Ion Pop

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: A teammate on my soccer team was trying to convince me water polo was more fun than soccer, he was right.

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

A: The constant intensity of the sport mixed with the camaraderie you develop playing it makes it incredibly fun.

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: Swim sets. There's nothing I look back on more fondly than swimming 3km in a practice.

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: This sport has been a big part of my life, and I would love to give back to the community. I also really enjoy the tactical aspect of the game!

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: Andras Szeri, he was my coach at the club and university level.

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: Lebron James, the way he's been able to consistently adapt his game to stay at the top of the sport for 20+ years is incredible.