The water polo community is grieving alongside U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman Woepse, who tragically lost her husband, Pat Woepse, on Thursday night after a courageous battle with a rare form of lung cancer. He was only 31.
Pat Woepse was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2023, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite the challenges, Pat set a personal goal to attend the Paris 2024 Olympics to watch Maddie compete — a goal he bravely achieved. His determination, positivity, and strength were admired by all who knew him.
In an emotional Instagram post, Maddie, 26, reflected on her husband’s impact, writing, “He was the light of my life and my person… He was my first love and the best husband I could have ever asked for. He opened my heart up to what love is and looks like, and I will forever do my best to love as hard as Patrick loved from this day forward. He was a true blessing from God.”
Pat Woepse was more than just Maddie’s devoted husband. He was a standout water polo player himself, having grown up in Southern California and competing for UCLA. As part of the UCLA water polo team, he helped the Bruins secure back-to-back national championships in 2014 and 2015. His passion and talent for the sport left an indelible mark on his teammates and the broader water polo community.
Just this month, UCLA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its 2014 championship team. Though Pat was in the hospital, he was surrounded by the love of his former teammates, who paid him a special visit to reminisce and offer their support.
Pat and Maddie’s love story began at the wedding of Kodi Hill, one of Maddie’s former teammates at UCLA, and Ryder Roberts, a fellow UCLA player who competed alongside Pat. The couple married in 2022, and their bond was a testament to the strength and love they shared.
The entire water polo community sends its heartfelt condolences to Maddie Musselman and all of Pat Woepse’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.