THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA

This Girl Is On Fire Olympic Gold Just The Start For

Carmel High VOLUME 28, NUMBER 1, SPRING 2013 School’s Big Win p.35 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA WATER POLO VOL. 28, NUM. 1, Spring 2013 What’s Inside... USA Water Polo National Office This Girl ON THE cover . . 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 is On Fire Olympic Gold Just The Inside Water...... 2 (714) 500-5445 business • (714) 500-5449 membership • (714) 960-2431 fax Start For Maggie Steffens Maggie Steffens USA WATER POLO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER continues success 11360 Valley Forge Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720 following Gold in 5 Meters...... 4 (562) 799-8506 business • (562) 799-8508 fax London. WEB SITE H Carmel Hig www.usawaterpolo.org SCHool’ S Big Photos courtesy Jason Kempin/Getty Images Win Water Polo Times ...... 10 p.35 and Jeff Cable Photography. Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ramsey Water Polo Scene...... 26 Chief Operating Officer Marty Samuels Chief Marketing Officer A Day in the Life...... 27 Jennifer Rottenberg Director Of Finance Jim Callahan From the Deck...... 30 Director, Club & Member Programs Claudia Dodson Director of Advancement Lob Shots...... 34 Stephanie London Krogius Director of Communications Greg Mescall Hot Shots...... 36 Associate Director, Sport Development Christy Medigovich Olympic Development Operations Manager Anne Laurence ReCaps National Teams Events Manager Ashley Papenbrock Marketing Manager Annual Awards ...... 14 Caroline Acosta Membership & Events Manager Katie Wakefield pg14 UANA Qualification Finance Coordinator Fay Hu Tournament...... 20 Development Coordinator Sarah Bennett Annual Awards Membership Services Coordinator Water Polo Community Gathers Layla Behzadian Also In This Issue... Video Producer To Recognize Excellence Zach Edmunds Executive Assistant to the CEO 2013 Events Calendar. . . 12 Mai Lam Human Resources Manager Gayle Shanks Magie Steffens— Sport Growth Specialist, Southeast Zone Nick Gaffey Rising Star...... 20 Sport Growth Consultant, Midwest Zone Pat Beemer Look Ahead... Board of Directors Michael Graff (Chairman), Jeremy Laster, Ed Reynolds, William Smith, Ellen Estes Lee, Robert Sternfels, RoAnn Costin, Next Issue John Hendrickson, Richard Esterkin, Vicky Rogers >Masters Nationals Recap Publisher Jennifer Rottenberg EDITOR Greg Mescall

Contributors IRVINE, CA Darcy Couch, Jim Cullingham, Joan Gould, Ed Haas, Stan Schwimer, Stuart Sheldon, Kelley Casey, Allen Lorentzen, Kelley L. Cox, Dr. Marcia Whalen, Karen Bloch, Angela Kraus, Dave Shefelman, Peter Trabucco, Mike Murawinksi, Paul Ciaravino, Kate de Give PRINTING pg22 > Get Ready for Quad Graphics, 555 South 108th Street, West Allis, WI 53214 Junior Olympics CREATIVE Adrenalin, Inc., 54 West 11th Ave., Denver, CO 80204 303-454-8888 • goadrenalin.com New Website USA Water Polo & CBS Interactive USA Water Polo Skip Shot Magazine (ISSN# 15507580) is published Partner For Redesign four times per year by 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 Polo, Inc., 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 usawaterpolo.org 1 INSIDE WATER letter from the CEO, Christopher Ramsey USA WATER POLO Promising News For Collegiate Water Polo There is great news 6. Water polo generally attracts more students 36,000 in just a few years. It’s estimated that nearly on the collegiate who are desirable to Admission (i.e., higher- 90,000 play the sport nationwide. water polo water achieving, well-rounded, natural leaders who - Women’s water polo is one of the newer champi- will perform well in college). front. Three col- onship sports in the NCAA (2001) and continues leges—Emmanuel, Colleges also may be noticing that ESPN as well as to grow today. Since 1994 the number of women’s Monmouth and Notre Dame—are fielding men’s independent studies have identified water polo as varsity teams has grown from four to 62, with an and women’s varsity teams this year. Varsity water one of the toughest sports to play, and the training additional 90 collegiate club programs. polo at the collegiate level has been stagnant or necessary to compete provides remarkable ben- diminishing for the past dozen years, despite sig- Water polo athletes can often perform “double efits in terms of academic discipline, high gradua- duty,” participating in or other aquatic nificant growth in club programs nationwide. But tion rates, and above average grade points, etc. The these new programs are evidence that collegiate sports as well. This allows athletic departments to U.S. Navy SEAL program sponsored USA Water “double count” on gender equity audits, if the same athletic directors are actively considering water Polo because its players had the lowest dropout polo as a potential new sport. athlete is on a second roster, which can be helpful rate among all SEAL candidates, substantially in- in attaining Title IX compliance. Why Water Polo? creasing the successful yield of the SEAL program. Water Polo has one of the lowest cost/athlete ra- 1. Water polo often improves college athletic Since TEAM USA captured the first women’s wa - tios of all intercollegiate sports. It requires limited departments’ Athlete Progress Rating (APR) ter polo Gold Medal in its history at the Olympic equipment. Rosters can be sized to suit an institu- by bringing in strong academically minded Games in London last year, our sport has sparked tion’s needs, with only 13 players required. And it’s athletes. (According to NCAA data, men’s and pride and renewed interest. Of course our team especially cost-effective if a college or university women’s water polo averaged an APR of 980 was led by athletes from NCAA programs, some already has an aquatic facility, since pools are fre- in 2011, compared with a national Division 1 still in school, and some—such as — quently under-utilized and expensive to maintain. average of 973.) who have transitioned to illustrious international Getting more use from a cost-intensive, existing careers after graduation. 2.Water polo is a cost-effective sport to comply facility makes sense. with (or attain) Title IX compliance. With nearly 1,000 high schools sponsoring water USA Water Polo is in discussions with the NCAA polo teams nationwide—and more are adding 3. Water polo offers a new sport program at little on collaborating in a number of areas and also teams every year—there has been a surge of risk to colleges because it’s easy to implement offers technical assistance to colleges and universi- academically qualified athletes who want to con and maintain (i.e., uses existing facilities and - ties upon request. We will continue to work toward has a low injury record). tinue playing varsity in college. Water polo helps to more varsity programs in the years ahead. complement athletes’ total educational experience, 4. Water polo can garner significant alumni sup- nurturing healthy qualities such as self-discipline, port, consistent with team sport programs. leadership, industriousness, confidence, and col- 5. In some cases water polo can contribute to your laboration. More than 500 registered clubs exist conference establishing a championship. in the country, and membership in United States Water Polo has grown from 20,000 to more than Chris Top Stories on USAWaterPolo.org... >Get a headstart on the 2013 Junior Olympics with the USA Water Polo information page - http://www usawaterpolo. org/junior-olympics/. >Check out the new online home for the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame - http://www usawaterpolo. org/hof/.

www.facebook.com/usawp www.youtube.com/usawp www.twitter.com/usawp

If you have a comment or question concerning Skip Shot magazine, send in a letter to the editor. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR You can write to Skip Shot Magazine: c/o USA Water Polo, 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or send an email to: [email protected]

2

5 METERS Quick Shots from USA Water Polo USA WATER POLO

My 1st Match Ted Minnis, Head Coach, Harvard University Men’s and Women’s Water Polo September, 1990 The first water polo game I coached took place in September 1990. I was the boy’s head coach at my alma mater, Menlo-Atherton (CA) High School. I was 20 years old, and I remember wanting to get in and play and show these young kids how it was done. The seniors on that team were freshman during my senior year at Menlo-Atherton, so I knew all of them fairly well. I do not remember the details of my first game—we probably lost. But what I do remember is my first practice, and how excited I was to coach with my good friend and former teammate Doug Wright. We were young and full of enthusiasm and wanted to bring the program back to where it was when we left. I remember that we did not qualify for CCS that year, and that was a disappointment, but I knew right away that all I wanted to do from that moment on was coach water polo.

4 Quick Shots from USA Water Polo 5 METERS

Did You Know? What’s on Did you know the Collegiate Water Polo Association, also

Courtney my iPod? known as the CWPA, is the largest single sport athletic Mathewson, Coldplay, “Paradise” 2012 Olympic Gold conference in the world. The conference governs water Medalist, Four-Time —I love listening to Coldplay after a game. NCAA Champion Helps me unwind from all the excitement and intensity of competition. polo for a variety of institutions from Division 1 through Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Notorious Thugs” club water polo. (Source – @CWPA) —Bone Thugs is always on my pregame music. Gets me pumped! , “King of the Rodeo” —I love all KOL songs, but this is one of my faves. Reminds me to “let the good times roll!” Toby Keith, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” —Combines two of my favorite things: Country music and America. When I miss home while traveling, this song brings a smile to my face. Lil Wayne, “Drop the World” —A team favorite. Always a fun listen during our warm-up circuit.

Quick Chat with... Amber Drury, AD: I was and am thrilled. It is a tremendous honor USA Water Polo Referee to represent the USA at any event, let alone World Championships. Drury recently was named an official for the SS: 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona, You were the only woman asked to officiate in Spain. She was the lone female referee chosen. Barcelona. How important is it to get more women The former national team athlete and head coach involved in officiating? at the University of and the University AD: It is extremely important to me, and I believe to of Michigan joined SkipShot magazine for a the sport. Women have been and will continue to be quick chat. a force to be reckoned with, and if we can get more SkipShot: You were a player and a coach. What into refereeing, it would be awesome. made you decide to referee? SS: What would it mean to you to officiate the Amber Drury: I wanted to stay involved in the ? sport and had refereed during my college years. It AD: A dream come true. was a good fit for me and the time I had available. SS: What keeps you wearing the whites? SS: When did you decide to make the push to be an AD: The people I get to be around and work with elite international referee? keep me wearing the whites. From my fellow AD: About 18 months into my return to reffing— referees, to the 10 & under players, to the national with the support and encouragement of Jim team, to the coaches—not to mention all the Cullingham—I decided to go for it. fabulous people behind the scenes. They all are part SS: What was your reaction to getting the call to of why I continue to referee. officiate the 2013 FINA World Championships?

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

Your thoughts on . .

