In St. Louis we have seen very all are committed and dedicated to common goals. Each student/ good growth in our high schools and with our development of youth athlete is expected to put his emphasis on the student first and athlete and high school aged USWP clubs and leagues. Several years ago a second. In season we train five days a week with water practices in few of the local high school coaches formed Missouri Water Polo as the mornings and afternoons. In addition we train with a strength a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the growth of high coach three days a week. In the off season our players are expected school and age-group water polo in the region. At that time there were to train minimally three afternoons a week—plus Sunday morning only two USWP clubs and maybe 16 high school programs in the St. scrimmages—and strength train three days per week. Lindenwood Louis area. There are now about 12 to 15 clubs and 24 high school University promotes and supports all of its many sports teams and programs. A decade ago the only all-deep pool in the area was the St. programs both financially and culturally. The university provides Peters RecPlex which was the site of the ‘94 Olympic Festival and many the tools, equipment, and facilities for all of our athletes, teams, and USWP Speedo Cup Championships. Today we have four all-deep pools coaches to be able to train and play at the highest levels. and two others to be completed this fall in the area. SS: You joined the staff in 2015. Why did you make this move? SS: You have a long history in water polo. What role have you enjoyed DM I had retired, but my hobby and passion for playing and coaching most and why? water polo has never changed. I love the game, and it’s been a part DM: Without a doubt my time as a player. The competition, lifelong of my life for over 50 years. I’ve made many friends from around the friendships, and fun. Having said that, for me the on-deck coaching is world and continue to make more every day. To keep involved when a very close second—the competition and desire to win is as strong as I retired from corporate life, I again started coaching a local high ever, and I really enjoy working with players. I can think of no greater school team that had lost its coach. It was very rewarding, and I looked honor than the responsibility and trust given to me by the university, forward to continuing when the Lindenwood position opened up. I’ve parents, and most of all the athletes to be their coach. coached at many levels in my career and always wanted to coach on the

FINDING THE FUNNY in Water Polo

Well, today is the day . It’s finally happened . I’m officially a it came off, it was because you got into a serious tussle with an opposing player. grumpy old man . Nowadays it’s popular to just loosely thread your cap strings through the ear holes. It Something caused me to shake my fist in the air like a senior citizen screaming, feels like players are losing their caps multiple times a game, every game. “You kids get off my lawn!” I figured that if water polo was going to make me feel old, So in a sport with a uniform consisting of TWO articles of clothing, you can’t it’d be from my body aching after playing a friendly game—or a clash of generational keep 50% of them from falling off. The other day I actually saw a player’s cap fall off sensibilities over a cliché like trash-talking or showboating. during the FIRST possession of the game. Aren’t you embarrassed when everybody But it was nothing like that. has to repeatedly wait for you to find your cap floating somewhere in the pool like a camouflaged jellyfish in the ocean? Please water polo players—stay OFF my lawn, It had to do with “gear.” It wasn’t a clever team T-shirt that could be misconstrued and more importantly, TIE your caps! as offensive that made me feel fossilized. (My favorite polo shirt ever said “Swimmers….with…well, you get the idea”). It wasn’t even a player sporting a Now excuse me as I go clip some coupons and wallow in shame for using the swimsuit that others may deem too skimpy. word “tussle.” It was the growing trend of water polo caps falling off repeatedly during games. There, I said it—now where do I pick up my AARP card? BACK IN MY DAY we used Dave Williamson, www.DaveWilliamsonComedy.com to snugly tie on our caps like knights fastening armor for battle—WITH A BOW. If Host of “Water Polo Dojo” podcast @WaterPoloDojo

4 WATER POLO My Music Did You Know?

MAGGIE STEFFENS, TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, STANFORD UNIVERSITY WATER POLO Gente de Zona “La Gozadera (feat . Marc Anthony)” —Anyone who knows me can tell you I need a little Latin flavor whenever I’m listening to music. Huge fan of both of these artists. Simply a feel-good song that makes me want to dance and be happy. And I love the Puerto Rico shout out, “Puerto Rico me lo regalo!” Andra Day “Rise Up” —The ultimate gives-you-chills song. Not only are the lyrics inspiring, but also Andra Day makes you just want to listen—although many times I attempt to belt this song out in the car. Maroon 5 “Sugar (Karboncopy Remix)” —I LOVE MAROON 5. Any and all of their tunes, especially from their album “Songs About Jane.” This song takes my favorite band and adds a fun dance element for a great pregame playlist addition. “Pitbull (feat . Akon) “Shut It Down” Did you know that with Dejan Udovicic and —Key word: Pitbull. Other than that fact, I love songs with lyrics that Adam Krikorian re-signing for another four years, the apply to the game...and before a game, I definitely want to feel like “I know how to fly, can’t nothing hold me down, I’m going to touch the sky.” 2020 will mark the first time that USA “Andy Grammer “Fresh Eyes” —I’m all about a good ol’ heartfelt sing-along, and Andy Grammer is Water Polo has the same head coaches for both the always there to provide me with one! I love all of his songs, but this has been on repeat in my car ever since it came out. men’s and women’s teams through two Olympics?

We have an important game coming up Did you hear that? Mighty confident Shieldy, read on the THE ADVENTURES OF against the Ocean Club, but if we play Shieldy says we are internet you think you'll crush Ocean our game and play smart, I think we gonna crush that other Club in the big game? can beat them! team, I'm gonna tweet that! What!?, I never said that. No, he said if we play our game he thinks we can win. WATER POLO

WATER POLO WATER POLO

Well you have your illustrated players tweeting that by Oh well, already sent. out and now Ocean paul ciaravino Club is fired up.

Well Joe or I should call you at WaterPoloBro14, Team, we fought hard out @WaterPoloBro14 - I hope you are happy, the other team thinks there but they are a good My coach Shieldy says we disrespected them. squad, we learned a valuable we are gonna crush lesson today. home away Shieldy, I didn't Ocean Club#NoDoubt think anyone would Sorry again guys, #OverBeforeItStarted retweeted 57 see it, it's just my didn't mean to favorited 104 Twitter account. 4 make a tough 8 10 game, harder. - Oh @OceanClubPolo Yes, Joe but it is the Internet, 4 8 really? We'll see about WATERso anyone POLO can see it, you'll sit 7 that #talkischeap out the first half. WATER POLO

It's ok Joe we forgive you, Unbelievable!, I need to talk with this kid. or should I say hashtag Sorry guys. apology accepted. Haha, Shieldy you're the best!

usawaterpolo.org 5 5 METERS Quick Shots from USA Water Polo

USA WATER POLO WATER POLO

Your thoughts on . .

Kodi Hill–UCLA Women’s Water Polo/USA Amy Schumer (comedienne/actress): Below Buffalo Wings: They’re good, but spicy. I could Women’s Senior National Team par. Way below. eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Spin Lob (water polo shot): I’ve Best Arcade Game & Why: Those games where best ones are the ones my dad makes on the never been very good at these, you ride the motorcycle. For obvious reasons. Green Egg. but I’m always very impressed Your Worst Haircut/Hairstyle Ever: When my when I see someone pull one off (especially in Emily Wickenheiser–St . Francis mom tried to braid my hair. I looked like I had a game!). University (PA) Women’s Water Polo a rat tail. My friends at summer camp know Buffalo Wings: I could probably eat them all Spin Lob (water polo shot): how to do it way better. day, every day, to be honest. Not the spicy kind, Definitely one of my favorite Amy Schumer (comedienne/actress): Who is though; I can’t hang when they’re spicy! shots. I also really enjoy watching goalies try to track them—and the Amy Schumer? Your Worst Haircut/Hairstyle Ever: Definitely confusion on their faces makes the shot so Best Arcade Game & Why: Pac-Man because when my older sister (Sami) decided to give me much better! you never know where the ghosts are going a haircut when she was 4 and I was 2. She cut next. I love to figure out the patterns you need multiple inches off and then hid my cut hair Buffalo Wings: My favorite. If I had to eat one to not get eaten. under my pillow, thinking our parents wouldn’t thing for the rest of my life, it would DEFI- NITELY be Buffalo wings! notice. I had to get a bowl cut up to my ears to Jarran Fountain–Spartan Water Polo “fix” it! Your Worst Haircut/Hairstyle Ever: When Club (East Lansing, MI) Amy Schumer (comedienne/actress): She I was little, my cousin and I thought it’d be a Spin Lob (water polo shot): cracks me up, but sometimes her stuff can get a good idea to cut my hair. Let’s just say I walked Lobs have never been a go-to little raunchy for my liking. around with uneven bangs for a very, very long shot for me, so I don’t know time. that mastering the spin lob would help me very Best Arcade Game & Why: I’d say air hockey Amy Schumer (comedienne/actress): My much. With that being said, I respect players for sure. I get a little more competitive playing skilled at it. it than I’d care to admit, but it’s always a good mom and I watch Train Wreck a lot, and she time! (Schumer) plays the part so well. Buffalo Wings: Buffalo wings are great—unless Best Arcade Game & Why: Pac-Man, of course. you’re me and don’t like a lot of spice. So I stick Felix Brozyna-Vilim–Harvard My dad and I used to play it on our TV for to barbecue. Westlake Water Polo/USA Men’s Youth National Team hours when I was younger. Your Worst Haircut/Hairstyle Ever: As Spin Lob (water polo shot): someone with a small, not-so-spherical head, Meg Peters–6th grade, Pegasus Water my worst haircut nightmare would be getting Risky shot and a hard one for Polo Club (Dallas, TX) my head shaved. Just think about it. righties, so I only pull it at 6 on Spin Lob (water polo shot): A 6-on-5 if I’m feeling myself. really cool shot I wish to master. Amy Schumer (comedienne/actress): I never Buffalo Wings: A little dirty for in-between I’m new to water polo but hope thought she was all that funny, but she makes games, but overall still dirty for my liking. I do to improve my skills. Water polo is really fun. way more money than me. mess with ribs on any day. I have always loved the water. My grandfather Best Arcade Game & Why: Skee-ball is one of calls me “water bug.” Your Worst Haircut/Hairstyle Ever: Bald with my favorite games. Once you get the rhythm, messed up teeth. it’s both a relaxing and enjoyable game.

