Charlotte Andrist

16U GIRLS ASSISTANT COACH

Hometown: Estevan, Sask

Player Position: I played a variety of positions, I played center, right or left wing.

Canadian Club Team Affiliation: Team Sask

Player/Coach Career:

The first team I ever played water polo for was the Estevan Sharks water polo team. I joined team sask shortly after and played for them until I was 18 years old.

I started as an assistant coach for my local water polo team when I was 13, as well as an Assistant coach for my local swim team, the Estevan Golden Eels.

I got my certification in order to become the Head Coach of the Estevan Golden Eels and have been Head Coach of the Estevan Golden Eels for 2 years.

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: I first got into waterpolo when my local club started up. I had been a speed swimmer for years and it was the perfect winter sport that kept me in the pool during the off season. I joined with a couple of my friends from speed swimming and joined team sask a year later.

Q: What is it about water polo that made you fall in love with the sport?

A: Water polo is such an incredible sport. It combined my love for swimming with my love of team sports. It’s competitive, aggressive, and so different from any sport I had ever played. I also played with some amazing people that made my water polo experience incredible.

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: I have so many great waterpolo memories it’s very hard to just pick one. A memory that sticks out for me is going to California with Team Sask. It was so fun to stay in the dorms, train outside, and play in more competitive tournaments. We also got to tour the Alcatraz prison and see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: I always looked up to my female coaches. I had an amazing speed swimming coach who had such an amazing impact on me and other swimmers. As I got older I fell into assistant coaching roles on both my speed swimming team and my waterpolo team. I realized how much I loved sharing my passion for swimming and waterpolo. I became head coach of my local swim team and loved every second of it. I prioritize goal setting and building practice plans that will ensure swimmers reach their goals.

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: My most influential coach was my speed swimming coach. She was my coach from when I was 5, until I was 12. She respected her swimmers so much, and was such a fun coach. She made me realize that it is possible to be a "fun" coach, while also pushing your swimmers and having their respect.

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: I really admire Maggie Stephans and Ashleigh Johnson- even though they play for team USA. I believe they are incredible athletes who have an amazing impact on women in sports.

Q: What is your favourite quote?

A: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.”