JP MacDonell–USA Men’s Senior Instagram: I love instagram. A lot of people didn’t wear green. I soon learned to avoid her National Team post photos of food, sunsets—and you get to on that day! St. Patrick’s Day: Green pants. see what people are up to. Churros: Yum! One of my favorite amusement A day celebrated worldwide, a Club Water Polo: For us it’s a fun time, because park snacks. time to relax and hang with it’s during the summer. It’s not as serious. You your friends. This year I’m hoping to travel to Instagram: One of the apps I use most right get to play the game and have more fun. Ireland for St. Patty’s Day. before I close my eyes at night. I think I double Saturday Night Live: I love it. SNL’s use of tap more than I upload pictures. Oops! Churros: Not gluten free, so I’m out. If I had to current events gets a good laugh. eat them, I would go with mini churros...and Club Water Polo: Without club water polo I an espresso. Levon Dermendjian–USA Water Polo would not be the player I am today. I played for Foothill Water Polo Club under Alex Rodriguez Instagram: My favorite social network. Really Referee for four years. They were more than family to cool way to explore photos and share photos St. Patrick’s Day: One of my me. My wonderful experience at Foothill made you don’t want to share on Facebook. Follow favorite holidays. Good times me love the sport. me @jpmacd. with good friends. Vegas is usually where I like to celebrate. Saturday Night Live: Was never a religious Club Water Polo: Great at all levels. Involving watcher. yourself in a competitive, team-sport environ- Churros: Love them. I have a big sweet tooth, so if it’s on the menu, I’m probably getting it. ment with the support of family and friends is –USA Men’s Senior greatly beneficial. Instagram: I like it because it’s so simple. National Team & Stanford University Water Polo Saturday Night Live: Will Ferrell and Chris However, the constant barrage of food photos St. Patrick’s Day: A critical day Farley top my list of giving the best perfor- and “Throwback Thursday” (#tbt) photos does to wear green so you avoid get- mances of all time. Other than that, not a huge get a little old. ting pinched. The only day of the fan of SNL. Instead you’ll find me watching Club Water Polo: I enjoy the players and the year you actually think about the possibilities if Breaking Bad or House of Cards. level of play. Not a big fan of how vocal many you found a pot of gold. coaches are, so I tend to issue more yellow and Kimber Methvin–San Jose State red cards than I normally do in collegiate or Churros: Only good if served warm. If they’re Women’s Water Polo high school water polo. cold and crunchy, I am not a fan. St. Patrick’s Day: It’s a pretty good holiday—all-in-good-fun Saturday Night Live: Classic. Unfortunately Instagram: The only form of social media I holiday. We really don’t get to I don’t get to watch it very often. I love the actually have. Follow me at @bretbonanni. celebrate it, because we’re in season. But it’s “Weekend Update” segments, and I used to love Club Water Polo: A good time to play lots of good to dress up green. Will Ferrell. “More Cowbell!” games in a more relaxed environment out of season. It’s a great way to continue playing Churros: I don’t each churros, but I can tell you Alyssa Woodward–Pomona/Pitzer about one of my favorite snacks: Rice Krispies Colleges Water Polo water polo the rest of the year. treats. Everything about them is delicious. I St. Patrick’s Day: When I was Saturday Night Live: I’m not a weekly watcher, love the sweet and the crunch. And nothing younger I remember getting but whenever I tune in, I’m always satisfied. It’s beats Grandma’s homemade Rice Krispies pinched by a family friend always nice to get in a good laugh before bed. treats. I’ve tried to make them myself, but they (her favorite color was green) every year I don’t taste as good.

Twitty - @Amazing_Brick - I have been stung by a Banter bee twice both times in a pool at night the later was The latest in the last night with 2 min left in the game world of Twitter #badtiming#knockonwood from USA Water Polo USA Water Polo ODP - @usawpODP - 32 degrees in Davis for Northern CA boys 10th grade & under evaluation camp!!! Athletes. Be sure to JP MacDonell - @jpmacdonell - Birthday in #calgary. follow them and Good win today against Brasil. follow us @USAWP.

6

MOrtgAge: $500 off closing costs plus .10% off the 15-year mortgage rate Official USA Water SAvingS: .25% premium on any term certificate of one year or longer Polo Sponsor LOAnS: .25% discount on any loan other than real estate, credit cards or lines of credit. www.seaairfcu.org This offer will expire June 30, 2013. To receive incentive, you must be a USAWP member.

Youth Savings Opportunities Sea Air FCU is proud of all Kirby Kangaroo – for kids our Olympic water polo athletes. CU Succeed – for teens Congratulations to the Women’s team for bringing home the gold!

Use your USAWP badge or membership card to open an account with us and Join our team and start saving today! we’ll match up to $50 of your deposit.* www.seaairfcu.org | 1-888-732-2471 800 Seal Beach Blvd., Bldg 12 | Seal Beach, CA 90740 *Account must be opened by 6/30/13.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations® Memorable vacations happen when you can relax and be yourself. Seize the moment with spacious villas and family-friendly amenities in exciting travel destinations.

Visit hiclubvacations.com or call (866) 214-5045 to make your reservation today.

orlando, FL | Brownsville, Vt Lake Geneva, WI | Myrtle Beach, SC Stay Gatlinburg, tN | Marco Island, FL Panama City Beach, FL | Las Vegas, NV Playful. Galveston, tX

Stay you.™ hiclubvacations.com 12-MRP-1024

Holiday Inn Club Vacations® resorts are independently owned and operated and are not owned or operated by the owner of the Holiday Inn brand or its parents or affiliates. Stay You.™ is a trademark of Six Continents Hotels, Inc. NIKE WATER POLO CAMPS 2013 Train with USA Olympians

• CO-ED CAMPS AND CLINICS OFFERED NATIONWIDE AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

• DIRECTED BY USA OLYMPIANS AND COLLEGE COACHES THAT PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDIVIDUALIZED COACHING FOR ASPIRING WATER POLO ATHLETES

• OVERNIGHT AND DAY CAMP OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL ABILITY LEVELS (AGES 8–18)

• POSITION SPECIFIC TRAINING FOR DRIVERS, SHOOTERS, GOALIES AND 2 METER O&D

• TEAM DISCOUNTS AND PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE

Call or visit our website for more details. 1-800-NIKE CAMP USSPORTSCAMPS.COM All rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its aliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps. WATER POLO TIMES News Briefs USA WATER POLO Marty Samuels Named Crown Awards Named Chief Operating Officer of Official Supplier to USA USA Water Polo Water Polo Marty Samuels, former president of Quiksilver Americas, has been named Crown Awards, an industry leader in the production of awards, trophies, chief operating officer of USA Water Polo. In this newly created position, and medals, has been named an official supplier to USA Water Polo. As Samuels will lead the high performance and membership programs of part of the agreement, Crown Awards will produce trophies, medals, and USA Water Polo. This includes membership growth, event management, awards associated with USA Water Polo National Championships, Hall club outreach, the USA Water Polo National Teams and their international of Fame induction ceremonies, and other events as needed. Additionally, performance, as well as the Olympic Development Program. as a licensee, Crown Awards will provide USA Water Polo-branded of- “Marty coming aboard ferings—at Crown Awards’ best prices— to USA Water Polo members represents an important and clubs for recognition items from Academic All-American and Junior evolutionary step in Olympic All-American programs, Sanctioned Events, Club Awards, and our organization,” said Zone Awards. To facilitate the sale of these licensed items, Crown Awards Christopher Ramsey, has published a custom Web portal (http://usawaterpolo.crownawards.com) CEO of USA Water accessible to USA Water Polo members Polo. “He has accom- and administrators. plished a great deal professionally, and he “USA Water Polo wants to use his experi- is excited to welcome Crown Awards to our partner community,” stated ence to give something CMO Jen Rottenberg. “They provide high-quality products, great custom- back to our sport. His er service, and the ability to customize to meet any need. We are pleased to focus will be on con- provide them a license to our marks in order to provide our members and tinuing our drive for clubs with products they will value at prices they can afford.” excellence, expanding USA Water Polo will promote the agreement with designated placements our positive and safe sport environment, and building ever greater member on usawaterpolo.org through various social media channels and in Skip- value. He has firsthand knowledge of our water polo community. He is a Shot magazine. In addition Crown Awards will have information avail- good man who will do great things.” able at event programs through public address announcements, as well as “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with Chris, the display booths at select USA Water Polo events. Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers at USA Water Polo to achieve our “Crown Awards is proud to be associated with USA Water Polo as its mission and goals for the sport,” said Samuels. “I have seen firsthand the exclusive awards company starting in 2013,” said Joseph SanGeorge, ac- incredible experiences and opportunities that water polo can present to count manager/special custom accounts, Crown Awards. our players. I look forward to using my experience in business and athlet- ics, and my energy and passion for the sport of water polo, to build and For more information or to place an order visit enhance the organization.” http://usawaterpolo.crownawards.com Most recently the CEO of Hybrid Apparel, Samuels spent 12 years at Qui- ksilver, rising from executive vice president of sales and national market- ing to president of Quiksilver Americas. In that role he oversaw product Liberty Mutual Insurance and licensing of a $1 billion division spanning North, Central, and South America, including the Caribbean. Prior to that he was an executive vice Named Official Insurance president of No Fear, tripling sales in one year, and a senior vice president of Miller’s Outpost. Company Partner of USA Samuels is no stranger to the water polo community and youth sports in general, having served as a volunteer for more than 20 years with Little Water Polo League , National Junior , USA Swimming, and USA Liberty Mutual Insurance, a diversified global insurer, has been named Water Polo. Married to his wife Elizabeth for more than 30 years, swim- the official insurance company partner of USA Water Polo. The agree- ming and water polo have always been an important part of the Samu- ment, which runs through 2016, is highlighted by the Liberty Mutual els family. His oldest daughter Angela completed a four-year career as Responsible Sports™ program, an online community that encourages a varsity swimmer at Loyola Marymount in 2008; his sons Albert and responsible youth coaching and sports parenting. USA Water Polo will Josh recently concluded four-year varsity runs at Loyola Marymount and promote the Responsible Sports™ program through a variety of channels, UCLA, respectively, with Josh spending time on various USA Water Polo including social media placements, weekly articles on usawaterpolo.org, National Teams. and branded content in each issue of SkipShot magazine. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Samuels has a degree in economics from “Liberty Mutual is a global leader in the insurance category and sets a Colgate University. positive example through its Responsible Sports™ Program,” said USA Water Polo CMO Jen Rottenberg. “At USA Water Polo, we consider ourselves leaders in the sport and believe it’s critical for us to provide a positive pathway for our athletes. Partnering with a company like Liberty Mutual Insurance helps us further our goals and benefits our entire sport.”