TWITTY BANTER - @KGilchrist15 - Best year ever? Game 7s, Cubs,

The latest in the Cavs, SC , Olympics, BCS. Year of the s. Serena, world of Twitter from USA Water Lebron, MP & now Tom Brady + 1st OT Super Bowl. #SPORTS Polo Athletes. Alex Roelse - @AlexRoelse - Glad to have two of the best water polo coaches sign on for another olympics! @USAWP Be sure to follow @WaterPoloCoachK @WPcoachU them and follow Alex Bowen - @AmazingBrick - Big win today against bvsc 10-6. This puts us in a great place for the second part of the Hungarian season! us @USAWP.

6

WATER POLO TIMES News Briefs USA WATER POLO

Doc Hunkler Southeast Nicholas Gaffey Named Distinguished Coaching Award Southern Pacific Peter Sophabmixay Central California Douglas Wright Southwest Zone Kristen Barnett Coastal California Jason Rosenthal- Aaron Chaney Women’s Sports Foundation Agoura Distinguished Referee Award Midwest Doug Eichstaedt Central California Zachary Weaver Sports Woman of The Mountain Michael Goldhardt Coastal California Jenna Phreaner Northeast Alicia Keating Midwest Nicole Lum Year, Receives ESPNW & Pacific Frances Usedom Mountain David Robins Pacific Southwest Jaclyn Puccino Northeast Jesus Mejia Southeast Alexander Donis Pacific Katelynn Thompson Swimming World Honors Southern Pacific Steve Carrera Pacific Northwest After winning the biggest team award Southwest Jeff Chandler & Hawaii Chris Calvert of the year, claiming Gold at the 2016 Ted Newland Pacific Southwest Gerardo Arellano Olympic Games, goalkeeper Ashleigh Distinguished Coaching Award Southeast Stuart Sheldon Johnson has racked up many individual Central California Zachary Koerner Southern Pacific Mark Williamson Coastal California Ian Davidson Southwest Leonardo Aguilu awards. On Oct. 19 in New York City, Midwest Beto Garcia Barbara Kalbus Johnson made history when she became Mountain Chris Magee Distinguished Volunteer Award the first water polo player to earn the Northeast Ulmis Iordache Central California Christian Taylor Women’s Sports Foundation Sports Pacific Marshall Dortch Coastal California Janet Galgani Woman of the Year honors in the Pacific Northwest Midwest Luisa Cerda & Hawaii Dave Schiffner team category. The award is bestowed Mountain Jesse Kochel Pacific Southwest Charlie Equels Pacific Chris McCracken upon athletes who have distinguished Southeast Randall Walters Pacific Northwest themselves from the field through their Southern Pacific Justin Kroeze & Hawaii Sue Nishioka Ashleigh Johnson is the first wa- Southwest Justin Prejean supreme athletic performances over a ter polo player to win Women’s Pacific Southwest Gary Hull 12-month period. Finalists were voted Sports Foundation Sports Brent Bohlender Southeast Scott Ennis Distinguished Coaching Award Southern Pacific Mary Cain on by the public in September at Sports- Woman of the Year honors. Central California Kristie Dunham Southwest Chris Cullen womanoftheYear.com. Johnson was joined at the event by fellow water Coastal California Connor Levoff Bryan Weaver Distinguished Male polo greats Brenda Villa and alongside USA Women’s Midwest Paul Splitt Masters Athlete of the Year Award Head Coach Adam Krikorian. Mountain Samantha Nestman Midwest Steve Coupland Northeast Leslie Entwistle Mountain Joe Bejarano Also in 2016 Johnson was named an ESPNW #IMPACT25 selection, Pacific Todd Halvorson Northeast Mike Hoffman joining 24 other women across sports, business, and politics for outstand- Pacific Northwest Pacific Zachary Monsees ing achievements in 2016. She was also named a finalist for #IMPACT25 & Hawaii Farrah Kunkel Pacific Southwest John Vasek Pacific Southwest Ian McKercher Southeast Paul Becskehazy Woman of the Year. In addition, Johnson was named Swimming World Southeast Monica Szalma Magazine’s top female water polo player for the third-straight year. Southern Pacific Wes Kading Southern Pacific Jessy Cardey Southwest Arseni Grokhovski Southwest Christopher Cullen Bryan Weaver Distinguished Female Bret Bernard Masters Athlete of the Year Award Distinguished Referee Award Central California Kandace Waldthaler USA Water Polo Announces Central California Darren Spiritosanto Midwest Heather Cotton Coastal California Levon Dermendjian Mountain Vaune Kadlubek 2016 Zone Award Winners Mountain Joseph Peila Northeast Sarah Fitch Northeast Alex Stankevitch Pacific Joanna Wilk USA Water Polo is proud to announce the 2016 Zone Award Win- Pacific Andrew Selder Pacific Northwest ners. The winners, representing zones from all across the country, are Pacific Northwest & Hawaii Shari Smart represented by contributions in a variety of areas, including coaching, & Hawaii Eugene Gill Pacific Southwest Sandra Dielman Pacific Southwest Robert Tilburg officiating, volunteering, masters water polo, and more. From these zone Southeast Debbie Cavanaugh Southeast Humberto Navarro Southern Pacific Kathryn Manderino award winners will come the USA Water Polo National Award winners. Southern Pacific Haz Ortega Southwest Zone Kristen Barnett Southwest Scott Voltz The National Award winners will be announced later this year. Con- Masters Club of the Year gratulations to all of our award winners! Tom Hermstad Central California Central Valley Zone Recipient Pacific Southwest Carin Crawford Distinguished Referee Award Midwest Clayton Water Polo Southeast Stephanie Johnson- Monte Nitzkowski Central California Ross Spiritosanto Northeast Washington Wetskins Possell Distinguished Coaching Award Coastal California Chris Jimenez Pacific East Bay Water Polo Southern Pacific Andrew Rowe Midwest Derek Zokoe Central California Drew Clute Southeast Miami Riptides Southwest Becca Andrews Mountain Amber Drury Coastal California Alexander Rodriguez Southern Pacific LA Athletic Club Northeast James Wolff Midwest Dave Miller Bill Barnett Southwest HOPS Pacific Trevor Stumm Northeast Ted Minnis Distinguished Coaching Award *Note: Some zones did not select winners for certain awards Pacific Southwest Taelor Moreno Pacific John Vargas Central California Rick Nordell Pacific Southwest Matthew Ustaszewski Coastal California John Kocur Southeast Carroll Vaughan Midwest Paul Baudendistel Southern Pacific Scott Taylor Mountain Kevin Ohlson Southwest Joe Linehan Northeast Mark Lawrence Anaheim, California Named Pacific Jack Bowen Sandy Nitta Pacific Northwest Distinguished Coaching Award & Hawaii Denny Piccolotto Official Travel Destination Central California Jamey Wright Pacific Southwest David Spence Coastal California Brian Roth Southeast Michael Goldenberg for USA Water Polo Mountain Todd Clapper Southern Pacific Steve Carrera Sports Anaheim, a division of Visit Anaheim, the Destination Marketing Northeast Chris Vidale Southwest Mihai Oprea Pacific Sean Nolan Organization (DMO) for Anaheim and Garden Grove, announced signed

