# The Counter Attack - News, Highlights & Big Conversations **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 25, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814 "2025-09-25T21:42:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/21 "2026-02-24T21:59:52Z")
Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist and NCAA champion Paige Hauschild has returned to Team USA. Hauschild stepped away from water polo after graduating from USC. She’s now returned to play abroad at CN Mataro and is once again back on the National Team. She breaks down her decision to step away and to come back in this conversation - [Paige Hauschild Interview](https://youtu.be/i5DUL5nQRco?si=6GvLJyyalPZ0wO73) ---
**Author:** ![swimcoach](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@swimcoach](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/swimcoach)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/22 "2026-02-26T17:35:44Z")
Great interview Greg. Loved watching Paige at San Marcos, USC and her first go around in the Olympics. I am looking forward to watching the 2028 Olympic team! ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2026, 11:56pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/23 "2026-02-26T23:56:28Z")
Jason Falitz was only given a few weeks notice when he found out he’d be serving as an interim head coach for the UCLA women’s program this season. We caught up with the longtime Bruin Associate Head Coach this week on the heels of a wild finish in Berkeley as UCLA outlasted Cal in overtime. [Jason Falitz Interview](https://youtu.be/hdT0u6WtTK0?si=r8SsQ54NWgAZR05y) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/25 "2026-03-13T21:35:08Z")
Historic match tomorrow in Illinois in girl’s high school water polo as defending Hawaii champ (Punahou) takes on defending Illinois champ (Stevenson). We talked with the two head coaches this week Ken Smith and Jeff Wimer - they’ve got 1500+ wins between them. [Smith and Wimer Interview](https://youtu.be/q1BUuQPcfSI?si=hWY_l1o2k7857vxu) - [Full Episode](https://youtu.be/Q4OZ5HyZP60?si=YeUmKOSICgd-Aa5z) Plus, here’s the [full interview with Jack Kocur](https://youtu.be/tDQSXeGwAm0?si=dpkxL0EiWYopT67v) from last week, we’ll be talking with Ethan Damato for a similar conversation next week leading into ODP Girls National Championship. ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 8:37pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/26 "2026-03-19T20:37:41Z")
This week we geared up for the ODP Girls National Championships talking with Ethan Damato on what to look for in the Tri-Valley, plus excitement around National League Week 3 and more. [Ethan Interview](https://youtu.be/t-T7iGLVdLE?si=h8O1IxfnQfNyCy4s) [Full Episode](https://youtu.be/swRHGdz_W4M?si=iSDeHzxHRV9B6WTT) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/27 "2026-04-02T19:57:51Z")
With the Team USA Men set for competition at the World Cup, we had a great conversation with Olympic bronze medalist Max Irving. His journey from not making the NCAA tourney travel roster at UCLA to now playing with Pro Recco and Team USA is an awesome one. [Max Irving Interview](https://youtu.be/t_18pywRQCk?si=YxNQIoDap5odkDVI) Check out the [full Counter Attack episode this week](https://youtu.be/t_18pywRQCk?si=0BhVuPa3xkzTxOci) ---
**Author:** ![Pacificblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@Pacificblue](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/Pacificblue)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/28 "2026-04-03T23:31:02Z")
Great interview with Max. He is such a thoughtful and articulate guy. His journey through the sport is extremely inspiring. Was a fantastic listen. Well done! ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/29 "2026-04-09T23:15:05Z")