10 News Briefs WATER POLO TIMES

ResponsibleSports.com will provide water polo parents and coaches with valuable tools, including weekly tips, podcasts, and special content from Monmouth College (IL) the Positive Coaching Alliance. Member clubs of USA Water Polo also will be eligible to win community grants, awarded twice annually to qualified Moves to Varsity Status in Collegiate Water Polo The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) loses two club programs but gains a pair of varsity teams, as Monmouth College has officially been accepted as a varsity member in men’s and women’s water polo by the league’s board of directors. After years of competing in the sport at the club level, the longtime Crab People will move to varsity status and acquire the mascot of Monmouth, the Fighting Scots. clubs. In addition, USA Water Polo members will receive access to special offers and rates from Liberty Mutual Insurance. Monmouth, which will gain full varsity membership in the CWPA start- ing in the 2013-14 academic year, becomes the league’s first Midwestern “Community embodiment of sportsmanship and personal responsibility varsity member in men’s competition. is essential to provide an enriching youth sports environment,” said Julie Brassard, Liberty Mutual Insurance manager of sponsorships. “We value The men had competed in the Heartland Division as a collegiate club partners like USA Water Polo that share a similar passion for championing member of the CWPA and are the 2012 National Collegiate Club Division the positive life lessons taught through youth sports.” III Champions. Now they join the Southern Division-Western Region with Mercyhurst University, Gannon University, Notre Dame College, Wash- Liberty Mutual’s support of USA Water Polo and the Responsible Sports ington & Jefferson College, Penn State Behrend, and Salem International program is an example of the company’s commitment to youth and ama- University. Due to the distance between the institutions, Monmouth’s teur athletes. The company recently announced a four-year sponsorship admission to varsity status includes an exclusively “away game” caveat of Team USA, which designates Liberty Mutual Insurance as the Official during its time in the league. Property and Casualty and Life Insurance Partner of the 2014 and 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The Monmouth women’s program will join the CWPA Division III ranks with Carthage College, Connecticut College, Grove City College, Macalester College, Penn State Behrend, Utica College and Washington & Jefferson College beginning in the spring of 2014. “There aren’t many Division III teams in the ANNOUNCES entire nation,” explained Alex NAMED OFFICIAL OUTFITTING PARTNER de la Pena, the OF USA WATER POLO Scots’ swim coach and head of aquatic sports at Monmouth. “Before, if high school polo players wanted to continue the sport in college, for the most part they had to go to the East or West coasts,” he said. “With our addition of the sport, they can play college ball much closer to home.” While new to the sport at the varsity level, Monmouth is well-equipped to hit the ground running. Plans are already being made for competition this fall. “We’ll travel to tournaments every few weeks and face competition from all divisions,” reported de la Pena of the schedule. “Basically we’re a Division III program playing Division I and II teams, but we’re extremely excited for the challenge.” Monmouth will have a good foundation on which to face that challenge. A five-time Heartland Division champion in men’s competition (2008- 2012), Monmouth claimed the 2012 National Collegiate Club Division III Championship on November 3-4 at Middlebury (VT) College with a 12-11 sudden-death overtime victory against Washington University in Saint Louis. In addition, the club placed second in the 2009 Division III Na- tional Championship in to Tufts University and in 2010 to the University of California-Santa Cruz to rate as the most successful Division III men’s program over the last five seasons.

usawaterpolo.org 11 WATER POLO TIMES News Briefs USA WATER POLO

The women’s program has also been on the rise, as Monmouth consis- tently ranks among the upper echelon of programs in the Heartland Divi- Heather Moody Steps sion. The Scots, who remain known as Crab People for the remainder of the 2013 Women’s National Collegiate Club season, will seek to claim Down from National Team the program’s first women’s division championship in its final season of collegiate club competition. Coaching Duties Heather Moody, two-time Olympic Medalist and two-time Olympic “The elevation to a varsity sport for both the men’s and women’s water Medal winning coach, has stepped down from her post as assistant polo teams will put us in a great position to have a very strong aquatics coach of the USA Women’s Senior National Team and head coach of the program,” explained de la Pena. “Polo and swimming go hand-in-hand. USA Women’s Junior National Team. Moody departs to join the Ameri- We’re looking forward to the start of a tremendous program at Monmouth.” can River Water Polo Club of Sacramento, CA, where she will serve as The swimming and season will be sandwiched between the men’s Performance Director. water polo season in the fall and the women’s season in the spring, giv- “It was a very hard decision to make,” said Moody. “USA Water Polo has ing Monmouth’s aquatics student-athletes the opportunity to develop their given me so much as a player and as a coach. I will really miss working skills nearly year-round. with the athletes and staff that I have been with over the last 15 years-plus. Not only will Monmouth become one of the few schools in the nation to I am excited about the change and the move toward performance director offer both men’s and women’s water polo as varsity competition, but also at American River Water Polo Club. I owe a special thanks to the USA it will be one of only two Midwest Conference schools to offer 22 varsity Water Polo community for all the great years!” sports. Moody—inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in the summer It’s a decision that did not come overnight. “It has been in the works for of 2010—returned to USA Water Polo that same year after a two-year stint quite some time,” said Monmouth Director of Athletics Roger Haynes. at Long Beach State as an assistant coach. One of the dominant players “There were quite a few details to work out, and we wanted to make sure for Team USA in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Moody earned a Silver we offered the best possible opportunity for our student-athletes.” Medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and a Bronze Medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In 2005, Moody served as head coach of The opportunity also will present Monmouth to a wider base of high the Women’s Senior National Team, piloting the squad to a Silver Medal school students. Of the approximately 1,300 students at Monmouth, nearly at the FINA World Championships in Montreal. From there Moody was a third are involved in athletics, and more than 80 were named Academic an assistant coach for the Senior National Team, collaborating on a World All-Midwest Conference last season. Monmouth’s newest group of stu- Championship in 2007 in Melbourne and a Silver Medal at the 2008 dent-athletes is expected to add to the academic excellence of the varsity Olympic Games in Beijing. Most recently she helped coach the Team USA sports teams. women to their first-ever Olympic Gold Medal at the 2012 London Games. “Our water polo players have been very good students,” said Monmouth “It’s hard to put into words what Heather has meant to the USA Women’s President Mauri Ditzler. National Team during the last 15 years,” said , USA “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the student-athletes who have played for our Women’s National Team head coach. “She has a resume that is unmatched club teams,” he said. “They have enriched the academic environment on after having competed at the highest levels as an athlete, assistant coach, our campus and have gone on to launch impressive careers after graduat- and head coach. More importantly Heather is in it for all the right reasons ing. The discipline and leadership opportunities of competing are consis- and is a tremendous asset for our young athletes and coaches. I personally tent with our focus on active learning. I look forward to seeing both the can’t thank her enough for all that she did for our team over the last three men and women’s programs grow in the coming years. I am confident that years. American River WPC is fortunate to have her, and I know she will the students we recruit will be excellent scholar athletes.” do great things for them and for the sport of water polo in our country.” 2013 Fisher Cup US Open of Water Polo CALENDAR San Diego, CA Atherton, CA OF EVENTS May 18-19, 2013 July 19-21, 2013 Men’s and Women’s FINA Junior Olympics World League Prelims Orange County, CA Orange County, CA Session 1 - July 27-30, 2013 May 24-27, 2013 Session 2 - August 1-4, 2013 Masters Nationals Rock-tober PCA 12 & Under Championships Classic

Riverside, CA IRVINE, CA Denver, CO June 7-9, 2013 October 25-27, 2013

12 California Lutheran University All-American Water Polo Camp

AT CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY JUNE 19-23 & JULY 10-14 THOUSAND OAKS, CA Boys and Girls ages 12 to 17 Overnight and day camp options available Led by two-time Olympic Head Coach, , Four-time Olympian and Captain of back-to-back silver medals in 1984 and 1988. Considered one of the greatest to play the game. Merrill Moses, Two-time Olympian and silver medal winner in 2008. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. is a two-time Olympian, winning bronze medal in 2004 and gold in 2012. Camp Coaching staff includes Men and Women Collegiate All-Americans as well as Nationally recognized Collegiate Coaches.

For more information and to register, visit CLUsports.com/camps or call (805) 493-3400. Space is limited.

Terry Schroeder

Merrill Moses

Official training site for the2008 and 2012 Men’s Olympic Water Polo Team. Kelly Rulon ReCaps USA WATER POLO USA Water Polo Honors Great Efforts In 2012 With Annual Awards & Assembly USA Water Polo’s Annual Awards dinner took place January 19 at the LAX Crowne Plaza in Los Angeles in conjunction with the USA Water Polo Assembly. As established in 2010, the awards have been named in honor of those who’ve made an extraordinary contribution to the sport. Winners were chosen through a zone nomination process and then reviewed by a national selection panel.

Prior to the awards presentation, two mem- USA Water Polo Awards for 2012: in Western Water Polo action. For his efforts bers of the USA Water Polo community were Rodriguez was named Division III Coach of the honored: U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Monte Nitzkowski Distinguished Men’s Year for both men’s and women’s water polo. Team Gold Medalist Maggie Steffens for being named FINA Female Water Polo Athlete of the Coaching Award (Elite): Sandy Nitta Distinguished Women’s Year and her coach Adam Krikorian, who was Alex Rodriguez, Coaching Award (Elite): presented with the Order of Ikkos from the U.S. Pomona-Pitzer Colleges Olympic Committee. Dale Neuburger of FINA 2012 was a banner year for Rodriguez as he introduced Steffens and presented her with the Adam Krikorian, U.S. Olympic guided both the men and women of Pomona- honor. John Crawley of the USOC introduced Women’s Water Polo Team Pitzer to stellar seasons. Rodriguez piloted the Krikorian. Steffens and her teammate, four- It doesn’t get much better for a coach in the world women’s squad to a SCIAC title and a trip to the time Olympic Medalist Brenda Villa, presented of water polo than it did in 2012 for Krikorian. NCAA Championship where it was stopped by Krikorian with his medal. (The Order of Ikkos Already with a World Championship, World eventual champion Stanford. The NCAA berth honors head coaches who’ve guided their teams Cup, and titles on his marked the fourth trip in Rodriguez’s tenure. to Olympic Medals.) resume since taking over the Women’s National Last fall success continued during the men’s Team in 2009, Krikorian added the ultimate— (l-r) The USOC’s John Crawley joins Olympians season as the Sagehens went 8-0 in SCIAC play, an Olympic Gold Medal. After coming close in Brenda Villa and Maggie Steffens along with their sharing the conference title while finishing fifth three prior visits to the Olympics, 2012 marked Head Coach Adam Krikorian (wearing medal). the first Gold Medal for the women’s program and capped a run by Krikorian that saw Gold in seven of his first eight FINA Championships. Along with the Olympic Gold, he added his fourth straight Gold in the FINA World League Super Final in the summer of 2012.