8 News Briefs WATER POLO TIMES partnership agreements with USA Water Polo, USA Volleyball, and USA East Menlo Park, Villa paired high school coaching with Project 2020 Badminton. The signed agreements bring Sports Anaheim closer to its efforts, hoping to mirror the offerings she received as a youth when sports mission of strengthening and promoting local sports culture by attracting were available regardless of financial status. diverse sporting events to Anaheim and Orange County. As of late Villa added an additional focus on the promotion of female “Anaheim offers such a distinct experience to visiting sports fans, and as athletics overall, joining the athlete advisory board of the Women’s Sports our official travel destination, will add so much to our fans time in Orange Foundation. She also is a member of the U.A.N.A. executive committee, County,” said Marty Samuels, COO, USA Water Polo. “We’re really where she’s liaison for water polo in the Americas. excited to be partnering with the team at Sports Anaheim and the city as A sharp shooting left-handed attacker on two U.S. Olympic Men’s Water we start gearing up for the upcoming Junior Olympics in 2017 and 2019.” Polo Teams (2008 and 2012), Peter Varellas was a catalyst in helping Team USA back to the podium for the first time in 20 years with a Silver medal effort at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. As an undergraduate Brenda Villa, Peter Varellas, at Stanford University, Varellas helped the Cardinal to an NCAA Champi- onship before beginning his international playing career with Rari Nantes and Walt Price Added to Savona in Italy. After his time representing the USA, Peter returned to the USA Water Polo Board of Stanford Graduate School of Business to earn his MBA. Away from the pool Varellas entered the professional world and presently Directors serves as a Case Team Leader in San Francisco for Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm. He remains active in the game, USA Water Polo Board Chairman Michael Graff participating in Open and Masters level water polo as a member of the has announced the addition of three new members Olympic Club. to the National Governing Body’s Board of Direc- tors. Four-time Olympic medalist and 2012 Olympic As a Certified Financial Advisor, Walt Price, Jr., has built a long career Champion Brenda Villa, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist successfully managing a variety of funds for a host of clients over the last Peter Varellas, and veteran financial analyst Walt Price Brenda Villa 40-plus years. He serves as managing director, senior analyst and senior bring pivotal experience to the board both in and out portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC. Prior to his time of the water polo pool. Villa and Varellas will serve as with Allianz, Price served key roles at RCM Capital Management LLC athlete representatives while Price assumes the role of and Colonial Management. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of director. Technology, Price holds an MS and a BS in management from the Sloan School at M.I.T. He also earned a BS with honors in electrical engineering “We are very pleased to welcome three new board from M.I.T. No stranger to the athletic arena, Price was a three-time letter members to the USA Water Polo board,” Graff said. winner on the wrestling team and captain of the 1969-70 team. “Brenda and Peter are not only very accomplished Peter Varellas Olympians, but have also gained valuable business Price is an active supporter of water polo and the Olympic movement. He experience since their retirement from competition. was introduced to the game through his daughter Olivia who plays for Walt Price has been a major supporter of our programs, the Diablo Water Polo Club of northern California. She will compete for and brings valuable business and financial expertise to the Harvard University Water Polo Team starting in the Spring of 2018. the Board.” Price’s son, Cameron, attends Cal State University, East Bay. Price and his wife Virginia reside in Lafayette, California. Villa and Varellas join current board member Jessica Steffens as Athlete Advisory Council (AAC) selections Walt Price voted to the board by their fellow athlete peers. Considered one of the greatest women’s water polo players of all-time, Adam Krikorian to Receive Brenda Villa led Team USA to medals in four Olympic games, culmi- nating with Gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. A longtime First-Ever Olympic Honor captain of Team USA, Villa helped bridge the gap from the pioneer era of women’s water polo prior to its inclusion in the Olympic Games to the from LA Sports Council present-day success that has seen consecutive Olympic titles. The Los Angeles Sports Council has named U.S. Olympic women’s water Hailing from the largely Hispanic community of Commerce, CA, Villa polo coach Adam Krikorian as its first-ever recipient of the “Extraor- played high school water polo with the boys before girl’s water polo was dinary Achievement in Olympic Sport” Award. Krikorian was honored widely available and became the first student from her high school (Bell during the 12th annual LA Sports Awards on February 27 at the Beverly Gardens) to attend Stanford University. An NCAA Champion while at Hilton Hotel. Stanford, there isn’t an area of water polo where Villa hasn’t succeeded. As head coach of the women’s national team during last summer’s Rio Named FINA’s Player of the Decade at the end of the 2000s, Villa also Games, for the second straight Olympics Krikorian coached Team USA to was recognized as the Pac-12 Conference Women’s Water Polo Player of an undefeated record and the Gold medal. the Century in 2016. For his team’s dominating performance, he was named the USOC’s Coach Since her retirement from International water polo following the 2012 of the Games for 2016. Olympic Games, Villa has pursued another passion: giving back. At the Krikorian, who resides in Manhattan Beach, CA, is a former water polo helm of Project 2020, a nonprofit organization committed to providing player and coach at UCLA. He was inducted last year into the school’s aquatic opportunities for those in underprivileged communities, Villa has Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of the 15 national championships helped pave a road for the next generation’s involvement in water polo. won by his teams at UCLA: 11 as a head coach, three as an assistant Working within the northern California community of East Palo Alto and coach, and one as a player.

usawaterpolo.org 9 ReCaps USA WATER POLO SAN DIEGO SHORES ROLLS TO TITLE

The 2016 Rock-tober PCA 12 & Under Classic came to a close October 23 AT ROCK-TOBER at the Kino Aquatics Center with champions crowned in the Rock, Roll, and Rhythm Divisions. San Diego Shores won the overall championship, earning first place in the Rock Division after defeating Vanguard 8-7. Costa Mesa downed Huntington Beach 9-5 to claim the Roll Division, and Santa Barbara 805 B claimed the Rhythm Division after a 13-5 victory over Colorado. A major focus of this event is on sportsmanship and positive play. With that in mind, a member of each club is honored with the Sportsman- ship Award for positive impact on the event. See below for a list of all Sportsmanship Award recipients. Congrats to all. all photos by Jason Wise Photography

FINAL STANDINGS 1 . SAN DIEGO SHORES (ROCK CHAMPION) 14 . BRUIN 2 . VANGUARD 15 . OCWPC 3 . ORWP 16 . SOCAL GIRLS BLACK 4 . COMMERCE 17 . SB 805 B (RHYTHM CHAMPION) 5 . GREENWICH 18 . COLORADO 6 . SB 805 A 19 . TEAM VEGAS 7 . NEWPORT WP INC 20 . SCOTS Rock Division 1st–San Diego Shores 8 . PV WATER POLO 21 . ROSE BOWL RED (A) 9 . COSTA MESA (ROLL CHAMPION) 22 . PRIDE 10 . HUNTINGTON BEACH 23 . IRVINE KAHUNA 11 . RIVERSIDE 24 . OCWPC B 12 . OFFSHORE 25 . MESA WP ACADEMY 13 . FOOTHILL 26 . ROSE BOWL BLACK (B) SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS Bruin—Christopher Wazzan ORWP—Hayk Atanasyan Colorado WP—Peter Weinstein A P V. . Water Polo—James O’Dea Rock Division 2nd–Vanguard Commerce—Allan Jimenez Pride WP Academy—Grace Kim Costa Mesa—Gavin Fisher Riverside WP—Milo Ribaudo Foothill—Tyler Murray Rose Bowl A—Jason Alietti Greenwich—Patrick Mullen Rose Bowl B—Hayden Hedstrom Huntington Beach—Jasmine Lopez SB 805 A—Kai Edick Irvine Kahuna—Joshua Ramos SB 805 B—Annika Kuhm Mesa Water Polo—Ethan Doest Scots Water Polo—Max Zelikov Newport Beach Inc —Nick. Kennedy San Diego Shores—Alex Goldman OCWPC A—Joshua Mann SOCAL Girls Black—Sydney Maccabe OCWPC B—Abigayle Dapena Team Vegas—Abbi Magee Offshore—Celina Moreno Vanguard—Nathan Banos Rock Division 3rd–ORWP

10 ReCaps

One athlete from each club was selected to receive the Rock-tober PCA 12 & Under Classic Sportsmanship Award. A major focus of the Rock-tober tournament is on positive play and sportsmanship.

Roll Division 1st–Costa Mesa Rhythm Division 1st–SB 805 B

Roll Division 2nd–Huntington Beach Rhythm Division 2nd–Colorado

Roll Division 3rd–Riverside Rhythm Division 3rd–Team Vegas

usawaterpolo.org 11 ReCaps USA WATER POLO ALL ROSE BOWL, ALL THE TIME AT FINAL STANDINGS 2016 CHAMPIONS CUP Boys Girls The 2016 Champions Cup concluded November 13 in Hawaii where a team from Pasadena, CA, stole the show as the Rose Bowl Water 1 . ROSE BOWL 1 . ROSE BOWL Polo Club claimed Gold in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions. Twelve 2 . CC UNITED 2 . SOCAL teams took part in the boys’ division of the 14U National Champion- 3 . SOCAL 3 . SAN DIEGO SHORES ship with Rose Bowl taking first followed by CC United in second and 4 . SET 4 . COMMERCE 5 . 680 5 . 680 SOCAL in third. On the girls’ side, nine teams competed with Rose 6 . STANFORD 6 . DIABLO Bowl taking first place, followed by SOCAL in second and San Diego 7 . LAMORINDA 7 . STANFORD Shores in third. 8 . HAWAII MAKAI A 8 . HAWAII RAINBOWS A Prior to the start of first and third-place games, the Jody Campbell and Maureen O’Toole 9 . LA PREMIER 9 . HAWAII ANUENUE B Sportsmanship Awards were presented to athletes from each team competing at the 10 . SAN DIEGO SHORES Champions Cup. Campbell and O’Toole have a storied history within USA Water Polo: Campbell helped the USA Men’s Olympic Water Polo Team to consecutive Silver medals at the 11 . COMMERCE 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games while O’Toole was a key member of the USA Women’s Olympic 12 . HAWAII MAUKA B Water Polo Team that won Silver at the 2000 Olympic Games—the first to offer women’s water polo. Congratulations to all the athletes selected.

all photos by Kristen Collat

Olympians Maureen O’Toole and Jody Campbell presented athletes with the Champions Cup Sportsmanship Award.

12 ReCaps

Boys Gold—Rose Bowl Girls Gold—Rose Bowl

Boys Silver—CC United Girls Silver—SOCAL

Boys Bronze—SOCAL Girls Bronze—San Diego Shores Jody Campbell Sportsmanship Maureen O’Toole Sportsmanship Award Recipients Award Recipients 680—West Temkin 680—Anika Harding CC UNITED—CJ Indart COMMERCE—Alexys Puche COMMERCE—Robert Cooper DIABLO—Claire Rowell HAWAII MAKAI A—Noah Peters HAWAII RAINBOWS A—Shaye Story HAWAII MAUKA B—Kakai Delmendo HAWAII ANUENUE B—Fiona Bessinger LA PREMIER—Edward Shanakian ROSE BOWL—Katherine Thompson LAMORINDA—Christopher Bruen SAN DIEGO SHORES—Alana McCartney ROSE BOWL—Maven Palacios SOCAL—Jade Strickland SAN DIEGO SHORES—Henry Williams STANFORD—Ilyana Zlobinsky SET—Anthony “Speedy” Laster SOCAL—Jakob Tallman

