USA Water Polo CEO Jamie Davis has announced contract extensions for head coaches Dejan Udovicic and Adam Krikorian, ensuring unprecedented stability for the men’s and women’s national teams through the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This move cements the leadership of two of the sport’s most accomplished coaches as they aim for gold on home soil.
A Fourth Quadrennium for Udovicic
Dejan Udovicic, head coach of the men’s national team, will lead the squad into his fourth consecutive Olympic cycle. Under Udovicic’s guidance, Team USA achieved a historic milestone by clinching a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics—marking their first Olympic medal since 2008. The men’s team has shown a steady rise in performance under his leadership, climbing from 10th place in Rio 2016 to 6th in Tokyo 2020 before their podium finish in Paris.
“I’m so proud of what our team accomplished over the last four years and thrilled to continue as head coach of the USA men’s national team,” Udovicic said. “With Los Angeles up next, we are positioned to achieve my ultimate goal: winning a gold medal.”
In addition to Olympic success, Udovicic has guided the team to three Pan American Games titles (2015, 2019, 2023) and several World Aquatics World League silver medals. His leadership has also fostered development at all levels, including record-breaking performances by the junior and cadet teams and an increased presence of U.S. athletes in European professional leagues.
Krikorian: A Legacy of Excellence
For Adam Krikorian, the contract extension marks his fifth Olympic cycle as head coach of the women’s national team. Widely regarded as the greatest women’s water polo coach in history, Krikorian has transformed the U.S. women’s program into a global powerhouse. Since taking over in 2009, he has guided the team to three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2020), six World Championships, and an unprecedented streak of 69 consecutive wins from 2014 to 2022.
“I am thrilled to continue to be a part of a program that has given so much to me personally and positively influenced the sport worldwide,” Krikorian said. “Hosting the Olympic Games in LA is a unique opportunity to inspire people and showcase the values that make our team so special.”
Despite finishing fourth in Paris 2024, the U.S. women remain a force to be reckoned with, and Krikorian is determined to restore them to the top of the podium.
CEO Davis’ Vision for 2028
“USA Water Polo has two of the best international coaches in the world,” Davis stated. “Adam’s accomplishments are unparalleled, and under Dejan’s leadership, our men ended a 16-year Olympic medal drought. Both coaches are uniquely positioned to help us achieve our goals for LA28.”
The Road Ahead
Both teams are set to return to competition this month, with the men heading to Bucharest and the women beginning their preparation for the upcoming season. As the countdown to LA 2028 begins, the extensions for Udovicic and Krikorian signal USA Water Polo’s commitment to excellence and their pursuit of Olympic glory on home soil.
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