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Andrew O'Connor

Junior Coach

Hometown: Edmonton, AB

Player Position: Attacker

Canadian Club Team Affiliation:

  • Edmonton Riptides  2023-2024
  • Edmonton Tsunami 2023-present

Player/Coach Career:

  • 15U Tsunami Most Improved Male Athlete (2024)
  • 15U Team Alberta Team Member (2024)

 

 

 

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FUN FACTS

What is your favourite sports movie?

Happy Gilmore

What is your dream vacation?

Tokyo

What ice cream flavour best describes your personality?

Classic vanilla, one that you can always rely on and that is loyal and practical

How do you like to spend your free time?

I either enjoy building things or hanging out with my friends

Describe yourself in three words:

Positive, Mindful, Adventurous

What is your favourite food?

Sushi

Q & A with Coach Andrew

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: I originally was a competitive swimmer for several years. During the summer, I tried a water polo camp with the Edmonton Riptides, and I was hooked.  It took a little while to get used to the sport and the rules, but it quickly began to grow on me and this is now my second year playing.

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

A: I really enjoy the teamwork of the sport and in order to succeed as a team you need everyone's support while playing. It is a great sport because it is fast paced and has challenges due to the physical side of it.

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: My favorite memory so far was in my 14U Provincial Tournament with the Riptides when we placed second overall. It was certainly a challenge, because we had to work together as a team very well to achieve our goal. I remember how excited everyone was once we had made it to the finals, as it was my first year playing the sport.

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: I wanted to be a coach to see other kids grow and enjoy the sport like I do. Sometimes when you first start a sport you can be unsure about it, as in water polo there are a lot of things to learn and you really have to focus on being a great swimmer. With great coaching everyone has potential in themselves.

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: My most influential coach is Jonathan Spence. He's a great guy that always gives advice to the player no matter what and treats us all as equals knowing that you can be as good as any other player as long as you work hard and keep trying.

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: Michael Phelps

Q: What is your favourite quote?

A: “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop” -Confucius