STANFORD—Isaac Rotenberg usawaterpolo.org 13 ReCaps USA WATER POLO 2016 USA WATER POLO GOLF TOURNAMENTS ABOVE PAR A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO ONCE AGAIN ATTENDED AND SUPPORTED THESE EVENTS Southern California Golf Tournament - October 7 - Mission Viejo, CA Top Finishers Tee Flag/Sign Sponsors Speedy Enterprises Billabong Men The Berggren Family Tammy Dickerson BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 1st—47 (Rowe, Ungar, Rach, Cox) Blue Diamond Growers Terrence Lynch BLK Earth Sea Spirits 2nd—53 (Ehrhardt, Goleman, Farmers & Merchants of Long Beach The Daube Family Blue Water Grill Dottl, Harris) Foothill Water Polo Club The Froomer Family Bob Smith Toyota Scion 3rd—53 (Baldoni, Hogberg, Graphic Visions The Law Offices of Bootlegger’s Brewery Howell, Baldoni) Padaro Beach Grill Jeffrey G Jacobs, PC Brookside Golf Course Mixed/Women Pride Water Polo The Reid Family Casta del Sol Golf Course 1st—53 (Hallock, Knipp, Seacliff Partners The Tingler Family Chris Travisano Knipp, Maloney) Sugar Foods The Zylstra Family 2nd—58 (Newman, Bruce, Trade Show Images Ana Sanchez Cucina Alessa Schue, Newman) Windes, Inc. Aolibama Villutor Dick’s Sporting Goods Closest-to-the-pin Fund a Need: Training and Dorothy Forbes Di Siena Family Men—Brian Parker Recovery Equipment Edward Rodriguez Chiropractic & Nutrition Women—No winner The Rodosky Family Jeff Yagher Domenico’s Laura Bar Duke’s Longest Drive The Renezeder Family Lynn Pomeroy FivePoint Communities Men—Brian Mericle Stephanie Krogius Pete Guevara Gayle Shanks Women—Gwynne Sharpe Mary Beth and Emery Molnar Marty and Jackie Loughlin Richard Hinz Goat Hill Park Golf Course Straightest Jeff Ehrhardt Golf Tournament Committee Heliane Steden & Scott Jacobson, Men—Ron Travisano Chris and Lynne Ramsey Anne Laurence USC Athletic Department Women—no winner The Cwiertnia Family Chris Travisano House of Blues San Diego Sponsors The Stapelberg Family Jackie & Marty Loughlin Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Presenting Dean Quintal Kris Raney Resort & Spa Sea Air Federal Credit Union Jeffrey Dottl Lia Kieckhafer Jim Cullingham Gold Julie Swail Nina Gustason John Abdou The Kennedy Family Adam Krikorian Shirlene Watson Kaenon Bronze Claudia Dodson Yiyon Lee Kap7 International RPS Bollinger Sports & Leisure Christy Sicard Stephanie Krogius Klean Athlete Karin Krogius Donors In-Kind Contributors Knollwood Country Club La Canada Flintridge Country Club Underwriters Elliot & Braidie Weber Absolution Brewing Company La Mirada Theatre for Hole in One—The Gruwell Family Jane Arden Felix American Eagle Outfitters the Performing Arts Golf Carts—The Kieckhafer Family John & Karen Murphy Anaheim White House Ladera Ranch Family & Sports Bag Tags—The Raisin Family Leggett Commercial Angels Baseball Chiropractic Breakfast—Riverside Sports Mike Durrett Anheuser-Busch Ladyface Ale Companie Commission Michelle Sawyer Anonymous Lavender Oak Vineyard & Winery, Golf Awards—The Outcalt Family Paul & Nancy Thompson Aquarium of the Pacific Robert & Bobbi Di Benedetto Autry Museum of the American West Dean & Christi Heck

14 ReCaps

Lazy Dog Miracle Springs Resort & Spa SBR Sport Tiger Tail Linda Williams Mission Trails Golf Course Six Flags Magic Mountain Tito’s Handmade Vodka Los Angeles Dodgers Monarch Beach Golf Links Sky Dive Santa Barbara Total Wine Los Angeles Lakers Newport Rib Company SoulCycle Trader Joe’s Malibu C O’Neill Clothing Stephanie Krogius TYR Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Overstreet LLC Stonefire Grill USA Water Polo Manhattan Stitching Ralphs STRING Tennis Shop Viceroy Santa Monica, CAST Mary Grace Cancassi River View Golf Course Tecolote Canyon Golf Course Restaurant Medieval Times RockTape The Laugh Factory Hollywood Vista Valencia Golf Course Michael Pardon San Diego Chargers The MarketPlace Grill Café WaterMarque Michael Schulman & Sandy’s Beach Grill The Pack/Curtis Families Willowick Golf Course The Ducks Foundation Santa Ana Zoo The Stapelberg Family YogaWorks The Steffens Family Northern California Golf Tournament - November 14 - Orinda, CA Top Finishers Underwriters Elliot & Braidie Weber VJB Cellars Men Bag Tags—The Liebowitz Family Elpidio & Lilia Yalong Matt Tunney 1st—45 (Mark Maxson, Bill Wong, Hole in One—Dirito Brothers Jeffrey & Mykell Discipulo Malibu C Randy Soso, Alan Metheny) Volkswagen Jeffrey White Kaenon 2nd—49 (Timothy Roemer, Lunch—The Holland Family John H. Murphy TYR Paul Elmore, Leo Ratner, Breakfast—Soda Moms John Montgomery WaterMarque Kyle Fillipelli) Awards—Elliot & Braidie Weber Kenneth Tarkoff Klean Athlete 3rd—54 (Adam Krikorian, Tee Flag/Sign Sponsors Michael Rehak & Maria Mueller Tito’s Handmade Vodka Gary Krikorian, Anonymous Tom & Staci Walsh Aprilanne Hurley Corbin Graham, Jay Vinson) Bay Alarm Zenaida Belisario The Angel Island Company Women/Mixed Canyon Swim In-Kind Contributors Trader Joe’s 1st—58 (Danny May, Jim Hassett, Eldads Water Polo Anchor Brewing Marie Borofsky Brook Rogers, Mike Pelley) Keiretsu Forum The Olympic Club Chris Travisano 2nd—61 (Phil Cutino, John Schnugg, Lamorinda Polo Harris’ Restaurant Golf Tournament Committee Joe Smith, Anna Cutino) Linda Friedman Hotel del Coronado Bill Brown Closest-to-the-pin Signature Homes Tom Fellner Fred Brown Men—Tom Molloy SpokenCloth The Spinnaker Barbara Singh Women—Donna Davis The Berggren Family Barbara Singh Erin Benisek Longest Drive Trusalus—Jeffrey & Erinn Johnson Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Peter Clark Men—Kyle Filippelli Village Associates Lora Jachimowicz Anne Laurence Women—Kristen Felix Donors Claremont Club & Spa Toni Liebowtiz Sacramento Kings Monica Laurlund Straightest Drive Alicia Navarro Fairmont SF, Tonga Room Stephanie Krogius Men—John Scott Senz Corazon Tomalinas Boundary Oak Golf Course Yiyon Lee Women—Anna Cutino Craig & Laura Klass Cynthia Hill Dan & Meredith Rosenthal Sponsors Fabio & Robin Marino Chappellet Vineyard Title—Diablo Alliance Domingo & Marlyne Bayani John Abdou Water Polo Club Dwayne Hauschild Trusalus—Jeffrey & Erinn Johnson all photos by Mai Lam Bronze—Byrne Family

usawaterpolo.org 15 ReCaps USA WATER POLO SOCAL’S DREAMS REALIZED WITH GOLD AT DARE TO DREAM The 2017 Dare to Dream 10 & Under Festival concluded on January 16 at the William Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, CA, with SOCAL Water Polo Foundation taking home first place honors after edging Laguna Beach A 5-4 in the title game. For third place, Newport Beach A defeated Vanguard 10-2. Bruin came in fifth place after defeating -Hun 13th place Costa Mesa Aquatics got past Irvine positive sportsmanship, teamwork, and having tington Beach 13-7 while Pride WP Academy Kahuna 17-7 with Trojan WP A topping SET fun. USA Water Polo CEO Chris Ramsey was was two goals better than San Jose Express 8-6 9-4 for 15th place. In 17th place Newport Beach joined by Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Lynn Schott to for seventh place. In ninth place Commerce B downed Valley Falcons 16-6. meet many of the competing athletes and hand downed Foothill 11-8, and Trojan WP B moved out medals to the winning squads. While final results were tabulated and a cham- past Laguna Beach B 13-5 for 11th place. In pion crowned, the focus of this event was on all photos by Jared Gray 1st place — SOCAL

2nd place — LAGUNA BEACH A

1 . SOCAL 10 . FOOTHILL 2 . LAGUNA BEACH A 11 . TROJAN WP B 3 . NEWPORT BEACH A 12 . LAGUNA BEACH B 4 . VANGUARD 13 . COSTA MESA AQ 5 . BRUIN 14 . IRVINE KAHUNA 6 . HUNTINGTON BEACH 15 . TROJAN WP A 7 . PRIDE 16 . SET 8 . SAN JOSE EXPRESS 17 . NEWPORT BEACH B 9 . COMMERCE 18 . VALLEY FALCONS 3rd place — NEWPORT BEACH A

16 ReCaps

TheUSA USA Youth WOMEN Women’s National Team LAND took fifth place IN at the FIFTHFINA After Team AT USA andYOUTH Greece finished tied WORLDS 10-10 earlier in the tourna- Youth World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand following an ment, their rematch also proved to be close. Greece took a 4-3 lead after 11-10 win over Greece on the final day of play. Paige Hauschild (Santa the first quarter and a 7-6 lead at halftime. Team USA rallied in the Barbara 805/Coastal) powered the offense with seven goals while third quarter to even the match at 9-9 after three periods. In the final Heidi Ritner (CDM Aquatics/SOPAC) recorded nine saves in net. quarter the Americans outscored Greece 2-1 to take the match 11-10. Team USA finished action in New Zealand with just one loss, turning Team USA went 2/7 on power plays while Greece was 5/7 with neither in a 5-1-1 record with wins over Japan, Germany, Greece—and twice side attempting a penalty shot. (SET/SOPAC) was named against China. to the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of play. 2016 FINA Youth World Championship Roster (USAWP Club/USAWP Zone) Valerie Ayala - Attacker (SOCAL Water Polo Foundation/Southern Pacific) Aria Fischer - Center (SET/Southern Pacific) Paige Hauschild - Attacker (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal California) Abrielle Hill - Center (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal California) Madeline Johnston - Center Defender (680 Water Polo/Pacific) Sarah Klass - Attacker (680 Water Polo/Pacific) Alexis Liebowitz - Utility (680 Water Polo/Pacific) Ryann Neushul - Utility (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal California) Heidi Ritner - Goalie (CDM Aquatics/Southern Pacific) Jewel Roemer - Attacker (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal California) Thea Walsh - Goalie (SET/Southern Pacific) Bayley Weber - Center Defender (SET/Southern Pacific) Team USA went 5-1-1 at the FINA Youth World Championship this past December.

