Adam Krikorian, the current head coach of the USA’s senior national team, is one of the most successful water polo coaches in the history of the sport. During his time as coach, he has guided his team through one of the most formidable periods of dominance by any country in the history of world water polo.
Krikorian was an excellent player himself, playing a huge role in helping his team, UCLA, win the 1995 NCAA Championship. UCLA is where he developed his coaching foundations – heading up the men and women programme with huge success. However, in 2009, the 47-year-old landed the big time and was finally appointed as the USA’s women’s national team head coach. And, as they say, the rest is history.
In the 27 Major competitions since he took over as head coach, the USA have won Gold medals in 24 of them – three Olympic golds, four world championships, three world cups, three Pan American games and eleven world league titles.
“This is always difficult to do and I would again prefer not to pick my players. Considering the season was so condensed and a bit different, it made it even more challenging. But here’s my best stab at it…”
Adam Krikorian’s Top 5 of 2021
1. Ekaterina Prokofyeva (RUS)
Russian National Player | Clubs: Kinef-Surgutneftegaz Kirishi | Position: Left Driver
What's not to like. I think she's been on this list every time I've picked. For me, it's never just about scoring goals. And I've always thought that she's excellent in all phases of the game including her ability to lead that team. Ultimately, that's why she's #1 for me.
2. Maud Megens (NED)
Dutch National Player | Clubs: USC Trojans | Position: Left Driver
If Holland had finished a bit higher, I may have put her #1. It's up for debate whether that's fair to her or not. There are times when she's clearly the most dynamic player in the world. Like Prokofyeva, she can play every position in the pool. She can score like the best of them but also has incredible vision. And she can change the game defensively with her length and her ability to cover so much space.
3. Bea Ortiz (ESP)
Spanish National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Right Driver
Always difficult to pick between Ortiz, Espar, or Garcia. But Bea was just too much of a threat on the right side. A sharp shooter with good speed and it seems as though she has improved on the defensive end.
4. Alda Magyari (HUN)
Hungarian National Player | Clubs: Dunajvaros | Position: Goalkeeper
Had to pick someone from the team that earned Bronze and beat us along the way! And she must have played well if I'm keeping Keszthelyi off the list. She just may have been the difference maker for that team to finally get over the hump and win a medal. She takes up a lot of cage and played remarkably well for such a young goalkeeper.
5. Simone Van de Kraats (NED)
Dutch National Player | Clubs: Polar Bears / CN Mataro | Position: Right Driver
It's hard to keep the new record goal scorer off the list. Had a feeling she'd "blow up" this summer. Tried to warn my team a year ago but I'm not sure they listened :)
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