U.S. OLYMPIC MEN'S WATER POLO TEAM
Tony Azevedo
Became one of the highest-paid players in water polo when he signed with Italian club team, Bissolati Cremona. Tony also represented USA in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Represented US in many other International games including being the high scorer at Pan American Junior Water Polo Championships in 1998.
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"It is always nerve-racking when you think of all the time you have sacrificed and the possibility that you might not make the team. The best and only way to deal with the pressures is not think about it at all. Every day do everything you can as hard as you can and hope that will be enough."
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Ryan Bailey
Bailey loves the physical nature of the sport and his strongest skill is wrestling and holding position against the other team's biggest and best players. Ryan's dream is to win an Olympic medal. He says his mental preparation includes early morning crossword puzzles, reading, watching Globe Trotter re-runs, and hanging out with his brother.
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"I don't feel pressure to make the team; I feel pressure to be one of the leaders on the team and to set a good example for the young players on the team."
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Layne Beaubien
Took a year off from Stanford to travel through Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America. Layne was the first American to play in the Hungarian professional league. Beaubien was also the first water polo athlete to be crowned a National Champion on 3 Continents.
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"The pressure is tremendous, competing day in and day out with the best players in the United States for a slot is a challenge every day, one bad game or injury could jeopardize my chances of making the team."
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Brandon Brooks
Brooks understands the pressures of making the team and his commitment to training demonstrates his commitment. Brandon's dream is to start in goal again in his second Olympic Games. He says his mental preparation for one of the world's toughest sports includes early morning exercise, relaxation and visualization.
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"There are definitely pressures that come with making the team but they can all go away as long as you as a player concentrate on the success of the team. There are only good players left at this point so everyday is a battle to get better."
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Tim Hutten
Tim has loved playing water polo since he started in 6th grade. He loves the physical aspect of the game as well as the technical aspect. He is never satisfied with his skill level but is always trying to better himself and improve his game.
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"There is always pressure to perform well and play your best but you can't think about it too much. If you over analyze it and worry about it you will probably not reach the goal you have. All you can do is try to keep getting better and give it your best."
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Peter Hudnut
His first honors and awards in the sport were at Harvard-Westlake school where Hudnut was named a three-time All-America and All-CIF, four-time All-League, and two-time league MVP.
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"I feel that representing the USA is such an honor and I truly enjoy all that is entailed in representing the US. Being able to stand in front of a crowd, wearing team USA gear, listening to our national anthem, while standing with my team, it is such a beautiful and humbling experience."
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JW Krumpholz
JW's lifelong dream is to compete in the Olympic Games. His Father won two NCAA water polo titles as a player at UCLA. He says his mental preparation for one of the world's toughest sports includes meditating.
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"It's hard trying to stay focused every practice consistently. Every play is revelent towards making the team. You have to be on your game all the time."
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Rick Merlo
Merlo loves the physical nature of the sport and his strongest skill is defense. Rick's lifelong dream is to compete in the Olympic Games. He says his mental preparation includes early morning exercise, making his bed and vacuuming the house.
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"I love the representing the USA. I love being apart of the best country in the world. I love hearing our national anthem before the games starts."
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Merrill Moses
Was the starting goalkeeper for Pepperdine University from 1995-1999. Won a national championship in 1997 and was named game's MVP. Merrill was a first-team All-America selection in 1997 and 1998. Also won academic excellence awards in 1997 and 1998 while attending Pepperdine University.
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"I like the camaraderie and teamwork that it takes to play the game. I also love wearing red, white and blue and hearing the national anthem before the games. It makes one realize that you are one of the few chosen to represent your country because you are the best at what you do."
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Jeff Powers
Powers loves the physical nature of the sport and his strongest skills are passing and scoring. Jeff says his mental preparation for one of the world's toughest sports includes early morning exercise, relaxing with his wife and visualizing upcoming games.
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"I mentally prepare for games by watching game films, attending team meetings, practicing moves I think I will have to use, and visualizing the upcoming games."
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Jesse Smith
Smith loves the physical nature of the sport and his strongest skill is passing and defending. Jesse’s lifelong dream is to win a 1st gold for the USA in Olympic Games. He says his mental preparation for one of the world's toughest sports includes early morning exercise, eating healthy and meditation.
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"I wish our sport could gain more popularity in the United States. There are bonuses to the small, predominately California water polo community, but there is also so much potential to involve young athletes from across the nation and create a stronger legacy in our country."
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Peter Varellas
Peter's favorite meal is Thanksgiving dinner. He likes to cook and read in his spare time.
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"Playing for the US has a different feeling than representing yourself or your school. There's a country behind you, and that's a unique feeling."
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Adam Wright
One of the most experienced members of the Senior National Team ability to play both ends of the pool with tough defense and good scoring ability. Scored goals in every major tournament he has played in including the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
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"The most satisfying experience of playing with the national team was walking in for our first game in Athens with 8000 people going crazy and it just really hits you so hard that you are at the highest pinnacle representing your respective country."
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U.S. OLYMPIC MEN'S WATER POLO TEAM COACHES
Head Coach: Terry Schroeder
Dr Schroeder is considered one of water polo's all-time standout players. Captained the National Team from 1983-1992 and coached Pepperdine University's Men's team for 20 years. Schroder was the USA team captain of the squad that finished second to Yugoslavia at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and placed fourth at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain
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"I am a proud American. Sure we make our share of mistakes but there is no better place to live. I am thankful and feel very blessed to live where I live and have what I have."
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Assistant Coach: Robert Lynn
Lynn said being named All-American every year and CIF player of the year for Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA. was among his treasured accomplishments. Robert was also the head swimming coach at Wilson High.
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"It is an honor to represent the USA. I am grateful to be in a position to represent USA. Our first game in Beijing is against China so it will be eclectic since we should have an overflow crowd rooting for China."
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