Ricardo Azevedo has left his mark on water polo at nearly every level and on nearly every continent, from the Americas to Asia and Europe. As a native of Brazil, Azevedo's journey began as a player for Brazil's national team from 1974-80. When he arrived in the United States, he joined USAWP Hall of Famer Ken Lindgren's Long Beach State program and twice earned All-American honors. But he will be most remembered for the impact as a coach.

In the early 90s Azevedo became an integral piece of the US men's national team. He served as an Assistant Coach for the US men's team at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and became head coach of the program in the mid-2000s. Along the way he made a big impact on high school and collegiate water polo programs in Southern California. In 1998, Azevedo coached Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach to a CIF title. (The team featured his son and future Hall of Famer, Tony.) The following year, he returned to Long Beach State to lead the men's program at his alma mater.

Overseas, he was a highly sought-after coach and tactician as well. He coached the Chinese women's national team to a seventh-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics, served as technical director for the Brazilian national team, and built the Italian club RN Camogli into a championship contender. He remains closely involved in the sport today, working alongside his son, Tony at water polo camps and clinics, helping to mentor the next generation.