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USA Water Polo announced this past January that it has signed Adam Krikorian (Women’s National Team) and Dejan Udovicic (Men’s National Team) to new four-year contracts through the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The move insures that for the first time USA Water Polo will have the same two head coaches through two consecu- tive Olympic Games quadrennials. The signings reinforce the National Governing Body’s commitment to excellence at all levels of play. Terms of the contracts were not support their efforts over the next four years.”“I have to thank USA Water Polo, Chris disclosed. Ramsey and our Board of Directors for their continued support and belief in our plan for long-term success with the USA Water Polo Men’s National Team,” said Udovicic. “We are delighted that both of our Olympic coaches have chosen to return to the “We accomplished a lot in the last four years, but there is still a great deal of work to arena for another quad,” said Christopher Ramsey, USA Water Polo chief executive be done. I’m excited for the challenge and look forward to guiding this team through officer. “Strong organizations are built on stable leadership. The continuity that Adam the next four years and to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo!” and Dejan bring to our Olympic program, along with their extraordinary coaching gifts, will absolutely strengthen our high-performance foundation. Adam’s achievements “The post-Olympic process can be difficult to sort through on a personal level. The have set a new standard of excellence in women’s water polo. Dejan took over a emotion, or lack thereof, is hard to understand and the grander purpose takes time to program in need of a rebuild and has been up to the challenge, transforming the team fully grasp,” said Krikorian. “Although this time that struggle seemed a bit larger, I am and roster in a short period of time. Adam’s and Dejan’s commitment to USA Water excited and feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue in the same role. Win or Polo is evidence that their competitive fire still burns brightly. We are delighted to lose, the main objective has always been about investing and progressing. With that

20 being said, I’m thrilled to begin new journey undoubtedly full of peaks and valleys, from the Women’s Sports Foundation. Team captain Maggie Steffens continues to lessons learned, relationships formed, and hope to continue to improve as a coach and flourish under Krikorian’s guidance earning the Olympic Games’ Most Valuable Player a leader.” honors for the second time. He added, “I’d like to thank Chris Ramsey, Marty Samuels, and our Board of Directors Tasked with returning the USA Men’s National Team to prominence while also reener- for their unwavering support and continued belief in me and our program as a whole. gizing a dormant National Team pipeline, Dejan Udovicic made tremendous headway I’m also incredibly grateful for the support within the USOC, the water polo community, since the spring of 2013. In the pool the USA Men won Gold at the 2015 Pan American and the entire team of people, staff and athletes, who are so inspiring to work with. Games and earned their first medal at a major FINA competition since 2008 — a Silver And of course, none of this could be possible without the love and support from my medal at the 2016 FINA World League Super Final. While medal aspirations fell short family and friends.” at the Olympic Games, a foundation featuring nine first-time Olympians was built and In eight years as head coach of the USA Water Polo Women’s Senior National Team, now will have the opportunity to mature with the former World Championship-winning Adam Krikorian lifted the program from a routine champion to a juggernaut. Krikorian coach at the helm. re-signs on the heels of guiding Team USA to an unprecedented second-straight On the development front, Udovicic wasted little time becoming an integral piece of Olympic Gold medal in 2016. The Olympic Games in Rio capped a staggering run for the USA Water Polo pipeline from the Senior level down through Junior, Youth, Cadet, the United States that saw a 41-6 record on the year coupled with Gold medals at the and Development. Crisscrossing the country to find the future of Team USA wherever FINA Intercontinental Tournament, Olympic Qualification Tournament, and FINA World it may reside, he has reopened the National Team pool to athletes from coast to coast. League Super Final. Since the summer of 2014 the USA Women have claimed Gold in A teambuilding expert in his native Serbia, Udovicic largely constructed the group that every major championship, including the FINA World Championship, FINA World Cup won Gold at the 2016 Olympic Games and previously medaled in consecutive Olympic and . Games. For his efforts in 2016, Krikorian was named Coach of the Games by the United States Both Krikorian and Udovicic have already begun shaping the rosters that will represent Olympic Committee, and Team USA was honored as the top women’s water polo Team USA in 2017. While many key players on the Women’s National Team are team in the world by FINA for the second-straight year. Under Krikorian’s tutelage, competing in the upcoming collegiate season, the third edition of the USA Water goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson emerged as a breakout star of the Rio Games and Polo Men’s National League will start play in late February. The FINA World League became the first water polo player to ever earn “Sports Woman of the Year” honors Super Final will follow for both teams, leading up to the premier event of the calendar year—the 2017 FINA World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. For the USA Women, it will be an opportunity to defend their Gold from Kazan, Russia, in 2015 while the USA “I’m excited for the challenge and look forwardMen to remain guiding on the hunt thisfor their team first World through Championship themedal. next four years and to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo! –Dejan Udovicic ”

“I’m thrilled to begin new journey undoubtedly full of peaks and valleys, lessons learned, relationships formed, and hope to continue to improve as a coach and a leader. –Adam Krikorian

”

usawaterpolo.org 21

BY MATT SZABO

Starting up a collegiate water Gregg Emde, the McKendree coach, is no stranger Macht was Princeton’s head coach from 1977-81 to success. Last year he led Lindenwood University but recently has been coaching in the club and high polo program can often seem (MO) to a College Water Polo Association national school ranks. like a roll of the dice. championship. But he knew that starting a He said college water polo has changed a lot over How will the players mesh with each other? How college program from scratch would be a the years. will they deal with the high likelihood of losing a different challenge. “[The program] is getting off the ground, so that’s lot early on? How will the university support the The Bearcats men went 12-15 in their initial season program? good,” Macht said. “It’s a lot more time than I last fall, playing as a club program. The women’s imagined, with all of the NCAA regulations on Across the country, though, several programs are team will have a mixed club and varsity schedule, recruiting, especially.” making it work. but both McKendree teams will bump up to NCAA varsity status for the 2017-18 school year. Emde La Salle’s men, playing in the Mid-Atlantic Water In California, San Jose State just finished its second said the school also will keep a men’s club program Polo Conference, went 3-12 last fall. The Explor- year after reinstating its men’s water polo program next year. ers women are competing in the Metro Atlantic while the Fresno State women’s team will begin Athletic Conference this spring. Both teams have competition next year. “The guys did well,” Emde said of the recently two scholarship positions available, Macht said. completed men’s season. “We had 17 freshmen, and There are also success stories further east. they ended up eighth at club nationals and were Macht said he wasn’t able to recruit as much has McKendree University (IL) has added both competitive from the beginning to the end. he would have liked, but he’s assembled a diverse men’s and women’s programs this season, as has 11-player women’s roster. Two women are from “You never know, and there were a whole lot of Southern California, and two hail from Hawaii. La Salle University (PA). St. Francis University, also dynamics that went into it. I can say that we had in Pennsylvania, kicked off it’s inaugural season a variety of talent levels, but everybody’s ego “Some student-athletes say, ‘I don’t want to play in 2017. In addition, Wagner College on Staten was in check. They act like 17 brothers. They get for a bad team,’ but some are excited with the Island, NY started a men’s varsity program to along very well, so it’s been a lot of fun. It could prospect of growing a new program,” Macht said. complement a conference championship have gone either way, and I’m happy with the “Some kids think, ‘I can get playing time right winning women’s team. way it went.” away,’ and they see that as a positive thing.” Paul Macht of La Salle also is pulling double duty in The other women’s college team starting this year starting up men’s and women’s programs this year. in Pennsylvania is St. Francis, led by Coach Pat

