• What High school/college did you attend & what were your graduation years?
I attended Menlo School, Class of ’07 and UCLA, Class of 2011

• Did you play water polo in college? What was that like?
Yes, I played four years at UCLA. Playing at the collegiate level was a beyond awesome and challenging experience. It tested me both mentally and physically and I honestly had the time of my life. I was fortunate enough to win two national championships during my time at UCLA and meet my best friends who I now consider family. Having the opportunity to represent your university via athletics is a real honor and something I will always treasure.

• What did you major in at college?
I majored in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics.

• What team was your rival when you played for Stanford club?
Golden Bear was definitely our local rival. Commerce, SOCAL and Shores were our rivals at all the major summer tournaments.

• Do you still play water polo?
I played in in Australia the year after I graduated from UCLA and I play in master’s tournaments every now and then but I’m more or less retired.

• Where do you live now?
I live in Los Angeles but I was born and raised in Menlo Park.

• Do you keep in touch with club teammates?
Yes, I can’t believe I’ve known some of them for over 10 years now!

• Whats your favorite memory of the club?
All of the team travel trips. Whether it was my first one to Speedo Cup or heading to Senior Nationals as an 18/under we always had so much fun and that was where the team really bonded.

One trip I remember being in Palavi Menon’s dad’s car and blasting Britney Spears on the way to a game in Davis. It must have been a good luck charm because we won 🙂

• Do you remember any advice from a club coach?
Kyle Utsumi taught me to not only practice but take pride in all of the “little things.” Hand transfers, drifting, stunting, etc. Kyle shared a quote with me early on in my water polo career that really stuck:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Teddy Minnis always used to ask the team “Are we having fun yet?” during tough practices or close games. He reminded me to always work hard but do it with a smile because water polo is really fun 🙂

Susan Ortwein gave me the opportunity to start practicing with the high school and college players as a 14/under. She told me not be afraid of anyone in the water and also forced me to become a morning person with 6am summer practices 🙂

• What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy open ocean swimming, surfing, going to concerts and spending time with my friends and family.

• Any life milestones you’d like to share?
Gosh, not really 🙂 I’m happily living in LA, working for Beats by Dre and enjoying the last half of my 20s.