Bill Barnett Distinguished Men’s Coaching Award (Scholastic): Bob Greene, Serra HS/Golden State Aquatics In his 22nd year as a head coach, Greene showed no signs of slowing in 2012, continuing an ex- cellent run with the Serra High School Padres. Since taking over the Padres in 2004, Greene has guided the team to the state playoffs the last eight years, reaching the semifinals and finals four times, respectively. Greene’s teams have produced eight All-Americans and a bevy of

14 ReCaps USA Water Polo Honors Great Efforts In 2012 With Annual Awards & Assembly

all photos by Mai Lam A group shot of all the honorees from this year’s Annual Awards dinner held in Los Angeles.

collegiate competitors. On the club level Greene Florida water polo scene for many years—and Bret Bernard Distinguished founded Burlingame Aquatics in 1999 and 2012 was no different. As coach for the South Referee Award (Elite): Golden State Aquatics in 2004. An advocate of Florida Water Polo Club, Goldenberg—along the true student-athlete experience, his clubs with fellow coaches Jorge Montero and Elina Steve Rotsart have routinely sent teams to the Junior Olym- Goldenberg—guided the 14U, 16U, and 18U Fresh off an appearance at the 2012 London pics while also earning Academic All-American boys to first place at the Sunshine State Games. Olympic Games as referee representing the USA, honors. The 16U boys also took first place at the South Rotsart has brought a wealth of experience and Florida International Tournament, the South- knowledge to the craft; this has propelled him east Zone League Tournament, as well as ninth Doc Hunkler Distinguished Women’s to top-level international referee appointments place at the SwimOutlet.com Junior Olympics. and balanced his schedule with a truly amazing Coaching Award (Scholastic): The 14U and 18U boys also grabbed second in dedication to the training, growth, and devel- the Southeast Zone League. Goldenberg also Sam Bailey, opment of American officials. Rotsart also has coached the St. Thomas Aquinas boys to a sec- gained the respect of both referees and delegates Corona del Mar High School ond-place mark at the Florida High School State worldwide and is a key force in the development Since being named head coach of the Corona del Championships. of both international and domestic referee as- Mar High School girl’s water polo team in 2010, sociations. Called upon to officiate at the high- Bailey has been a driving force in making the Sea Brent Bohlender Distinguished Women’s est levels of both international and collegiate Queens one of Orange County’s elite programs. matches, Rotsart continues an unparalleled s There was no better evidence than in 2012 when Coaching Award (Developmental): dedication to the growth and development of Bailey led CDM to a second place finish at the Todd Halvorson, 680 Drivers the sport among elite referees—and for that we CIF-SS Division 1 Finals. He followed that with a are grateful. California State High School Championship last Between 2003 and 2007, Halvorson led Monte summer. His impact on the community also is Vista High School to four North Coast Section evident, as Bailey recently launched a girls-only titles while taking on a key role in Northern Tom Hermstad Distinguished Referee water polo club that has grown to more than 35 California’s ODP scene. In recent years he has Award (Scholastic): age-group athletes. A three-time NCAA cham- maintained his role in ODP while transitioning pion in his UCLA playing days, Bailey spends to the club scene with the 680 Drivers. Halvor- Levon Dermendjian his spare time leading the service organization, son has guided the 12U and 14U girls of the 680 A “behind the scenes” kind of referee through- Eco Surf Volunteers. Drivers to top-five and top-ten finishes at Junior out his career, Dermendjian’s tremendous suc- Olympics the last three years. He continued that cess is due in large part to his “just show up and run of success last fall when the 14U girls took ref” attitude. Continuously he has given hours Ted Newland Distinguished Men’s home Bronze at the TURBO Champions Cup. and resources to afford himself as much experi- Coaching Award (Developmental): Halvorson was honored in 2006 as USA Water ence as possible in the interest of professional Polo’s Volunteer Coach of the Year. development. In 2012 Dermendjian was asked Michael Goldenberg, South to officiate his first MPSF Tournament at USC. Florida Water Polo He also wore the whites for USA Men’s National Aside from being a highly rated international Team matches—one versus Italy and the other referee, Goldenberg has been a top coach in the against . He also has worked tirelessly usawaterpolo.org 15 ReCaps USA WATER POLO

Annual Awards (continued)

Coaches from the SOCAL Water Polo Club pose Masters Chairman and award namesake Guest lecturer Sandro Campagna (r) with the Chairman’s Cup. Bryan Weaver presents Jennie White with demonstrates technique with Marco Palazzo. Female Master of the Year Award.

in his zone and nationally to develop and train make the club a destination in the community, Technical Service Award: newer referees while maintaining a full sched- serving more than 70 schools in the Pasadena ule of officiating games at the highest level. Our area while hosting such events as the Junior Richard Foster, FINA TWPC thanks and congratulations to Levon—he has a Olympics and National Team competitions. As Dedicating his life to aquatics, and more spe- very bright future ahead of him. secretary of the Coastal California Zone Board, cifically water polo, Foster started his collegiate Ramirez has enhanced the zone’s communica- days as a member of the Long Beach State Water tions efforts both internally and externally while Polo Team three decades ago. A board member Aaron Chaney Distinguished Referee volunteering in a variety of other facets in the and volunteer for USA Water Polo since 1981, Award (Developmental): water polo community, including photography Foster served for many years as general counsel and fundraising. before two separate six-year terms as USAWP Justin Nicholas president. A member of the USA Water Polo The epitome of what a developmental referee is all Hall of Fame, Foster also was given the Paragon about, Nicholas possesses a true passion for the Burke/Ratkovic Zone Service Award: Award by the International Swimming Hall of game and has over and over again given his time Sean Green, Fame for his contributions to the game. Since and resources to better his performance. He has 2009 Foster has served as vice president of the traveled at his own expense to many events in Pacific Southwest Zone FINA Technical Water Polo Committee, one of the interest of his own professional development He may have stepped down as chair of the Pa- the highest posts in international water polo. In and has been a key factor for the development cific Southwest Zone in 2012, but not before past years he served as president of both ASUA of the game, not only in his home zone but also leaving it in remarkably better shape than he and USAS, continental and domestic aquatic nationally. In 2012 Nicholas whistled the Gold found it. During his four-year term, Green governance bodies, while also spending four Medal match of the Rock-tober PCA 12 & Under established a functioning zone board to help years on the board of the U.S. Olympic Commit- Classic. In addition he was called on to work the run qualification tournaments, leagues, and tee. A noted author, profiling the life and times Texas High School State Championships and the events more efficiently. He also implemented a of Olympic swimming champion , Commerce Tourney last summer. zone-wide women’s referee initiative, fostering these days Foster heads the Law Office of Rich- referee equality at all age groups. That directive ard J. Foster in his 32nd year of practice. was part of a larger goal to increase female par- Barbara Kalbus Distinguished ticipation in the zone among coaches, officials, VolunteeR Award: and athletes. Green also was very successful in Lifetime Service Award: turning around the financial state of the zone, C.J. Ramirez, reducing deficits and installing sound account- James Stuart, San Diego Shores The greater San Diego area and the water polo Rose Bowl Water Polo Club and ing procedures. A longtime water polo coach for world at large bid farewell to Stuart who passed many San Diego area clubs and schools, Green Coastal California Zone away in 2012. There are few areas in the game Ramirez is recognized for his dedication to the remains active in the game as a USA Water Polo of water polo where he did not excel. An All- growth and success of the Rose Bowl Water official and member of the Del Mar Water Polo American at El Segundo High School, Stuart Polo Club and the Coastal California Zone. A Club Board of Directors. was a CIF Player of the Year before moving on longtime board member and past president at to compete collegiately at USC and Cuesta Col- Rose Bowl WPC, Ramirez has been a driving lege. A member of the Junior National Team, force in increasing membership from 47 mem- he played professionally in Australia and com- bers to more than 200, not including a recently peted domestically for San Diego Shores. He left launched Splashball program. He has helped

16 ReCaps

all photos by Mai Lam

Assembly attendees heard presentations from Positive Coaching Alliance CEO Jim Thompson was the Sean Green is presented the Burke/Ratkovic every department of USA Water Polo. keynote speaker at the USA Water Polo Assembly. Zone Service Award by Andy Burke.

perhaps his greatest mark outside the pool, as winner of the annual match between Fordham ties domestically and internationally. A graduate a coach. A longtime member of the San Diego and Iona. of Stanford University she matriculated through Shores and OMBAC Masters coaching staffs, higher education in an era before gender equal- Stuart helped mold some of the top talent in ity in athletics. It is that memory—as well as the the collegiate game over the last two decades, Bryan Weaver Male opportunity she embraced 13 years ago—that including Olympians Kathy “Gubba” Sheehy Master of the Year Award: makes her forever grateful she was introduced to and Kelly Rulon. Known as a genuine, kind, the sport of water polo. even-tempered coach, Stuart mentored count- Gary Becker, less other athletes from Masters All-Americans Old Mission Bay Water Polo Club to age-group rising stars. Earlier in his career Becker has been an instrumental part of Mas- USA Water Polo Chairman’s Cup: Stuart piloted the San Diego State women’s club ters water polo for many years, and 2012 was SOCAL Water Polo no different. Always a key factor in facilitating team into varsity status while helping the squad Taking top honors for the fourth year in a row, Masters-level playing opportunities—especially to a second-place finish at the club national SOCAL’s entire program won accolades at the in his home area of San Diego—Becker took championships in 1993. Considered a pioneer highest levels in both genders. The 12U boys and his love of Masters water polo to new heights among the Aztec faithful, they have dedicated girls won Gold at the SwimOutlet.com Junior last summer. Competing for Old Mission Bay, the upcoming season in his honor. Olympics. The 16U boys took Silver, and the 14U Becker played in every age group from 20+ boys, 16U girls, and 18U girls all earned Bronze. through 60+. At the conclusion of his epic week- Three other SOCAL squads turned in top-ten Lifetime Service Award: end, Becker came home with a Bronze in the performances at the Junior Olympics, leaving 55+ division and a Silver in the 60+ division. On Dr. Francis Judge, the Tustin, CA-based club as one of the most playing in every division available, Becker said, well-rounded squads at the world’s largest water NYAC and Fordham University “It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you can still polo tournament. SOCAL added a Bronze medal The water polo community mourned the loss play water polo, enjoy it and have fun.” of a pioneer in east coast and collegiate water at the women’s U.S. Open of Water Polo and top- polo when Dr. Judge passed away in 2012. As five finishes for the boys and girls at the TURBO an undergrad, Judge brought water polo back to Bryan Weaver Female Champions Cup last fall. Fordham University in 1949, serving as player/ Master of the Year Award: coach for his four years at Rose Hill, posting a Distinguished Service Award: 9-5 record. He cemented the foundation of a Jennie White, Oakland Water Polo program that saw his son, Christopher, play and She may not have grown up playing water polo, F. Edward Reynolds, Jr coach at Fordham and his grandson, Alex, com- but now White couldn’t imagine life without it. A member of the USA Water Polo Board of pete for the Rams in 2012. As a member of the At the urging of teammate Megan Hernandez, Directors since 2006, Reynolds will step down New York Athletic Club, Judge won two national White took up water polo at the age of 50 for in 2013. An active member of the water polo championships and took part in the 1952 Olym- the Oakland Water Polo Team. Part of the first community serving as a long-time coach for the pic Trials. In 1975 he founded the Hudson Val- women’s team to compete at the Masters Na- SOCAL Water Polo Foundation, Reynolds also ley Water Polo Club to promote the sport in the tionals in 2001, White and her squad took home is a California Registered Civil Engineer and metropolitan area. That first year Gold. In later years White joined the SODA president of The Reynolds Group (TRG), a com- the squad included three of his sons (Greg, Matt, Moms, coached by Andrew Morris, winning pany that restores the earth and potable ground- and Ray) who would go on to play for the Iona Gold at the 2006 FINA World Masters at Stan- water. He serves on other Boards of Directors for College Gaels. In 2012 the Dr. Francis X. Judge ford and Silver at the 2012 FINA World Masters church, sports, and educational institutions. Memorial Cup was established, awarded to the in Italy. A member of the Masters Committee, White has helped teams find playing opportuni- usawaterpolo.org 17 ReCaps USA WATER POLO