22

Beemer. The Red Flash will be playing in the very San Jose State has seen slow progress since rein- “I think Fresno is a perfect place for water polo in competitive Collegiate Water Polo Association and stating its men’s program in 2015. The Spartans, led general, not just women’s water polo,” Benson also have had their share of challenges. by longtime West Valley College (CA) junior college said. “I think the choice to bring in women’s water “Sometimes we’re geographically unsexy, coach Bruce Watson, finished 7-21 last fall after polo, along with men’s wrestling, it’s great for especially for a southern California kid who’s grown earning four wins in 2015. the region as well as the school. There are a lot up playing water polo all the time,” Beemer said. Watson said he’s excited about offering another op- of kids who live in California and want to stay in “It’s a small school, on top of a mountain. Believe tion for kids to play college water polo, especially California—and maybe don’t have the options me, it’s gorgeous, but it’s very rural … and that’s a in a talent-rich state like California. San Jose State they’d like. It’s always nice to have another option challenge. Lani Merrill from San Clemente is on the is also his alma mater. The Spartans compete in the for those kids to be able to continue competing at team, and this is a kid who’s used to surfing every Golden Coast Conference. a high level. I’m really excited that there’s a lot of home-grown talent, so to speak, in the area.” day. That’s not happening now.” “It’s kind of a funny way that things have evolved Beemer’s roster includes five players from southern because of budget cuts and what not,” he said. In the end, all of these programs may face California—but also seven from Pennsylvania. He “The better high school water polo teams in the challenges getting off the ground, but they’re also anticipates a fun first season. country are private schools, and they don’t tend contributing to the growth of water polo. “Everything we do is a milestone for the program,” to go to state schools so much. You have to aim for Beemer, originally from California, said he’s happy he said. “That’s one of the things I say to the a different athlete and a different type of kid. But to see the East coast continuing to grow its aquatic kids. ‘Hey, if you score in our first game, you’re you know, that’s fine. It gives them a place to play.” acumen. the all-time leading scorer at the school.’ For my Staying in California, Coach Natalie Benson feels “High school water polo is growing in Pennsylva- goalkeeper, it’s, ‘Your first save, you just set a the same way about starting the women’s program nia,” he said. “When I first started coaching, there record, and every time you touch that ball you’re at Fresno State. The Bulldogs will begin competi- were maybe two dozen high schools that had the setting records.’ In the grand scheme of things, I tion next season. Women’s water polo was brought sport. Now you’re talking about 50 and almost don’t know where we’re going to fall in terms of in as a varsity sport along with men’s wrestling. 60. With the addition of St. Francis and La Salle results. But they’ve been working their butts off; There have been relatively few options for kids in the state, there are now nine universities with we’re ready to go.” in the Central Valley to stay close to home and varsity water polo, which is good. It’s small but play water polo, though Fresno Pacific does have still growing.” a program. usawaterpolo.org 23

Kiley Neushul, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist/Club Natacio Sabadell January 24, 2017 – Sabadell, Spain Athlete 8:30am: I wake up and make myself breakfast in my apart- ment which I share with Clara Espar (Spanish National Team) and Chiara Tabani (Italian National Team). A supermarket is within walking distance of our apartment where I buy the sup- plies I need to cook both breakfast and dinner. Lunch is free! 9:30-10:00am: I walk to the pool (about 1.5 miles) and see the athletic trainer before practice for a pre-practice 12:00PM routine. The pool is spectacular. There are about 4 indoor pools 11:00AM and 3 outdoor pools: our pool is 35 meters (water polo length) and located on the ground floor of the building. The club cele- brated its 100th anniversary last year and is now in the middle of electing a president. Club Natació Sabadell is the second- 1:30PM largest athletic club in all of Spain, behind FC Barcelona! 11:00am-1:00pm: Practice #1. An hour in the weight room or circuit work and an hour in the pool consisting of 2,500-3,000 meters of swimming. The pools in Europe are measured in meters rather than yards, which means about 7 3:30PM seconds of extra swimming per 100! 1:30-3:00pm: After a nice shower in the locker room, some of the girls and I eat in the pool restaurant/bar (the club pays for our lunch every day!). Lunch consists of a starter, main dish and dessert. I am really enjoying the soups and fish at the restaurant! The food here is so fresh. 3:30-5:30pm: I usually make myself some tea and read my book, practice my Spanish or study. Sometimes I walk to a 8:00PM nearby shopping center, buy a coffee and relax in the cafe or outside in the plaza. One place called Café Paris has really tasty mini croissants. 5:30-7:30pm: I use this time to walk around Sabadell to run errands or just check out the town. I’ve made it to the main plaza a few times. It is so very beautiful! 8:00-9:30pm: Practice #2. We usually scrimmage an older men’s team or the 18-and-under boys. These practices are tough, but this is how we get better! Also the practice is so late. My bedtime at home is often in the middle of this practice time! 10:00-11:00pm: Dinner at the apartment with Clara and Chiara. We usually cook dinner in, but sometimes we go out. Eating dinner out is a real treat. We eat tapas style, so we get to share many small dishes. My favorite place is called The Green Spot—a modern vegetarian restaurant located in Barcelona, only about a 35-minute train ride from Sabadell. 9:30PM 26

The Water Polo Scene

The late Dr. Barbara Kalbus was recognized at the International Swimming Hall of Fame Awards with the Paragon Award for her contribution to water polo. Andy Burke (2nd from left) represented the Olympic Club, Olympic Champions Courtney Mathewson, inducted into the Masters Swimming Hall of Fame. , Kaleigh Gilchrist and Ashleigh Johnson brought their Olympic gold to Brooklyn, NY for a segment with NBC’s Today Show and Sheinelle Jones (in robe) this past Fall.

Referees from around the world and all across the United States came together for a FINA Referee School held in Los Angeles, CA this past January. Miramonte High School in Orinda, CA celebrated 50 years of their boy’s water polo program this past Fall with an alumni event.

Olympic Gold Medalist Courtney Mathewson and athletes from the Irvine Kahuna Water Back in November the Stanford University Cardinal held serve at Polo Club teamed up with LA2024 to celebrate their home pool winning the 2016 Collegiate Cup. the Lunar New Year at the 118th Golden Dragon Parade in February. Photos Courtesy: Andy Burke, Jim Cullingham, Miramonte HS, Mai Lam, Jeff Cable usawaterpolo.org 27 FROM THE DECK USA WATER POLO THE IMPORTANT OF POST-WORKOUT MEALS By Dr. Naresh Rao, DO, FAOASM Head Team Physician, Men’s USA Water Polo

Here are examples of post workout shakes specific for water polo energy needs. Aerobic Shake—carb 56% (200 kcal)- Drink after an aerobic predominant workout, like swim sets 1/2 cup kale 1 teaspoon hemp powder 2 teaspoons chia seeds 3 ounces 100% orange juice 1/4 cup frozen mango 1/4 cup frozen strawberries 1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt Anaerobic Level 3 Shake—protein 26% (200 kcal) Drink after an anaerobic predominant workout, like weightlifting I’m a big believer in small meals throughout the day in order to maintain 1/2 cup kale an even blood glucose level. That’s why I advocate having three meals with 1 teaspoon hemp protein powder mid-morning and midafternoon snacks. In general, I don’t recommend eating 2 teaspoon chia seeds within an hour of training or performing. Your muscles need the blood used 3 ounces orange juice in digestion. Eating within an hour of exercise can also cause gastrointesti- 1/4 cup frozen mango nal (GI) distress and the food in your system will not be fully digested. 1/4 cup frozen strawberries You should have some sort of sustenance after every workout. If you have 1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt depleted your muscles you’ll feel tired and you need to re-energize. In order Adapted from Dr. Naresh Rao’s book, Step Up Your Game, published in January via Sports Publishing. Available wherever to maximize restoring the glycogen stores quickly, eating a snack like a books are sold, order now at Amazon.com, http://www.amazon.com/Step-Your-Game-Revolutionary-Performance/ shake thirty to sixty minutes after finishing exercise is key. dp/1613218303.

IDENTIFYING PRESSURES AND FINDING PEAK PERFORMANCE By Brian Alexander, ODP Mental Skills Coach

The idea of embracing pressure and per- Psychological pressure can be defined as serious is consumed by the pressure and distractions severing through it seems to be a common demands—real or perceived—imposed on one per- from the physical and social environment—and challenge with athletes and teams. When son by another individual, group, or environment then developing a way to detach from that “noise” the opportunities present themselves to (http://psychologydictionary.org/pressure/). It’s and redirect attention to the task at hand. Have realize goals, missions, and dreams, ath- interesting that perception of the demands is what you ever heard commentators or fans reflect on letes can feel pressure to perform over drives athletes into states of mental or physical athletes’ performances by saying they were “un- potential fears and stressors related to fatigue. Depending on their coping skills, fatigue conscious”? Usually that means that athletes are whether or not they reach their desired and stress can limit athletes’ ability to perform at playing “out of their minds” by controlling focus on outcomes. It’s easy to see how doubts can their highest levels. the task at hand while being aware of mental time creep into one’s mind before, during, and Finding peak performance is mostly about devel- travel. Energy is targeted on the present moment. after important games or critical moments oping an awareness of moments when the mind You might even call this mental toughness. within games. (continued on next page)

28 FROM THE DECK

IDENTIFYING PRESSURES AND FINDING PEAK PERFORMANCE (continued) Elite athletes preview situations or scenarios they provement. Outcome-driven athletes usually find moment—without judgment or labeling the non- know bring them unnecessary pressures and inter- they’re ill-equipped to persevere and overcome present thought—and redirecting your attention fere with their ability to play at their peak levels. pressure with the same drive and desire. Thus, a back to the here and now. The present moment By creating a list of pressures and identifying the greater importance needs to be associated with is the only moment you can control now. Think importance of each pressure, athletes understand the process of improving the details of the sport of the present moment as this play. Performing the meaning they attach to the situations and can and your position. mindfully helps you maximize the process that decide if they’re as important as they thought. Imagine/visualize yourself there before you arrive. will lead you to the results you want to achieve. They may find that their perception and emotional Imagery is the creation or recreation of an experi- Succumbing to pressure takes your mind out of the attachment to situations interferes with their abil- ence in your mind using all your senses with as present; redirecting your attention and awareness ity to perform. But building knowledge that allows much detail as possible. It’s important to control to your breath will bring you right back. Breathe you to take ownership over your state of mind can the image to see it exactly as you want—the ideal. with intention. set the focus you want. The five senses include sights, sounds, smells, You may feel that pressure manifests when you Even if you identify your pressures, you still need tastes, and touch. Practicing imagery is like put- feel the need to rise to the occasion. Remember to develop the skills necessary to cope with the ting in the mental “reps” that train your mind to that you’ll never play better than your best, so if situations’ demands. Here are some mental skills perceive pressure or anxieties as working to your you expect something miraculous to happen that that other athletes have found useful to help “nor- advantage as you perform. hasn’t been practiced before, then you may have malize” the pressure to perform: Develop a release. Distractions surround us in to- false hope. The true performance miracles happen Shift your focus: Usually the answer to what’s day’s technologically advanced world, and pressure when you see athletes playing their best water important now (a.k.a. W.I.N.) is focusing on is one of those distractions that comes and goes polo on the biggest stages while others succumb things within your control. Decide to narrow your as it’s perceived. Developing a focus cue that’s to the situation because they lack the ability or thoughts to the most important focus now or what either auditory (e.g., “Now”) or kinesthetic (e.g., capacity to handle the pressure. Practice these you believe are the most critical cues to accom- snapping fingers) will help you positively respond mental skills and you’ll develop the capacity to plish the task at hand. to the pressure as it rises so you can regain your handle pressure. Contact Brian through his website: www.athletementalskillscoach.com Adjust your goals: If you want to be the absolute focus on the thought you want or what you want to best you can be while preparing yourself with a do in the moment. Not on what you want to avoid. Follow Brian on Twitter @BA_POS_MIND and on Facebook www.facebook. com/AthleteMentalSkillsCoach/ mindset of resilience and perseverance toward Practice mindfulness. Being mindful is simply the ultimate goals that drive you, set performance the process of recognizing if and when your mind goals in terms of constant and continuous im- wanders toward anything other than the present

