kindred Paul

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: I first started playing water polo in Edmonton after swimming competitively for years. I was looking for something more dynamic and team-oriented, and water polo caught my attention as a sport that combined the endurance of swimming with the strategy and intensity of a team game. I joined a local club and quickly realized how much I loved the challenge and the teamwork.

 

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

A: It was the combination of physicality, strategy, and teamwork that drew me in. I loved how demanding it was — mentally and physically — and how much trust and connection it required with your teammates. The sport taught me resilience, leadership, and how to thrive under pressure — and I fell in love with that process.

 

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: My favourite memory is walking in the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremonies. I had the chance to slow down and really take it all in, knowing that for me, and for some of my closest friends, we would be retiring following the Games. Sharing that once-in-a-lifetime moment with people who had become like family made it even more meaningful.

 

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: Water polo has given me so much — not just in terms of athletic experiences, but life lessons. I wanted to give back to the community and help younger athletes grow in the same way I did. Coaching lets me share what I’ve learned, not just about technique and tactics, but about how to handle pressure, bounce back from failure, and work as a team. It’s incredibly rewarding to see young players gain confidence, improve, and start to love the game for themselves.

 

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: One of my most influential coaches was Matt Flesher, an assistant coach during my time at Cal. I really valued the way he viewed the game — his feedback was always direct and honest, and he held his athletes to a high standard. He helped shape how I see the game and develop my own style of play, which is very team-oriented. He challenged me in ways that made me a better player and a better thinker in the pool.

 

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: An athlete I admire is Dawn Staley, a former Olympic gold medalist and celebrated college basketball coach. She preaches that culture is more important than talent alone, famously saying, “You can have a gym full of talent, but if you don’t have culture, you don’t have anything.” Her emphasis on building trust, accountability, and a team-first environment resonates with me as a leader and athlete.