College conference tourney time has arrived! We look ahead to a busy weekend with NCAA bids on the line plus check-in on the Team USA Men in Greece and the conclusion of the National League regular season. Our Big Conversation takes place with USC star Ava Stryker with the Trojans the top-ranked team in the country and the one-seed at the MPSF Tourney. Ava Stryker Interview - [https://youtu.be/feMlsZEuobA?si=VZpbM3uPimKdeGmL](https://youtu.be/feMlsZEuobA?si=VZpbM3uPimKdeGmL) Full Episode - [https://youtu.be/gakTBh6E7zo?si=jcjt\_yYWZ2ZXp9PG](https://youtu.be/gakTBh6E7zo?si=jcjt_yYWZ2ZXp9PG) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 4:19am UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/30 "2026-04-17T04:19:43Z")
![NCAA Womens Championship Sunday 2026 - FB 03](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex004/uploads/waterpoloexchange/original/2X/8/85a9a31917de8c1feadd0482ebd313d136d8d1c8.jpeg) We’ve got a fun event on Championship Sunday in San Diego. We’ll be hosting a Counter Attack LIVE at Wonderland in Ocean Beach. Come by for lunch and hear from Adam Krikorian, Kaleigh Gilchrist, Alex Bowen and more. We’ll break down the championship game and talk water polo. That night at 6pm The Local will be showing the NCAA final on ESPNU. Both events are FREE - RSVP here - [Counter Attack LIVE & NCAA Championship Watch Party - Sunday, April 26, 2026](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OmXAb26uVRXgN8Hq4BMNqDBcci9-x3ex5f5BSMeFdg4/viewform?edit_requested=true) By the way, check out this week’s episode of the Counter Attack: [https://youtu.be/DyquqD4JzXE?si=hsWsmP\_UdvLASpEu](https://youtu.be/DyquqD4JzXE?si=hsWsmP_UdvLASpEu) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/31 "2026-06-01T17:35:48Z")
Our latest episode went live last week and we talked with Team USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic about the upcoming exhibition matches plus the retirements of Alex Bowen, Alex Obert and Drew Holland. Interview: [https://youtu.be/Oc550at8Q8k?si=\_ApwyHRJwrz6zt1n](https://youtu.be/Oc550at8Q8k?si=_ApwyHRJwrz6zt1n) Full Episode: [https://youtu.be/BX0FAUIxc2M?si=qDeZ1M9hKUDpEP5m](https://youtu.be/BX0FAUIxc2M?si=qDeZ1M9hKUDpEP5m) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 10:44pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/32 "2026-06-16T22:44:54Z")
Counter Attack is on a short break as we gear up for Hall of Fame and a host of National Team action. But some fantastic local media coverage from the first-ever Midwest Summer Festival in Indianapolis this past weekend, more from the NBC affiliate - [https://youtu.be/Uc25JvpDkWQ?si=05kPKh7s6LBrJ6ok](https://youtu.be/Uc25JvpDkWQ?si=05kPKh7s6LBrJ6ok) - they broadcast LIVE from the IU Natatorium on Sunday morning. ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2026, 6:25pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/33 "2026-09-03T18:25:24Z")
The Counter Attack returns with a new episode this week! We talk with St. Mary’s Head Coach James Lathrop ahead of their first home game this weekend, plus we talk with UC Davis athlete Lillie Vehling who made headlines this summer after saving three girls at a lake in Seattle. We also update the coaching carousel, check in with Team USA at the 4x4 competition in Croatia and more. WATCH: [https://youtu.be/8eD-3RigqlQ?si=KmTYX1tzKG\_ZgxWu](https://youtu.be/8eD-3RigqlQ?si=KmTYX1tzKG_ZgxWu) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/34 "2026-09-10T17:54:19Z")
We’re back this week with a look at highlights and reaction from the first-ever WP4 event in Croatia. Plus the first home opener for St. Mary’s water polo and other scores from around the country. In our big conversations we talk with new Stanford keeper Bernardo Herzer on his decision to transfer to Stanford and how he’s handled being a back-up or a starter depending on the team he is on. Plus, longtime USAWP referee Ross Spiritosanto joins us to share his come back from a quadruple bypass surgery just a couple of months ago to being back on the pool deck this past weekend! WATCH: [https://youtu.be/he1dPrzWIe8?si=91WiZTaXTtN1Up0e](https://youtu.be/he1dPrzWIe8?si=91WiZTaXTtN1Up0e) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2026, 4:47am UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/35 "2026-09-18T04:47:40Z")