REFerendum WITH JIM CULLINGHAM Hi all, Given this input we’ve made additional We’ve also eliminated the need for a head revisions in an effort to simplify and perhaps coach’s permission to advance to half when Greetings and best clarify the intent of these modifications. Please the coach’s team is on offense. The team must wishes for a happy review the complete text of these modifica stay behind the 5-meter line when on offense and prosperous 2017! - tions, titled “Appendix E,” and the complete and behind the goal line of defense. As I’m sure you’re all aware, in the interest of Playing Rules on the Rules and Ethics page of The other modifications—no direct shot after player development, USA Water Polo High the USA Water Polo website. a foul has been awarded outside the 5-meter Performance made some modifications to the line, and no set exclusion time—remain in playing rules for our younger age groups a few “Revisions” went into effect January 1, 2017 effect. years ago. and apply to the 12/Under and 10/Under age groups. Thanks again for your time, and if you have We’ve received much feedback about the rules any specific questions or concerns about a and the modifications from several sources, To summarize: particular device or any questions regarding including, but not limited to: We’ve revised the definition of “zone defense” any and all aspects of the game please forward to simply state that once an attacking team is • Junior Olympic Coaches Feedback Survey them to us at [email protected]. inside its offensive half, defensive players may • Zone head referees and director of referees not double team a player without the ball. • Direct communication with USAWP office Defensive players are free to play the ball and high performance director at any time and need not maintain a “press” Jim Cullingham defense.

usawaterpolo.org 29 FROM THE DECK USA WATER POLO SHOOTING FOR COLLEGE PARENTS AND WATER POLO RECRUITING–PART 2 BY ANGELA KRAUS In my last article, I addressed how even parents with the best intentions can go overboard when it comes to their children and sports. Parents may push their children into sports they don’t actually enjoy because the parents played those sports—or into continuing to compete in sports even if their children aren’t as talented as their parents believe they are (and the children usually know how they compare with team- mates). Some parents may even go overboard in promoting their children to club or school #1 Dad coaches or even behave badly.

Unfortunately, such efforts may actually #1 Son backfire. Instead of helping their children, these parents actually are doing their children a huge disservice with prospective collegiate coaches, potentially undermining their future recruit- ing efforts and athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

Participating in intercollegiate sports requires tremendous dedication, extraordinary effort, it’s student-athletes—not their parents—who and disruptive parents, their coach may be superior time-management skills, and an should be the primary communicators. After all, inclined to give a more enthusiastic reference unmitigated love of sport. It’s not for everyone. the student-athletes will be the ones interact- for the athlete with supportive and cooperative If kids say “no” to a sport and express they want ing with coaches throughout their collegiate parents—and then interested college coaches a college experience not dominated by the very careers, so the sooner they establish and develop may move forward with that athlete instead of real demands of intercollegiate athletics, parents a rapport with prospective coaches, the better the one with problematic parents. In the end, should stop pushing and let it go. the experience will be for all concerned. If the parents who obsessively and at all costs promote process results in a successful recruiting effort, their children may unwittingly undermine and Of course, if athletes truly have ability, are there will be plenty of opportunities for parents their kids’ athletic recruiting prospects. passionate enough about their sports, and want to support their student-athletes and their to compete at the collegiate level, parents should collegiate athletic programs. The Positive Coaching Alliance http://www. do all they can, within reason, to support their usawaterpolo.org/resources/pca.html (PCA) children and help them achieve their goals. During the athletic recruiting process, many is an outstanding resource offering excellent One way to determine if a prospective student- college coaches do comprehensive “due guidelines and suggestions for parents as they athlete really wants to compete in a collegiate diligence” about prospective recruits. In addi- help their aspiring athletes pursue their athletic sport is to watch whether they take the initiative tion to evaluating their athletic and academic goals, whether at a recreational, developmental, or ask for parents’ help to achieve the next level. credentials, many coaches get acquainted with collegiate, or professional level. Combining the families of prospective recruits, both to positive parenting skills espoused by the PCA When it’s time to explore collegiate athletic get to know the student-athletes better and and common sense will enable parents to truly opportunities, parents must let their aspir- determine if the family will cooperate with do what’s best for their children in a manner ing student-athletes take the initiative when and support the collegiate program. If parental that may enhance their collegiate athletic communicating with prospective college behavior is more or less fodder for an episode recruiting prospects. And if children signal coaches, providing advice, guidance, and of HBO’s State of Play: Trophy Kids, alarm bells that they don’t want to compete at the collegiate support when appropriate—and not take over could go off in coaches’ minds. Imagine there level, positive parenting dictates that moms and the process. As tempting as it may be to make are two players of comparable ability on a high dads accept their children’s choices and support phone calls and send e-mails or other recruit- school or club team, and their coach is asked to their children’s decisions to pursue other things. ing materials to prospective college coaches, provide references. If one athlete has obsessive

QUESTIONS? Write to Angela Kraus at [email protected]. Angela Kraus is an experienced and certified college counselor providing comprehensive college counseling services to help students prepare for and ensure eligibility for graduation from high school and admission to colleges. A special focus of her practice is a dvising high school athletes as they pursue the athletic recruiting process, with emphasis on water polo players.

30 FROM THE DECK

Structuring Your Strength Training Program: (Phase 1) The first phase in an off-season plan is the Hypertrophy/Gen- eral Preparation phase. Work in this phase is very general in nature The 5 Key Phases and geared toward reconditioning the body, increasing lean body mass, When putting together a training plan for yourself or your athletes, there and increasing short-term endurance. Reps in this phase are generally are a number of factors to take into consideration. These factors can higher, in the 8-15 range, for 2-4 sets, with the weight lighter. The aim include: in this phase is to teach (or re-teach) different movements, especially those that will be the foundations of your lifting program (squat, front • The number of athletes training at once squat, deadlift, bench press, etc.), as well as to make sure athletes re- • Training age and experience of your athletes cover from the wear and tear of the season and any injuries. This first phase can last as little as two weeks or as long as six weeks. As a gen- • Space/equipment available for each session eral rule, most phases will last 3-4 weeks. This is an important phase, • Time length of each training session as it prepares athletes for strength work to come in the later phases • Number of weekly training sessions of training. It may not be the most exciting phase for your athletes, but it’s absolutely necessary to get their bodies ready for the heavier, more • Injuries intense phases to come. • Practice and competition schedule, etc. (Phase 2) The next phase is our Basic Strength phase. The goal is to in- The best advice is to start simple crease specific strength for athletes as the foundation for future power/ Lifting weights involves repetitive movement, and learning sound move- high intensity work. The reps and sets for this phase are generally 5 ment patterns is key. Start with just a few movements you deem most reps in 3-5 sets. important for you and your athletes and train those. For example, you (Phase 3) The third phase in our periodized training plan is the Strength- may choose to teach a squat, hip extension, push-up, a pulling movement Power phase. In this phase, the athletes train using 3-5 sets of 2-3 reps and a front bridge. The less you start with, the more time you have to in the main lifts of their program. In this phase, generally due to the in- teach the exercises properly. Don’t rush this! Remember that depending creased strength the athletes have experienced—but also the decreased on your situation, you’ll hopefully be training these athletes for a few fatigue because of the lower volume—the athletes can display greater years. If you teach it right the first time, then you won’t have to teach power. it again later on. The same logic applies if you’re planning your own training: Keep it simple, build a solid foundation, and progress within (Phase 4) The last phase is our Peaking phase. This is used to taper your limits. the athletes in the last few weeks before a major competition. Here the athlete will usually train using 1-3 sets of 1-3 reps, with high intensity. Once you know what’s important for you programmatically, then it’s time The key here is to not wear out the athletes and allow them to regain full to put your plan together. Always think long-term and remember where stamina before they compete. you’re trying to take your athletes. Always think about what movements you’re working toward and for which competition(s) the athletes are (Phase 5) Once the season ends, the athlete should take 1-2 weeks off to gearing up. As mentioned earlier, keep it simple to start, particularly if rest. After an initial week of complete rest, the athlete can begin some you’re new to creating your own programs. A very simple and effective very light training with very low volume of work and very low intensities. model to follow, especially if your athletes are novice/beginners (which The goal here is complete recovery from the season. most are, even through the early college years), goes as follows: Please remember these are GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS and every situ- ation is different. Know your athletes’ ability and training age and give Phase 1: Hypertrophy Phase/General Preparation them an appropriate training plan. Even athletes who have trained for (high volume, low intensity) 2-3 years or are in college are not advanced lifters. Most are intermedi- ate at best, so make sure your program reflects their present abilities Phase 2: Basic Strength in the weight room. (moderate volume, high intensity)

