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DARBY HAYSOM

U10 Assistant Coach

Hometown: Edmonton, AB

Player Position: Utility

Canadian Club Team Affiliation:

  • Edmonton Tsunami 2016 - Present
  • Edmonton Riptides 2020 - Present

Player/Coach Career:

  • U16 Girls Defensive Player of the Year (EWPC - 2020)
  • Alberta Provincial Team Member (2019)
  • U16 Girls Most Improved (EWPC - 2019)
  • U14 Girls Defensive Player of the Year (EWPC - 2018)
  • Teammate of the Year (EWPC - 2018)
  • U14 Girls Most Improved (EWPC - 2017)
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FUN FACTS

What is your favourite sports movie?

The Blind Side

What is your dream vacation?

The Arctic!

What ice cream flavour best describes your personality?

Raspberry Sorbet: It's simple but still surprises you!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Compassionate, dependable and positive!

Describe yourself in three words:

Compassionate, dependable and positive!

What is your spirit animal?

Ant Eater

What is your favourite food?

Grilled Cheese

Q & A with Coach Darby

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: Before I joined water polo I competitively swam for Keyano Swim Club. I had never really heard of water polo before a neighbour suggested I try it out. Ever since my first practice  I have grown to love the sport and my team more and more with each practice!

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

A: I love water polo because it not only helps build your physical strength, but also builds mental strength and awareness. I specifically love Riptides, because we are all one big family. Riptides Water Polo Club provides a safe and fun environment to build athletic careers, create forever friendships and improve athletic ability.

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: This is a challenging question because I have an overwhelming amount of memories. Surprisingly most of my favourite memories did not take place in the pool or during games. My favourite memories happened outside the pool. For example, during the 2018-19 season, after a tough loss the team was not the happiest. Losing an important game is tough. After a few minutes of reflecting in silence, we decided that we needed to do something to brighten up the room. One of the younger athletes suggested we play charades. At first no one seemed too excited, but as we all know, U14s can be very persuasive! So we started playing, and almost immediately the mood shifted from being put down and upset, to being excited and happy! This is my favourite memory because it demonstrates how resilient our team was.

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: Ever since I was little I wanted to be a teacher/coach. I have always looked up to my coaches. Therefore, I thought it would be extremely cool to have someone look up to me that way! Coaches have such a positive impact on athletes and I would love to be able to make a positive impact on younger athletes.

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: I have had many amazing coaches throughout my career. I don't have a specific favourite coach but the coaches who have influenced me the most all share the same qualities. My favourite coaches are passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated. I admire coaches who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their athlete's athletic, academic and social life.

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: Bianca Andresque. Bianca is a 19-year-old Canadian tennis player who recently won the US Open. I was extremely impressed with her athletic and mental abilities. I think it's important for young girls to have someone to look up to and I believe Bianca demonstrates to all female athletes that anything is possible if you just push yourself to be the best you can be.

Q: What is your favourite quote?

A: "You learn more from failure than you do from success."