Woner if it was planned??
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If James is the one - What reason does UCLA have for waiting? I’m not privy to any info, is there some advantage to waiting? Would they wait until school starts? (UCLA is qtr system - 9/21). Are there transfer portal implications? What are we missing?
They have to do their due diligence. Probably waiting on background checks and stuff like that
Just confirmed…James is the new HC of UCLA women’s wopo
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So back to the question of whether Adam had any involvement in the hiring process; I don’t think he was just involved, I think he was the main decision maker. James will do a fantastic job and my daughter loved playing for him when she was at UCLA. Congrats to James!
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Sure seems like it. I wish him the best but this is a wild hire for one of the best jobs in the country. He has very little experience.
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So weird to me that a coach that has stepped down would be “the main decision maker”. How do you know this?!?
I agree, while my kiddo has been coached by James (and had good things to say) at the national team level, he’s not exactly the most experienced coach out there when we think of potential candidates.
Are we sure that Wright didn’t just step down because he let go of the curling stone on recruiting and depended on the “Field of Dreams” strategy?
And while I’m at it…guaranteed final is UCLA v USC, huh? what? It’s this kind of thinking that suppresses the development and interest in the sport. If anything, there is more parity which should be encouraged. I certainly don’t want a Yankees/Dodgers version of the sport.
Enjoy - I’ll look forward to my tongue lashings, indignation and outrage…maybe I’ll even get a week ban again!
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Scratching my head on this one…Stanford, Cal, Arizona and Hawaii should just towel off?
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noticed that Jason is not on the staff. Looks like ucla is moving on from him while bringing on James.
Stanford has Jenna but did not develop their underclass at all last year with the limited schedule. Complete head scratcher and the lack of depth cost them finals berth and will carry forward to this year.
Cal has exceptional players but that’s always been true. Great year last year but I think it was a fluke.
No chance Hawaii or ASU challenge a top 4 team this year.
So, imo? Yeah
Well, then we should just name the Trophy after the best player on USC from this point forward, kind of like the America’s Cup.
I will eat my hat if UCLA and USC run roughshod over the sport this season. Apparently the 10-9 final against CAL was TOTAL domination by SC. Go Trojans (cue the band).
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he is still a water polo head coach at UCLA, and extremely well accomplished and mind in the water polo world. Olympian, multi time national champion with mens AND women’s programs, etc. Why in the world would he not be involved. That would be extreme incompetence. CEOs step down all the time and help with their successor.
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Those two coaches have completely different styles and approaches. AW is an excellent men’s coach. My point from the beginning is that the new coach has to put his or her imprint on the team without looking over their should. I’m pretty sure most new CEOs are looking to distance themselves from outgoing management, not mirror it or be dictated to.
Feedback that I’ve heard on the pool deck is everyone is happy and excited with James in command.
Stanford is always a head scratcher. Looks great on paper and then makes odd decisions that cost championships. Might be time for new leadership there.
Agree, the laziest recruiting of the top 4. Only looking at “ODP” and nepos isn’t working..
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Haven’t they won 3 of the last 5 NCAA championships and have the most players on the national team?
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I am happy for James, I think he has the potential to develop into an excellent head coach for the program. He has done a great job at Hawaii, and he’s young enough to really grow and develop into a storied coach for the program.
I hope he’s given time to develop his own time and built his mark on the program. I know a program like UCLA expects results, and I’m confident he’s going to deliver them, just hope he’s given the time to really do something special!