Phase 3: Strength-Power About Bridge: BridgeAthletic is dedicated to bringing elite level, personalized strength training to every athlete. As athletes and coaches, (low volume, very high intensity) we know the difference that access to great coaching can make. Now BridgeAthletic is bringing that competitive advantage to everyone, everywhere. Launched in 2013, San Francisco-based BridgeAthletic builds water polo-specific, personalized workout programs delivered Phase 4: Peaking/Maintenance via a smart phone or tablet to competitive athletes and the coaches who train them. Phase 5: Active Rest Sport-Specific BridgeAthletic Strength Programs for individual athletes include Swimming, Triathlon, Running, Cycling, Water Polo, Lacrosse, Soccer, Football, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball, and others. BridgeAthletic was co-founded by Michael Sharf, a UC Berkeley (very low volume, very low intensity) D1 water polo player and Nick Folker, Olympian and former UC Berkeley strength and conditioning coach.

usawaterpolo.org 31

LOB SHOTS SOCAL Continues Tradition of Holiday Generosity with 5th annual Adopt a Family Program Submitted by Lisa Gorlinski SOCAL Water Polo parent volunteer Michael photos courtesy SOCAL Water Polo Ann Pevehouse was working as a health aide at Thorman Elementary School in Tustin, CA, several years ago when she heard about several school families going through some tough times. Teachers shared stories about how some parents were unable to work and were struggling financially due to long-term illnesses or having to take care of a disabled child at home. Some of the children who came to visit Michael Ann in the Health office expressed that they didn’t expect to get any gifts for Christmas. Having a heart of gold, Michael Ann shared the idea of Tustin-based SOCAL Water Polo “adopting” some of these families for the holidays. Boxes for donations were brought to SOCAL practices for the athletes to drop off their donations, and the response from the SOCAL community was tremendous. Five years later the tradition continues as the project has grown to adopt more families. SOCAL works with the school liaison to identify the most deserving families, and each year SOCAL SOCAL Water Polo continued to give back dur- moms wrap hundreds of gifts which are then ing the holiday season with their fifth annual delivered by Santa and his Elves—accompanied by adopt-a-family program. SOCAL coaches and athletes. In December, four families were provided with more than $6,500 in and emotional—without the donated holiday items, much needed items such as clothing, jackets, and some of these families would not have presents grocery store gift cards—as well as toys for the under their trees. The SOCAL athletes gain a new children. perspective on their own blessings after witnessing SOCAL is fortunate to get to use three beautiful the families’ overwhelming gratitude. Tustin Unified High School aquatics facilities, In addition to the Adopt a Family holiday program, and the team strives to give back to the local SOCAL also offers need-based scholarships to community which has supported SOCAL over the athletes and donates each year to the Tustin Public years. SOCAL athletes and families look forward to Schools Foundation through the Dino Dash helping those in need, and many athletes volunteer fundraiser. SOCAL looks forward to continuing to be Santa’s Helpers and visit the families when with these projects for years to come as a strong the gifts are delivered. The grateful response from community partner. the sponsored parents and children is tremendous

National League: Golden State Invitational Championship Stockton, CA – 7/7-7/9 Irvine, CA – 4/1-4/2 Great Lakes Classic National League: East Lansing, MI – 7/14-7/16 Fisher Cup TBD – 5/20-5/21 Junior Olympics Orange County, CA Masters National Championship Session 1 – July 22-25 2017 Riverside, CA – 6/9-6/11 Session 2 – July 27-30 CALENDAR OF EVENTS National League: National League: Senior Nationals Visit USAWaterPolo.org for Kalbus Cup complete schedule information TBD – 6/24-6/25 TBD – 8/4-8/6

usawaterpolo.org 33 34 USA WATER POLO LOB SHOTS chance to play overtime play overtime to chance a had even Cal That forget.” never Iwill that something it is here winning so it, make we didn’t year next the one and here lost and Icoached here. championship a won I’ve never place. this we why fill that’s and back, come they And, program. of this part a be to it’s a privilege and of pride sense great a feel they players, as for us built Heaston Steve and Cutino Pete what (With) leave. us none of out, walk they “When acoach. as title third his captured who Everist, Kirk coach head said different,” bit it alittle makes that something that’s “I think of ahome crowd. front in championship national another celebrate to pool the into jumped Bears the and down running time with a goal added Simsek Safak Freshman Trojans. for the task insurmountable an proved goal in Andric Lazar MVP tournament and defenders of Cal’s combination and a minutes, three final over the stage center took Defense left. minutes three with it 10-8 make to sounded buzzer the as long distance from scoring goals, season’s memorable the most one of Cupido fired Luca remaining, time no nearly with shot final oneGiven period. overtime first the end to sounded horn the before just blow came biggest the Perhaps in overtime. left one minute with lead 9-8 for a Olympian the past it firing post, the and Baron McQuin goalkeeper USC between space slightest the found South Farrel senior 8, at score the tied by USC’s James Walters a goal after and started, Bears the got Hooper shot by Johnny penalty 5-meter A overtime. first the in first (23-4) struck No. 3Cal period, fourth of the start at the down goals two from rallying After spot. to were easy heroes the occasion, this On celebrate. trophyto – and a new – chapter a new Cal Water has of Polo legacy The forward. celebration the carried they as truth undeniable one with were left Bears the resonate, to continued home pool Cal’s inside energy the and over Berkeley fell night as But, Complex. Aquatics Spieker 4at on USC December over No. 1-ranked victory 11-8for an overtime rallied that 16 Bears for the Golden in sink will words those time, Over yet again. champion national is team men’s polo Cal water the it, behind community Cal entire an of weight the with and history 14th the program For in time Courtesy CalBears.com To Consecutive Wins OTCal Battles 2016 Earn Championship NCAA The won their first NCAA title since 2007 with an overtime victory over USC in December. in USC over victory overtime an with 2007 since title NCAA first their won Bears Golden California The

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Congratulations to the 2016 Fall High School Water Polo Champions PENNSYLVANIA CIF-SAC JOAQUIN CIF-LA CITY SECTION Boys—Cumberland Valley 12 North Penn 5 Div 1 Boys—Granite Bay 8 Davis Sr. 6 Palisades 10 Granada Hills 4 Girls—North Penn 8 Wilson 4 Div 1 Girls—Davis Sr. 20 Oakdale 4 CIF-SAN DIEGO SECTION Div 2 Boys—Rio Americano 9 Rocklin 5 OHIO Div 2 Girls—El Capitan 7 Del Oro 4 Open—Vista 12 Cathedral Catholic 11 (OT) Boys—St. Xavier 13 St. Charles 11 Div 3 Boys—Christian Brothers 6 Sonora 4 Div 1—San Marcos 7 Westview 6 Girls—Upper Arlington 11 Napoleon 3 Div 3 Girls—Kimball 10 Sonora 7 Div 2—Valley Center 12 San Pasqual 6 Div 3—Helix 8 San Dieguito 6 OREGON CIF-NCS CIF-CENTRAL SECTION 5A/4A Boys—Mountain View 11 Parkrose 8 Div 1 Boys—Miramonte 12 Campolindo 10* 5A/4A Girls—Hood River 5 Summit 2 Div 1 Girls—San Ramon Valley 8 Miramonte 7 Div 1 Boys—Buchanan 8 Clovis 3 6A Girls—West Albany 14 Westview 6 Div 2 Boys—Tamalpais 9 Livermore 4 Div 2 Boys—Porterville 15 Redwood 3 6A Boys—Newberg 8 Southridge 6 Div 2 Girls—Acalanes 7 Drake 5 Div 3 Boys—Hanford West 6 Edison 5 Div 1 Girls—Clovis West 9 Clovis 7 WASHINGTON CIF-SS Div 2 Girls—El Diamante 10 Redwood 4 Curtis 11 Bellevue 6 Div 1—Orange Lutheran 9 Huntington Beach 7 Div 3 Girls—Mt. Whitney 8 Reedley 4 Div 2—Santa Margarita 6 Laguna Beach 4 MICHIGAN NEW ENGLAND PREP Div 3—Oaks Christian 9 Aliso Niguel 7 Boys—Rockford 9 Okemos 8 CHAMPIONSHIP Div 4—Royal 12 Yucaipa 6 CIF-CCS Div 5—Burroughs 12 San Juan Hills 7 Brunswick School 13 Phillips Exeter Academy 4 Div 1 Boys—Bellarmine 12 Menlo-Atherson 2 Div 6—Roosevelt 9 Xavier Prep 8 HAWAII Div 1 Girls—Leland 8 St. Francis 7 Div 7—Shadow Hills 8 Chaffey 4 Boys (ILH)—Punahou 10 Iolani 6 Div 2 Boys—Sacred Heart 13 Menlo 9 Div 2 Girls—Sacred Heart 8 Soquel 3 Please contact [email protected] for any corrections or titles missed from Fall 2016.

usawaterpolo.org 35 Welcome to Skip Shot Magazine’s Hot Shots page, featuring shots from your fingertips. The person who submits each issue’s best HOT SHOT will receive a free Kap7 men’s or women’s water polo ball. For more information on Kap7 visit www.Kap7.com

International << This issue’s winner is Bobby Medellin

Honorable mention to the remaining photo submissions. A A: DB Bartley B: Victor Nemechek C: Jennifer Ortiz D: Loren Delmonico E E: Pat Ng

B

C

D

In order to get into the magazine, we need high-quality digital photos (jpegs of 300 dpi or better) so that your brilliance is brought to life on our glossy pages. So send in your master- 36 pieces. Email all photos to: [email protected]. There is no assurance that your photos will run in USA Skip Shot Magazine. Editorial decisions are made by the magazine staff. Once we receive your photos, they become property of USA Water Polo and may be used for print or publication. OFFICIAL OUTFITTING PARTNER OF