photos courtesy Stanford R. Schwimer M.D. Mission Accomplished: USA Men Qualify For 2013 World Championships The USA Men’s Senior National Team recently 2013 USA Men’s Qualification took a small step in erasing the sting of an eighth-place finish at the 2012 Olympic Games Tournament Roster in London, England. , Goalkeeper (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/NYAC) Andy Stevens, Goalkeeper (Villa Park, CA/LMU/NYAC) Team USA earned a Silver Medal at the UANA World Aquatic Champi- , Center (Long Beach, CA/UC-Irvine/Newport WPF) onship Qualification Tournament in Calgary, Canada, in February—and Tommy Corcoran, Center (Coronado, CA/USC/Olympic Club) claimed a berth in the 2013 FINA World Championships set for this sum- , Defender (Coronado, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) mer in Barcelona, Spain. , Utility (San Luis Obispo, CA/UC-Irvine/Newport WPF) For Team USA, playing in the tourney was humbling—the squad’s disap- Alex Bowen, Attacker (Santee, CA/Stanford/Stanford) pointing show in London necessitated a qualification effort in Calgary just Griffin Lerman, Defender (Monte Sereno, CA/UC-Irvine/Newport WPF) to reach Barcelona. Jeffrey Schwimer, Center (Beverly Hills, CA/Stanford/NYAC) But under the leadership of interim Head Coach Jovan Vavic, Team USA Nikola Vavic, Attacker (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA/USC/Trojan WP) posted a 3-2 record on its way to earning a Silver Medal. Bret Bonanni, Attacker (Huntington Beach, CA/Stanford/Stanford) JP MacDonell, Attacker (Redwood City, CA/Pepperdine/Olympic Club) The United States opened the tourney by taking on the host—the Ca- Scott Davidson, Attacker (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/NYAC) nadian National Team—and was defeated 10-6. Despite two goals from Scott Davidson, the Americans were no match for Canada. But Team USA Interim Head Coach: Jovan Vavic rebounded nicely with consecutive victories to close out preliminary play, Interim Assistant . Coaches: Marc Hunt, Marko Pintaric topping Brazil 14-2 and Argentina 13-3. Nikola Vavic posted six goals in Team Manager: Rick McKee the two victories, setting up a semifinal match against Argentina. The showdown with Argentina was the most crucial of the tournament. 2013 UANA World Aquatic A win would mean Team USA gets no worse than a second-place finish and thus a qualification for the World Championships. But a loss would Championship Qualification mean the United States would play for the Bronze Medal—and no chance of qualifying for the year’s biggest tournament. Tournament Results While Argentina showed up for its second-straight match against the U.S. 1/30 - USA v . Canada (Canada Wins 10-6) more determined, it was no match for the Americans. Davidson scored 1/30 - Brazil v . Argentina (Argentina Wins 8-5) three goals while Alex Bowen, JP MacDonell, and Jesse Smith scored twice 1/31 - Argentina v . Brazil (Canada Wins 11-3) each to pace the United States. It was close in the first period before the 1/31 - USA v . Brazil (USA Wins 14-2) United States built a 7-4 lead and then pulled away in the second half for 2/1 - Brazil v . Canada (Canada Wins 14-7) a 15-8 victory. 2/1 - USA v . Argentina (USA Wins 13-3) 2/2 Semifinals - Canada v . Brazil (Canada Wins 7-6) “With this win we qualified for World Championships,” said Vavic after 2/2 Semifinals - USA v . Argentina (USA Wins 15-8) the match. “It was a huge feeling of relief to do this. The guys played well, 2/3 Bronze Medal Match - Argentina v . Brazil (Brazil Wins 10-6) and everyone on this team contributed.” 2/3 Gold Medal Match - USA v . Canada (Canada Wins 6-5) The next day brought a rematch with the Canadians with a Gold Medal on the line. The United States once again started off slowly, falling behind 4-1. They began to rally and closed to the score to 4-3 midway through the third period. But that was as close as the Americans would get, as Canada rebuilt a two-goal advantage, 6-4. In the final period, the United States defense did the job, keeping Canada off the board, but the U.S. offense was unable to muster more than one goal, ultimately falling 6-5. Despite losing twice to Canada, Team USA accomplished its most impor- tant goal—reaching the FINA World Championships. The squad will look to improve upon its sixth-place finish from the 2011 edition in Shanghai, China, when the action begins July 22.

18 Join the Cap Campaign Create your own images. Show off you & your Cap in unexpected places. In unexpected ways.

Upload your photos to our gallery at www.facebook.com/usawp. Encourage others to do the same. Share with your friends. Spread the word. Vote for your favorites. The photos with the most votes will be featured right here in Skip Shot magazine.

Check out our most recent winners! >>>> December 2012 Sarah Smith

<<<< January 2013 Evan Varosh

>>>> February 2013 Hillie Hedgecock 300+ HOURS OF USE 100% Chlorine-Proof 100% Color-Fastness Durable, Flexible, Comfortable

AMANDA WEIR 3X OLYMPIC MEDALIST

SWIM STRONG. NEVER FADE.

Expanding on TYR’s prior polyester fabric technology, our R&D team created the most durable and flexible textile possible. Featuring a high denier poly fiber and innovative circular knit construction, the new blend of 94/6 combines the strength and colorfastness of polyester with the comfort of spandex. Maggie Steffens scored a record 21 Steffens deferred her entrance to Stanford University until goals at the 2012 Olympic Games, leading the U.S. Olympic after the Olympics so that she could train with the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team to its first-ever Gold Medal. National Team. As a freshman she may help the Cardinals Steffens scored five goals in the Gold Medal match, an win its third consecutive NCAA tournament this spring. 8-5 victory over Spain, playing alongside her older sister Steffens was named Best Female Water Polo Player of 2012 Jessica. Steffens was named the most valuable player of by FINA and 2012 Female Water Polo Player of the Year by the Olympic tournament. Swimming World Magazine. In addition, she was named Maggie, just 19, was the youngest member of the USA a semi-finalist for the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award in squad in London, yet she set Olympic records for most March, honoring the top amateur athletes in the United goals in a tournament, most goals in an Olympic debut, States. Next up for Steffens and Team USA is the FINA and tied the record for most goals in a single Olympic World League Super Final this spring followed by the 2013 match (seven in the first match, a victory over Hungary). FINA World Championships in Barcelona in July. “I always dreamed of being the best at whatever I did,” FINA Aquatics World Magazine asked Steffens Steffens said. “That’s just how my dad raised me. He told about her Olympic summer: Olympic me ‘always strive to be amongst the best’ and ‘always When you sat and watched your sister and the U.S. Olympic represent your last name.’ To know that my dream has women’s team play for the Gold Medal in Beijing, actually come true, wow.. I do have to pinch myself. But did you really believe that you would be on the team Gold my teammates and the girls I play against internationally competing in London, or was that just something you Gold are who I have learned from and helped me become the dreamed about? player I am. I consider them the best in the world.” I think that if you really dream something and you really Just The Steffens family tree has water polo caps aplenty want it, you have to believe it can happen. And I think hanging from its branches. Maggie’s father Carlos was a that’s where I was at during that moment. I had no idea three-time All-American at the University of California that it would happen four years later, but I was dreaming, The who led the Bears to the 1977 NCAA title. Her uncle played hoping and believing that I would be an Olympian for the U.S. national men’s team. Her brother Charlie and someday. It was easy to see myself competing for a future sister Teresa also played water polo for Cal. Four years ago, Olympics when I was in the atmosphere that I was in Start 15-year-old Maggie sat in the stands watching Jessica Beijing and when I had so much passion for the 2008 team. play for the Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing. The U.S. team What did you do following the 2008 Olympics to lost that match, collecting its third Olympic medal, but it prepare yourself to be a member of the team that For inspired the youngest member of the family. For would play in London? Last summer the U.S. team won the FINA World League I worked hard. I dreamed. And I set goals for myself. I Super Final for the third straight year; Steffens’ 11 goals surrounded myself with positive, motivational people Rising led the team. She also helped the U.S. clinch the 2011 and set forth to challenge myself. I had no idea what was FINA World League Super Final. In the 2011 Pan American to come, but I willed it to come; I wanted to be a part of Games, she scored the winning goal in the shootout of the Team USA soooo bad. In 2009, I went to Junior Worlds Star final match, as the U.S. defeated Canada, qualifying for its and that was what really kick-started my road, I believe. fourth consecutive appearance in the Olympics. I was able to get a taste of playing for our anthem at a Named Steffens joined the U.S. national water polo team in 2010, bigger tournament, and I never wanted to let it go. I did helping the Americans win the FINA World Cup and the everything I could to make sure that I could and would be FINA World League Super Final that year. She scored the at my best to give myself the best opportunity. winning goal against Australia in the final match of the Steffens Was it an easy decision for you to postpone your Super Final. By Greg Eggert freshman year at Stanford to play with the U.S. U.S. Olympic Coach Adam Krikorian praised his best player: National Team? “As much of the world may have been stunned with what Actually, no. I knew that no matter what I was going to they saw Maggie do at the Olympic Games, it certainly postpone it if asked; I mean how could I refuse!? But it wasn’t a surprise to those who saw her on a daily basis. was still hard knowing that I was going to have to put But it’s important to note that although she was brilliant, school and even friends on hold for a year. It wasn’t as hard Maggie also was the product of talented and supportive deferring Stanford as it was leaving high school early to teammates around her daily. From the time she started train. After this whole experience, I really appreciate being with us in 2009, she has been an absolute joy to coach. 19 and even going to school every day! Overall, just getting And she still has much room to grow and improve. That the opportunity to be an Olympian was worth anything said, her future success will depend on her health, her that was in my way, such as postponing Stanford. work ethic, her teammates, her respect for the game, and despite all the honors, she must continue to carry herself with the humility she began this journey with.”

