“A Return to the Podium” became Terry Schroeder’s mantra shortly after he took the reigns as head coach of the Men’s Senior National Team in the summer of 2007. At the time—with his team saddled in a ninth-place world ranking—few beyond the team itself believed such a proclamation was possible. But all Schroeder did from that point on was guide the men through an amazing 2008 run that saw improvement at every turn.
Heads were officially turned with an exhibition victory over then top-ranked Croatia on May 31 in Thousand Oaks, CA. More eyes opened with a first-ever trip to the medal round of the FINA World League Super as the squad claimed the Silver. Their run came to completion on a podium in Beijing, China, as Team USA was awarded Silver Medals following a hard-fought loss in a Gold Medal match with the Hungarians. It was the men’s first Olympic medal of any color in 20 years.
But Schroeder & Co. enter 2009 intent on making sure that another 20 years don’t go by before another medal is won.
The team and coaching staff returns largely intact. Schroeder, tactical assistant Robert Lynn, goalkeeping expert Ryan Brown, and team leader Rick McKee are all back.
GOALKEEPERS
The men guarding the cage bring a host of experience as well and a great deal of potential for the future. Incumbent starter Merrill Moses (Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine) has anchored the net for the USA in recent competition, including all the major tournaments in 2007 and 2008—not to mention the Beijing Olympics—and was named to the Olympic All-Star Team. Blessed with quick instincts and a solid feel for the game, Moses provides a solid last line of defense.
With Brandon Brooks retiring after Olympic runs in 2004 and 2008 and UCLA’s Chay Lapin remaining on the sidelines for 2009 after training with the National Team in 2008, Team USA turns to veteran and 2004 Olympian, Genai Kerr (Imperial Beach, CA/UC-Irvine). Kerr provides great experience and leadership and will be a valuable backup between the pipes.
DEFENDERS
The group specializing in defense brings a solid core to Team USA, as most of the players have prior Olympic experience. Leading the way are Layne Beaubien (Coronado, CA/Stanford) and Jeff Powers (San Luis Obispo, CA/UC-Irvine). Beaubien is a solid defender but also a big offensive threat for USA. Boasting a great deal of international experience, he was an Olympian in 2004 and again in 2008. Currently playing in France, he’s a pure shooter who’ll keep defenses honest when he’s in the game. Powers, another two=time Olympian, is a versatile player who’ll also see time at center and utility, boasting the strongest shot on the team. At 6’7” he adds good size to the pool and is also playing in Europe currently.
One of the rising stars in this group is Jesse Smith (Coronado, CA/Pepperdine). Smith, who plays professionally in Croatia, has developed into a prototypical international player. As versatile as they come, Smith can play any position outside of goalkeeper and possesses a powerful shot that has led him to Olympic competition in 2004 and 2008.
Tim Hutten (Seal Beach, CA/UC-Irvine) concludes the former Olympians among the defenders. Rick Merlo provided an occasional scoring boost off the bench in 2008 while Hutten’s physical presence helped to overwhelm opposing offenses.
Brian Alexander (Cambria, CA/UC-Santa Barbara) served as one of two alternates for the Olympics in 2008 but remains a stalwart in the National Team picture. Meanwhile Jeff Tyrell (Granite Bay, CA/UC-Berkeley) was one of the later cuts in 2008 and is back again in 2009 looking to build from a stellar collegiate career at Cal.
Justin Johnson (Mission Viejo, CA/UCLA) rounds out the group as a new addition to the Senior Team in 2009. At 6’7” he brings great size to the position and collegiate experience.
CENTERS
Team USA holds a wealth of talent and experience at the center position. Also known as “two-meter,” this position is anchored by Ryan Bailey (Long Beach, CA/UC-Irvine),the team’s elder statesman. Bailey has taken part in the last three Olympics (2000, 2004, and 2008) and has developed into a leader for the red, white, and blue. A key on offense he’s currently playing professionally in Serbia.
JW Krumpholz (Santa Ana, CA/USC) served as Bailey’s backup in Beijing and did so quite successfully. Without the same size as many of his counterparts, Krumpholz uses quickness and relentless energy to subdue the opponent. He’s coming off his junior season with the Trojans where he helped lead the squad to an NCAA Championship.
John Mann (Newport Beach, CA/UC-Berkeley) was the other alternate for the 2008 Olympics and reenters training in a fight for a spot at two meters. A standout at Cal, Mann was a key part of the U.S. run toward clinching a berth in Beijing at the 2007 Pan American Games.
ATTACKERS/UTILITY
While everyone in the water is capable of putting the ball in the cage, the drivers or attackers specialize in doing just that. Arguably the best Team USA has to offer is Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford). Azevedo burst onto the Olympic scene back in 2000 just a few months removed from his senior prom and has been a mainstay for the Senior National Team ever since—a name that’s, in fact, become synonymous with USA Water Polo.
An outstanding shooter Azevedo participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and was the team’s leading scorer at the 2008 Olympic Games where he was tapped for the Olympic All-Star Team. Boasting nearly a decade of international experience, Azevedo will be called upon once again to lead the USA offense come summer.
Far from a one-man offensive band, USA also looks to veteran Adam Wright (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA) to provide a scoring punch. An Olympian in 2004 and 2008 he logged the second most minutes for Team USA during its run in Athens and was clutch in Beijing. A leader both in and out of the pool, Wright continues to improve his game as the years roll on. Lefty Peter Varellas (Moraga, CA/Stanford), another 2008 Olympian, returns to help stretch the defense and provide key scoring opportunities in the 6x5 game.
While it’s a new summer and a slightly different 14 for Schroeder, the goal remains the same for Team USA—building on 2008 and proving its run to Beijing was no flash in the pan.