June 22, 2010 (Los Angeles, California) - Genai Kerr, who represented the United States National Water Polo Team for over a decade, announced his retirement.
Kerr, 33, started training with the USA Men's National Water Polo Team in 1998. His wide 6'8" frame and tenacious, aggressive style of play dominated the pool and brought a striking presence to the team. In the 2001 World Championships in Fukuako, Japan he became the starting goalkeeper. He has played in an
international tournament representing the United States every year since.
Kerr helped Team USA qualify for two Olympic Games by being an instrumental part of the gold medal teams at the Pan American Games in San Juan, Dominica Republic 2003, and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 2007. In 2004, he competed in the Athens Olympics and became the first African American water polo player, along with teammate Omar Amr, to represent the USA in the Olympics.
Of his Olympic experience, Kerr says, "It had been a long time goal of mine to go to the Olympics. I remember walking into the Athletes Village in the birth place of the Olympics and realizing how much of a bigger deal it was than I had ever imagined. I was among the very best athletes in the entire world and I was representing the USA. Knowing that we had prepared for years gave me an even greater sense of pride".
Throughout his long career, Kerr made time to become a mentor. He coached developing athletes at every level from elementary school students to college student athletes. Kerr was also a founding faculty member at Sage Hill school in Newport Beach, CA where he flourished as an educator.
"I'm blessed to be able to share my stories and experiences with aspiring student athletes with the hope that they can learn from my mistakes and my successes," said Kerr. "I've had a number of children come up to me and say they hadn't even heard of water polo until me. I enjoy exposing people to water polo that might not have had the opportunity to learn about our great sport." he said. Kerr now turn his talents and energy toward the Olympic Academy Sports Camps, a foundation he started which helps prepare student athletes for the future.
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For more information about Genai Kerr and Olympic Academy Sports camps, please visit www.GenaiKerr.com or www.olympicacademy.com or contact Dorian Merina at dorian.merina@gmail.com or 1-646-709-9782