20 When Australia scored in the semifinal game to force where I was the most critical to our team; I brought energy big as the Olympics, you need to have a fire in your heart, your team into overtime, was there any panic on the and heart and fun. Once the whistle blew, I was just playing and that fire comes from what you want most—to be an part of the team? my game like I was 12 years old again. Our team was very Olympic Champion. I hope to be in Rio no doubt, but there balanced with veterans and rookies, and we all brought a is still a lot that needs to be done before that happens. I Just thinking of that moment gives me the chills and puts little something to the mix. I think that everyone’s little still need to play my first collegiate season, we still need to a smile on my face. Thinking about it makes me want niche was critical to our success, and mine was just making qualify, and I still need to make the next Olympics team. The to go run a mile or something! Honestly though, there sure we went out there and played our game, had fun, and future is unknown, but I can start just like I did four years wasn’t much panic. I remember almost laughing to myself, played with heart and spirit. I’m still in shock sometimes ago, with a dream. thinking “and it happens again” referring back to our Pan thinking about how I am even answering these questions Am final. Our team had been through this before, and This article was originally printed in FINA Aquatics Magazine. right now for the accomplishments of this year. It’s there’s the key word, “TEAM.” In our hearts, we were the humbling. Incredible. better “team” as a whole, and we believed in each other like no other team did. That was what we had to our advantage: When you hear people say things like “she’s the best no matter what a team or ref or game threw at us, we could player in the world,” do you sometimes pinch yourself handle it together. So when we came together at the side of and ask “are they talking about me?” the pool for overtime, we came in a circle, and we knew we I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to call myself “the best wouldn’t break. player in the world” because the game and players are ever- Was this a critical “take charge moment” for you? changing, and no one can ever stop learning and getting better; but for now, it definitely puts a smile on my face and For me, it was just another part of the game, just a little pushes me to keep going, keep getting better. It’s crazy to more exciting! I remember coming to the side of the pool, think how if you really dream something, want something, and our coach didn’t have to say a word. We all got into it can happen. a circle and just stared at each other. I said, “This has happened to us before, we know what to do. NOTHING will Next month your season at Stanford will begin, and you break us, nothing will break our circle.” It was a powerful are joining a team that already won back-to-back NCAA moment for our team, we all had the fire in our eyes, and championships. What can you expect to contribute we knew we would fight for each other. And that is exactly to this Cardinal team in 2013?(Editor’s Note - This what I was going to do. Pressure situations are scary, and interview was conducted before the start of the 2013 no doubt, they scare me, but when you’re with a team that collegiate season) I was with in that game, pressure situations seem fun. I I hope to bring my game to the team, and just some new wanted the ball, and I wanted to take the chance to win, for energy and play. There is still a lot I need to learn about how my team, for my coach, for our country. Stanford plays and how our 2013 team will play together, You led scoring in the entire Olympic tournament with but I believe we are going to have a lot of fun. I am excited 21 goals, a record not only for a rookie Olympian, but to play with some new girls and finally get to play some a record number of goals in the Olympics. When did it college polo. The collegiate game is definitely very different finally sink in just what you had accomplished and how than international play, so I and Mel (Seidemann) and critical you were to this team’s success? Anni (Dries) will have to adjust, but I’m looking forward to playing in the Stanford pool and hopefully playing the last I don’t think it totally has yet. I didn’t realize that I had game of the season. scored so much until the reporters were asking me “how it felt to score 21 goals?” When I play, I play the game. I don’t Have you already set a goal for you and your play the stats, I don’t play for media… I play water polo, teammates to repeat in Rio? or at least I try to. And oddly, although it was the biggest GOLD. Dream Big, right? Who knows what will happen in stage, the Olympics were where I played my best water the next four years, who will still be playing, or who will polo, just straight up, back yard, having fun. I think that’s make the team? But when you’re going for something as

usawaterpolo.org 21 USAWaterPolo.org USA Water Polo has partnered with CBS Interactive to launch a totally revamped USAWaterPolo.org. Find everything you need to know from important membership information to bios on your favorite Olympians. Check out interactive polls, photo galleries, a digital Hall of Fame and a full video archive. The site is integrated with all of our social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube so be sure to spread the word. With a new website there will be adjustments as we all get acclimated to the new interface. If you find something out of a place, a broken link, or other errors just let us know by sending an email to [email protected]. We hope you enjoy the new website, thanks for visiting.

22

Join USA Water Polo for the 2013 Masters Nationals and Inaugural 2013 Masters Festival

JuneIRVINE, 7-9, CA 2013 • Riverside, CA Masters water polo provides play opportunities Masters Festival: for athletes ages 18-80. In addition to the • YOLO Division - Standard Beach Rules, 2013 Masters National Championships, USAWP 20 yd courses with small goals, Size 4 ball, and the Masters Water Polo Community has 5 on 5 (4 field + goalie). created the Masters Festival; a fun, relaxed • Inner-tube Division - Four 8 minutes periods; and social water polo tournament. 2 minute breaks, 25 yd course, 7 on 7 (6 field + • Riverside Aquatics Center (at Riverside goalie), Women’s goals worth 2 points . Community College) will play host to Masters Nationals and the Masters Festival. Entry Fee: • Average Temperature in Riverside in June - 81°F. Masters Nationals – $700 • The Masters social will be held on Friday, June 7 Requires Gold Membership at the Old Spaghetti Factory. A pasta feed and free alcoholic beverages will be provided for Masters Festival – $500 all athletes participating in either tournament Silver Membership or higher (alcoholic beverages are for athletes 21 & over). Entry Deadline: Questions? Call: 714-500-5501 May 17, 2013 Email: [email protected] Roster Deadline: Register now at www.usawaterpolo.org May 24, 2013

PERFORM AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME no matter what tm

electrolyte enhanced. alKaline suPercharGed.tm

www.aquahydrate.com For sales inFormation on aquahydrate contact: [email protected] AmericanPistachios.org The Water Polo Scene

Above: Olympic Gold Medalist was joined by Olympians Erin Cafaro, Susan Above: Attendees of the 2012 Girls Francia, and Rulon Gardner visiting troops in ODP Holiday Camp. Afghanistan. Below: The first place winners of the Snowball Classic from the Left: Petri visited Uganda with ODP Holiday Camp in December. Right To Play, a global organi- zation empowering children to overcome adversity.

Below: Former Orlando Magic Coach and NBCSN Broadcaster Stan Van Gundy caught some water polo in Oveido, FL. Seen Right: ODP 10th grade - here with USAWP’s Nick Gaffey. Coastal Red took home first place at the ODP Boys’ Pacific Coast Championship in San Diego this past February.

26 photos courtesy of James Lathrop/Erika Figge/Nick Gaffey/Heather Petri Arizona State Women’s Water Polo, with Amanda Young Tempe, AZ – March 2, 2013

8:00am: The morning is beautiful. The sky is clear, and the 9:30 AM sun is pleasantly warming my skin as I finish my game-day breakfast of peanut butter toast and a fruit smoothie. All I keep thinking is that UCLA is in for a rude awakening today!

9:30am: We finish the wake-up swim, and the mood is insane. Everyone gets in, early even, and we’re all in the zone.

I’m back at Mona Plumber Aquatic Center, and it’s 11:15am: 11:55 AM almost time to meet in the Devil room to start the pregame talk. I am the first to show up, but it’s only because I’m 30 minutes early.

11:55am: (Head Coach) Todd’s (Clapper) pre-game pep talk works; all the ladies are excited and raring to go, but our warm-up 12:00 PM rituals are extremely different from most teams. In the beginning we’re just jumping and swinging our arms and legs to loosen up, but soon enough we have a huge circle with players switching between showing off their dance moves and stretching.

1:35pm: It isn’t the start we wanted on defense and we are down 4-2 at halftime. Todd has the perfect halftime speech ready 1:35 PM for us: We knew going into this game that it would be a fight, he said, but now is the time to push hard and really show that we want to win. “We knew going into this game that it would be a fight,” he said. “But now is the time to push hard and really show that we want to win. We have half a game left, and then we’re done ‘til Monday! PUSH the counter; TIGHTEN the defense, and WE WILL WIN!” 2:00 PM 1:45pm: This seems to work. We counter the Bruins all through the third quarter and tie it 5-5 by the end of the period. 3:00 PM 2:00pm: I play my fair share throughout the game, but what I’ll always remember is the intensity of the last four minutes. We all play hard, and the game is called. We win 7-6, and the Bruins didn’t even get off a last shot.

3:00pm: The feeling is euphoric. After a cheer for UCLA and the good-game handshakes, we can’t contain our excitement. All I remember is screaming and hugging everyone! It’s perfect be- fore going into the Devil room for our post-game talk and giving a shout out to our incredible fans. I didn’t see it, but I heard Todd’s eyes even watered a little bit with pride!! usawaterpolo.org 27 It Takes Hearts of Gold to Take Home the Gold. CONGRATULATIONS!

Athleta_SkipShot_3.9375x5.1875_September_2012.indd 1 9/4/12 4:55 PM Colorado Time Systems is pleased to announce the introduction of a completely wireless timing and scoring solution for water polo. The portable scoreboard can be moved within your facility to accomodate the best viewing for your audience (caddy sold separately). Game and shot time are displayed in an all-new ruggedized polyethylene molded plastic enclosure. All components are controlled with a 2.4GHz wireless controller.