This week we’ve got in-depth conversations with USC Men’s Head Coach Marko Pintaric and Team USA star Jenna Flynn along with a look at some key college action and an excellent goal of the week. Pinta shares what he likes about this year’s team and how he’s processed the close calls for the Trojans over the last few years. Flynn breaks down WP4 in Croatia, becoming a big shot maker for Team USA and looking forward to a final season on The Farm. Watch: [https://youtu.be/2KmI3Qb-BHQ?si=xJgFXy4LtZRMrUXm](https://youtu.be/2KmI3Qb-BHQ?si=xJgFXy4LtZRMrUXm) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2026, 5:48pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/36 "2026-09-19T17:48:57Z")
With the MPSF Invite underway, here’s our full conversation with Marko Pintaric. Some great reflections on this year’s team and also how he’s handled some close calls in the NCAA Tourney in the past. Appreciate him taking the time - [https://youtu.be/qUpc8APbeXo?si=SbH48mM0ge23XjUu](https://youtu.be/qUpc8APbeXo?si=SbH48mM0ge23XjUu) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/37 "2026-09-24T18:22:08Z")
This week we share the big results from the MPSF Overnght - some exciting performances but it’s also still very early! UC Irvine Head Coach Dan Klatt joins us to talk about a good weekend for his team plus his philosophy on coaching and how it has evolved over the years. Plus a look at where Team USA is headed in Europe this club season. Watch: [https://youtu.be/1ivRfv5dm3Q?si=DJnxSWNotsGtI5GA](https://youtu.be/1ivRfv5dm3Q?si=DJnxSWNotsGtI5GA) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 11:48pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/38 "2026-10-01T23:48:43Z")
The latest Counter Attack is here with a look at the Cutino Award Watch List. The list takes an early look at players you might want to keep an eye on this season as voted on by coaches around the country. Who will be the top players at the end of the season? That remains to be seen. Also, we chat with Navy Head Coach Luis Nicolao after some big ranked wins and a rivalry victory over Air Force. Plus the USA Junior squads are in Brazil for Pan Am competition. WATCH: [https://youtu.be/5od7WaEn0j0?si=TKC5c28gm8Ra6gMK](https://youtu.be/5od7WaEn0j0?si=TKC5c28gm8Ra6gMK) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2026, 6:49pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/39 "2026-10-08T18:49:11Z")
We are back with a deep-dive on Team USA abroad and double gold in Brazil. The USA Junior Men and Women take top honors at the U19 Pan Ams and Stanford comes out the big winner in a high-energy weekend in LA. We welcome back old friend James Spencer-Boyce of Water Polo 360 to breakdown the top teams and highlight the National Teams athletes returning to clubs and making transfers. WATCH: [https://youtu.be/Ai6tpPRwqb0?si=zwd1TSrTve0rT23s](https://youtu.be/Ai6tpPRwqb0?si=zwd1TSrTve0rT23s) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/40 "2026-10-15T18:02:13Z")
This week on the show we’ve got highlights from the Rock-tober event in Mesa, a controversial finish in men’s college water polo and a look back at a special night in San Diego honoring the legend Terry Schroeder with some help from Jesse Smith. Plus, we re-visit gold in Brazil for Team USA with three athletes including Maci Magee (Arizona State), Reed Hanna (USC) and Clay Carrington (Harvard). WATCH: [https://youtu.be/aI2oCx-ZOIg?si=Y48geImiGgWXA\_DP](https://youtu.be/aI2oCx-ZOIg?si=Y48geImiGgWXA_DP) ---
**Author:** ![CounterAttack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@CounterAttack](https://waterpoloexchange.com/u/CounterAttack)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814/41 "2026-10-22T21:38:34Z")
On our big conversation is with Team USA rising star Jett Taylor from Spain where he is competing for Barceloneta - during his senior year of high school! Plus, highlights from a big weekend in the pool and look at some Team USA athletes squaring off in Europe. WATCH: [https://youtu.be/73HAqKmJMGE?si=xb4Hrm8IUDRjFrXt](https://youtu.be/73HAqKmJMGE?si=xb4Hrm8IUDRjFrXt) [Previous page](https://waterpoloexchange.com/t/the-counter-attack-news-highlights-big-conversations/1814.md?page=1)