WATER POLO CLOCK – 10” LED digits display shot time, 5” LED digits display game time – Integrated horn – performs separate shot and game tones – Integrated batteries

SCOREBOARD – Molded plastic handle for ease of portability – 10” LED digits display game time and home/guest scores – 7” LED digits display period – Integrated horn – performs separate shot and game tones – Integrated batteries

WIRELESS – 2.4GHz wireless

Call us today to get additional information and be the first in line to receive this exciting solution. www.coloradotime.com 1551 E 11th St. | Loveland, CO 80537 800.279.0111 | 970.667.1000

Colorado Time Systems is proud to be the Official Timing & Scoring Partner of ER POLO FROM THE DECK USA WAT Shooting For College— by Angela Kraus Frequently Asked Questions Since my first article appeared in the summer 2011 issue of SkipShot, some 5. I’m a club/competitive swimmer and of you have accepted my open invitation to call or write with questions aris- water polo player. How can I balance ing from or expanding on topics covered in previous issues of SkipShot. I both sports—and which sport gives me welcome the opportunity to communicate with readers directly. So I thought the best chance of college recruitment? that in this issue, I’d share some of the most frequently asked questions—and Obviously swimming is a big part of water polo, so water polo coaches my answers—with you. generally support swimming. Most water polo players swim for their high 1. Can a water polo coach get school teams, and most water polo club coaches accommodate major swim me into college? meets, etc. Typically off-season water polo tournaments and games are No. College coaches can support prospective student-athletes in the course scheduled around league, regional, and sectional swim meets. (Although of the college admissions process, but only an authorized representative of a my experience is that water polo coaches are more understanding and ac- college admissions office can offer you admission. commodating than swim coaches, whom I’ve observed largely believe water Even though an athlete may have a clear first choice for a school and be polo ruins swimmers’ strokes.) conducting productive discussions with a coach at that school, it’s impor- If water polo is your priority, you have to consider committing to water polo tant to cultivate viable back-ups to avoid missing out on other opportunities and swimming with the high school swim team. There have been water polo until receiving a written admission offer. (Along those lines, it’s okay to ask players who excelled in swimming, but they only practiced with their high coaches what help, if any, they can offer with the admissions process.) school swim teams. It really depends on the coaches and also on which sport you want to focus. Choosing which sport to pursue in college is totally up 2. If I’m a really good water polo player, do to you. Swimming is dictated by times, so it’s easy for a coach to objectively my grades and test scores even matter? determine if and where a swimmer ranks relative to other swimmers in an Absolutely. The better an athlete’s academic profile, the more college -op event—and thus if said swimmer is a desirable recruiting prospect. Water portunities will be available. If the athlete’s academic performance fits the polo is more subjective, and a coach may see development potential that’s school’s academic profile, that college’s water polo coach can make a more less quantifiable (e.g., height, strength, coming from a good high school/ credible argument to the admissions committee that said student-athlete club program, playing well in very competitive events, etc.) and be willing will successfully manage the demands of school and sport. So, yes, it’s really to promote a player. I’m aware of several water polo players who excelled in important to study hard and do your best in your classes—try to get as many swimming and water polo and were jointly recruited to their colleges by the As and Bs as possible. If you’re interested in a highly selective school, your swim and water polo coaches and participated in both sports. As a practical transcript should not include any Cs. Select courses carefully—don’t take matter, you will have to make a choice in order to be recruited by either the honors, AP, or IB courses for the sake of taking them, especially if they’re swim coach or water polo coach. Although this is very rare, I’m aware of likely to result in C’s. You’re better off taking regular courses and earning As several water polo players who excelled in swimming and water polo play- and Bs. Take seriously your standardized test preparation in order to get the ers who arrived at college as swimmers—and gave up swimming to pursue best results on the SAT or ACT, subject tests, and AP exams. collegiate water polo. 3. Can I get a scholarship to help 6. I want to play water polo in college, pay for college? but I don’t think I’m good enough to get recruited. What are my options? Maybe, but don’t count on it—or at least don’t expect much. Each year NCAA Division I Men’s programs receive 4.5 scholarships; women’s programs get 8 If athletes want to continue playing water polo in college, but aren’t likely re- scholarships. Coaches have to allocate these scholarships among their entire cruitment candidates (or their target schools don’t have intercollegiate water teams. This means most players don’t get any funds, some get “book money,” polo programs), they can consider playing club water polo. Club programs and a few (usually upperclassmen who’ve proven their “worth” to the team) are available at many schools; they compete against other club programs or get more meaningful sums. Division III and Ivy League schools don’t offer participate in tournaments, travel, and offer participants social, fitness, and athletic scholarships at all. Other forms of financial assistance may be avail- other enrichment opportunities similar to those enjoyed by intercollegiate able based on merit or demonstrated financial need, so investigate financial athletes. Students can determine the level of their participation and make options thoroughly. it as demanding as they want. Students who want to attend a school which offers club water polo have to qualify for admissions on their own, just as 4. Should I play on an off-season club they would at any other school. water polo team or participate in ODP? I’m sure there are many more questions out there, so as always, feel free to Coaches are interested in athletes who play and compete at elite levels—but call or write if you’re looking for answers. Thank you for your feedback, your understand that there are different paths toward this level of play and skill. interest in this topic and column, and to USA Water Polo for providing a The regularity and continuity of club practices and game experience help forum for this very important discussion. players improve their skills and game sense. Remember that ODP play- ers are expected to participate in clubs to stay in shape and advance their Questions? Write to Angela Kraus at [email protected]. Angela is an skills—club and ODP complement each other—it’s not an “either-or” situ- experienced, certified counselor providing comprehensive college counseling services to help students prepare for and ensure eligibility for graduation from high school ation. Also, in some cases, high school programs can be just as challenging and admission to college. A special focus of her practice is advising high school ath- and competitive as club programs. letes as they engage in the college athletic recruiting process, with an emphasis on water polo players.

30 FROM THE DECK by Angela Kraus Full Contact Core Training With A Water Polo Focus By Joseph Rossi, Director of Aquatic Performance, University of the Pacific Water polo players around the world will never deny the need for core found on the national team level and among professional athletes (and in training. The sport requires a strong core almost more than anything else. fact most athletes) are the erector spinae or back muscles as well as the The ability to manipulate your body in free space is essential to being a anti-rotational core muscles. Strengthening these muscles will elevate successful water polo player. your game to the next level if done properly. The big question, though: How do I train my core so I can become a better The erector spinae will help you get out of the water better for catch and water polo player? The correct answer is training the muscles for exactly shoots or holding your shooting position and pump faking in a better line. what you need them for. Great polo players produce power, strength, ro- Great ways to work on these groups are executing good mornings, RDLs, tational, anti-rotational, and isometric contractions through their cores. and using glute-ham machines. These core muscle movements help them to move, shoot, defend, sprint, As for anti-rotational core exercises, many players may ask, “Why do I and grapple in the water. want to anti-rotate?” Great question! Polo players have more rotational However, to do this correctly, you must treat your core like a “box”—in the power—for shooting, passing and swimming—than most other athletes. sense that a box has four sides, and without one side, the box doesn’t work But when it comes time to grapple and wrestle, you don’t want to get turned very well. So you have to strengthen all sides of your box—or all elements in center and get scored on, right? That’s why you train anti-rotation: It will of your core. For instance, most athletes will tell you that sit-ups are their help make you a better defender in so many different ways. Great exercises main core strengthening exercise. But sit-ups are beneficial for the front for this are land mine series and Paloof presses; also properly executed only. What about the sides? The back? med-ball work (i.e., not focusing on throwing the ball but stopping it from turning you). The Bridge is a great exercise to build core strength; executing front bridges, side bridges, and back bridges are great for building all-around I encourage all athletes to read this article and elevate their game. I am core strength. In my experience I find it almost impossible to overtrain honored to write for this magazine and will only suggest approaches that I the core. There are simply too many muscles in that part of the body (e.g., know will work. I grew up reading this magazine, and it helped me go from transverse abdominus, internal/external obliques, multifidus, quadratus high school polo to college polo and then to international competition. So lumborum, thoracolumbar fascia, external, lliopsoas, erector spinae, etc.) train hard and always remember: “Good better best never let me rest till Most athletes only know about the rectus abdominus or “six pack”—and my good is better and my better best.” Good luck! it’s great to build strength there—but the consistently weakest muscle I’ve

REFerendum WITH JIM CULLINGHAM Greetings all. Happy Spring! That congress will take place this July in Bar- 3. A team will be allowed one timeout per As we enter another busy season of spring and celona, Spain. We will approve any changes period as opposed to two per game. summer water polo, I would like to use this and incorporate them into the USA Water Polo 4. Revisiting the “wasting time” concept. space to briefly discuss competition rules and playing rules. The time line to officially adopt rule changes is yet to be determined. We will 5. It shall be an ordinary foul to simulate address some of the talk that’s been circulat- keep you informed as to any approved rule being fouled. ing in regard to proposed rule changes for our changes and when they may take effect. game. 6. In the case of simultaneous (double) Many of the proposals that have been submit exclusions, it is proposed that the 30 second Let me first say that we’ve been working in - possession clock NOT be reset. cooperation with the NCAA and the National ted for consideration are simply language clari- Federation of High Schools, not only in the fication and interpretation of existing rules as 7. Any foul committed behind a player who’s training and education of referees, but also direction for referees to promote movement inside 5 meter and attacking the goal is a and player safety. toward the standard application and interpre- penalty foul, whether or not the attacking tation of playing rules. An example of this type of clarification: Rein- player is holding the ball. As you may know, FINA—the governing body force that any player who holds with two hands Please let me emphasize that these are propos- or uses two hands on an opponent anywhere of our sport worldwide—is the agency that pro- als only at this point; there has been no change in the field of play shall be penalized with an poses and approves water polo’s competition in the playing rules as we know them. exclusion foul. Another example (language rules. We in the United States have adopted the clarification): Emphasizing that free throw As mentioned previously we will keep you FINA playing rules for any and all USA Water means putting the ball in play immediately. informed of all changes in rules or interpreta- Polo Sanctioned Events. tions and when they take effect. A summary of other proposals: Every four years in the year after the Olympic As always, if any of you have ay question or Games, the FINA Technical Water Polo Com- 1. A player who commits an ordinary foul concerns about rules, the game in general, or mittee meets at the World Championships as must move away from the player taking a refereeing, please contact us at Referendum@ part of a congress of all aquatic sports to dis- free throw before raising a hand. usawaterpolo.org. cuss rule-change proposals. 2. Any game that ends in a tie after regulation Thank you again for your time. will go directly to penalty shootout. Jim Cullingham

usawaterpolo.org 31 ER POLO FROM THE DECK USA WAT

RESPONSIBLE Presented by SPORTS The Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports program is proud to have Responsible Sports is de- USA Water Polo as one of our partners! Through partnership with organi- signed to provide helpful zations such as USA Water Polo we are able to champion responsibility in advice and valuable re- youth sports. sources for youth water polo coaches and parents that can be applied universally to help them succeed both in and out of the pool. Visit ResponsibleSports. com and join the movement today! Earn a $2,500 grant for your youth water polo team Each fall and spring you can earn one of the fifteen $2,500 Community Grants from Responsible Sports to be awarded for demonstrating respon- sibility in youth sports. It’s easy to participate—all you have to do is register your organization with Responsible Sports, then read the Responsible Sports Parenting or Responsible Coaching Guide and take a quick quiz. Remember to credit your quiz to your USA Water Polo organization and then rally your friends and family to read the guide, take the quiz and credit to the appro- priate organization! The top 5 organizations with the most points (credited quizzes to the organization) in each category will earn a $2,500 grant! Learn more at ResponsibleSports.com Visit ResponsibleSports.com/Grant for more information. The Spring period is from March 1–May 31—get started today!

Upgrade to an ocean view room, buy your monthly commuting pass, donate to your favorite charity…whatever moves you most.

As a USA Water Polo member, you could save up to $427.96* on your auto insurance with Liberty Mutual. You could also enjoy valuable discounts tailored to the way you live today and save even more by insuring your home as well.

CONTACT US TODAY TO START SAVING CALL 800-524-9400 Client # 120649

CLICK www.libertymutual.com/usawaterpolo

COME IN to your local offi ce

This organization receives financial support for allowing Liberty Mutual to offer this auto and home insurance program. 32* Discounts are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. Figure reflects average national savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program. Based on data collected between 1/1/2012 and 6/30/2012. Individual premiums and savings will vary. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. © 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance. Official Antiwave Pool Products of USA Water Polo Products

When you want the best in Water Polo Goals & Courses

5 styles of goals 3 year warranty Fastest lead time

Call today for a dealer near you!

(866) 736-2183 www.antiwave.com [email protected]

“Simply the Best in meeting your aquatic equipment needs” ER POLO LOB SHOTS USA WAT Water Polo & YMCA Legend Chuck Hines Honored With Paragon Award teams at the Y that and he received a gold medallion from the won numerous Atlanta Olympic Organizing Committee for his national tourneys volunteerism. in the ‘70s. The Beyond the local stage, Hines has played a boys played—and major role in water polo nationally. He started occasionally beat—a publishing a water polo newsletter in 1961, dozen collegiate using it to initiate the All-America selection men’s clubs. The girls process for high school and college All- traveled to play the Americans in 1962. He served on U.S. Olympic best teams from Philly Committees for the Games of 1968, 1972, and to Fresno and Miami 1976, including a term as secretary of the U.S. to Honolulu, winning men’s water polo team that brought home a one gold medal and

photos courtesy Chuckphotos Hines courtesy bronze medal from Munich in 1972. He chaired three silvers at the nine committees for the AAU, American Junior Olympics; Swimming Coaches Association, and YMCA they also represented of the USA during the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. And the East Coast at he wrote two instructional texts and dozens of the initial World articles on the sport. Women’s Water Polo Chuck Hines—the retired director of aquatics Club Championships, held in Montreal and More recently Hines has served as organizer at the YMCA of Asheville, NC—has received Quebec City, Canada, in 1977. and chairman of the U.S. Women’s Water one of water polo’s most prestigious awards. Polo Pioneer Players Hall of Honor, sponsored Hines, 80—also a frequent contributor in the Changing focus for various reasons, the by Water Polo Planet—which recognizes past to Water Polo Planet’s “Lest We Forget” Asheville YMCA gradually withdrew from the best and most deserving female poloists section—received the International national competition. This didn’t deter Hines, from the ‘60s and ‘70s—and as historian for Swimming Hall of Fame’s2013 Paragon however, from promoting water polo. Some American Water Polo. He’s also penned a third prize for his 55 years of participation and highlights included the Y’s annual Bele Chere book, Water Polo the Y’s Way. In Asheville, leadership in the sport. tourneys he conducted for local teams in the he’s helped keep water polo going as a YMCA ‘80s; the Olympic Development Clinic he hosted Previous water polo recipients of the Paragon activity, celebrating his 77th birthday in in 1984 featuring Silver Medalist Joe Vargas; include Andy Burke, Rich Foster, Stu Isaac, November 2009 by refereeing a fast-paced teaching the sport to youngsters from as many Kurt Krumpholz, Sandy Nitta, Bruce Wigo, as local game. as 10 states each summer at the Y’s famed Blue well as others from Canada, Cuba, and Europe. Ridge Leaders School; and heading a unique “I’m slowly running out of steam,” he said, “and A Midwest AAU champion swimmer while water polo program for Asheville’s inner- was totally shocked when I received a letter growing up in Minnesota, Hines began city boys in the ‘90s that attracted national indicating I’d earned the Paragon Award. I’d playing water polo in 1958 at the age of 25 attention. like to thank my wife Lee for supporting my during his first full-time aquatics job with the efforts over the years. I couldn’t have done it Hines also coached Asheville Y athletes to Minneapolis-St. Paul YMCA. A year later he without her.” national titles in swimming, whitewater made the all-star team at a YMCA international kayaking, and the triathlon. His efforts led to The 2013 Paragon Award presentation will tourney featuring players from the U.S., his induction into the Western North Carolina take place over the weekend of May 10-12 in Canada, and Mexico. Moving to YMCAs in Des Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. Hines also was Ft. Lauderdale, FL, during the International Moines, IA, and Canton, IL, in the 1960s while selected to carry the Olympic Torch as it came Swimming Hall of Fame’s 49th annual continuing to play water polo, Hines received through Asheville en route to Atlanta in 1996, ceremony to honor the best aquatic athletes, YMCA All-America acclaim three times and coaches, and contributors AAU All-America honorable mention once. worldwide. Hines’ award is a glass But competing as a player is only part of his vase etched with his name and story. “I liked to play sports, especially water credentials. Its Asheville unveiling polo,” Hines said, “but I always saw myself will most likely occur later in May as more of a teacher and coach, which is at a meeting of the YMCA’s Water why I chose a career with the YMCA.” Hines Polo Alumni Club. organized and coached teams in Des Moines After all these years, Hines is still and Canton that won national titles, after which in touch with more than 40 of his he moved to Asheville in 1969. His primary players from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. duties there were operating the aquatic facilities “I need to thank them, too,” he said, at the Asheville Y and teaching children to “because they were the ones who got swim. On the side, he introduced water polo to the job done in the pool. I just sat the community. on the sidelines and cheered.” Starting from scratch with a single ball, no Chuck Hines poses with alumni from the Article reprinted with permisson goals, and a bunch of teenagers who’d never YMCA Water Polo program, a group that from waterpoloplanet.com seen a game, Hines developed boys’ and girls’ competed in the 1970s and 1980s.

34 LOB SHOTS A Game To Remember, A Season To Build On For Carmel High School by Greg Mescall Aptos (CA) High School recently played host to Carmel finds itself one of the most monumental victories in the lumped in with the history of Carmel High School boy’s water polo. big boys in the upper division of this new It was on that day—November 3, 2012—that super league. the Padres topped Soquel High 11-10 in triple Going against schools overtime to claim the Monterey Bay League Aaron photos courtesy Gaily Tournament Championship. with enrollments in the thousands Why monumental? Carmel snapped Soquel’s might be daunting 91-game winning streak in league play and for some, but Gaily gave Carmel its first victory over the Knights and the Padres since the 1990s. In fact Carmel Head Coach, Dr. Carmel High School halted Soquel High’s 91 game league winning have embraced the streak this past November. Aaron Gaily—a decade at the helm—doesn’t challenge. “This was remember ever beating Soquel in his playing culture about the sport and the high school, our second championship in the last three days at Carmel. and a lot of that revolves around the growth of years. Up until five years ago we had spent 30 the program.” The result should have sent shockwaves years playing in a four-foot pool,” says Gaily. across the Monterey Peninsula and over the “Now we are starting to make some strides and Carmel has been no stranger to success on the mountains into San Jose; but alas, much like be competitive with the bigger schools. The baseball diamond or the football field where Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point basketball game program has grown to nearly 60 boys this year; the Padres have been a familiar sight at CCS in the 1960s, the media didn’t cover the Carmel it’s the school’s second-largest sport.” Gaily finals in recent years—but now it seems as win. Surely nobody saw a 100-point game adds that Carmel is the only school in the though it’s water polo’s turn. So Gaily and his coming, and indeed nobody saw the Padres league with a full freshman team. six assistants—who he describes as excellent topping Soquel, either. coaches and even better role models—continue Gaily also points to the community and his to build just south of Pebble Beach. Still, with a league title on the line and a berth coaching staff as to why the program has begun to the CCS playoffs hanging in the balance, to thrive. It was the parents of the water polo While it’s turned heads in the water polo Gaily and the Padres put its long losing streak program who raised enough funds to make community, Carmel also has potentially aside and turned in a performance for the ages. it foolish for the school district to not build developed a new rival—Soquel High School. Trey Coppinger tossed in a laser to force a new pool on campus. While it’s no secret “I think it really kind of kicked off a rivalry for overtime for the Padres. One extra period gave that Carmel is a wealthy area—maybe best sure,” says Gaily. “They’ll be good again, but way to a second. Carmel was a penalty shot known for picturesque views and as the home we’ll be good again, too.” of Clint Eastwood—that doesn’t automatically away from victory, but Zack Olivas—owner of For now the Padres prepare for next season, guarantee everyone will be dedicated. 90 goals on the season—missed it. To sudden driving more than two hours to find death the teams went (the third overtime)… “It’s an affluent area where parents are competition, and continuing to put in the effort and Carmel’s Ethan Atkins delivered on the encouraging their kids to excel in school,” said necessary to make Carmel High School a team counterattack on the squad’s first possession Gaily. “But we’ve created a community and worth talking, writing, and reading about. of the period, sealing victory and breaking the lengthy Soquel streak. Carmel would move on to the CCS playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals before losing to Los Altos, 9-5. Despite the loss it was still progress for Carmel: It was only the third time the team had advanced that far in CCS, with three of those instances coming in the last six years. Add that to the win over Soquel, and Gaily’s program is picking up steam. Some who’ve followed water polo in Northern California for years might wonder what Carmel was even doing in that match with Soquel. “Carmel is a small public school of 750 kids,” said Gaily. “We are tiny. Not every school up here even has water polo.” Regardless of its size, Carmel, normally of the Mission Trail League, saw its league merge with three others to form the Monterey Bay League. As part of an equity program that attempts to get the best schools together in the same league, regardless of size,

usawaterpolo.org 35 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 masterpieces. 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 maga- zine staff. Once we receive your photos, they become property of USA Water Polo and may be used for print or publication.

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 Mikasa men’s or women’s water polo ball. For more information on Mikasa visit www.MikasaSports.com. This issue’s winner is Elizabeth Tereszczuk >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Honorable mention to the remaining photo submissions. Counter clockwise from below left: Catherine Stiver Bottom left: John Caton Bottom right: Mari Tonascia Top Right: Liz Reego

36

Our GOal has Never Changed

USA Water Polo goalie Betsey Armstrong with another amazing save on the way to London gold.

W6600W* W6609W* W6608.5W W6608W W6607W SIZE: 5 - Official SIZE: 4 - Compact SIZE: 3 - Intermediate SIZE: 2 - Junior SIZE: 1

Official Partner for Over Two Decades Our goal to supply the highest quality water polo ball available has never changed.

Check us out Using the very best materials and construction methods have kept us number one since 1917. Take your performance to the next level with Mikasa. What’s your goal?

Mikasa Logo used with Vortex Logo Logos @ 50% SCALE * Follow us on mikasasports.com

W6600W Ad_4SkipShotMag_V4.indd 1 1/31/13 2:27 PM