Imagine sitting on the bench for three years, knowing you have
little or no chance to play, because the starting goalie is an
Olympian and one of the best goalies in the world.
Imagine then having an All-American season, only to be in danger
of losing your starting job the following year.
That is what happened to UCLA’s Joe Axelrad, who has only
positive things to say about his water polo experiences and has
kept his starting spot on the men’s water polo team.
“(Axelrad) is a very motivated kid,” coach Adam
Krikorian said. “He’s self-motivated and driven in all
facets of life. He’s one of those guys who is going to be
successful in whatever avenue he chooses.”
While Brandon Brooks was tearing up the UCLA record books and
establishing himself as the best goalie in the country, Axelrad had
to redshirt the 2000 season, and got to play in only two matches
from 2001-2002.
But instead of resenting or holding a grudge against Brooks,
Axelrad became best friends with the 2004 Olympian.
“Apart from being best friends and always being there,
(Brooks) has given me a lot of confidence,” Axelrad said.
“His confidence means the world to me.”
Both Axelrad and Krikorian cite Brooks’ influence as one
of the reasons for Axelrad’s success in 2003. That season,
Axelrad made 173 saves and had a goal against average of 6.11.
“Joe was fortunate to play two years under Brandon,”
Krikorian said. “(Axelrad) learned a tremendous
amount.”
Brooks will return to the team this year as an undergraduate
assistant coach. He took some time off after the Olympics and will
be back before school starts.
“Joe will have a good opportunity to learn even more from
Brandon,” Krikorian said. “(Brooks) has been on the
international scene and he’s seen the best goalies in the
world.”
Despite the impressive numbers, Axelrad had serious competition
for his spot in the pool heading into this year.
The backup goalie, sophomore Will Didinger, improved greatly
after returning from a spring off-season program with a premiere
club team.
Krikorian said the two were equal, and spent equal amounts of
time on the starting and scout teams.
“It motivated Joe to a next level I didn’t know was
possible,” Krikorian said.
Axelrad worked himself into the best shape of his life, and
despite having a solid hold on the starting spot, he still works
hard to keep it that way.
“I worry (about Will) every day,” Axelrad said.
“Will is a fantastic goalie. He pushes me every
day.”
On top of being the starter, Axelrad has other goals he would
like to meet this season.
UCLA has not won an NCAA men’s water polo championship
since 2000, the year Axelrad redshirted.
With virtually its entire starting lineup returning, the Bruins
are one of the favorites to win a championship this year.
“I don’t want to say I expect us to win, but each
one of us thinks we’re capable of winning it all,”
Axelrad said. “Our expectations are for us to perform at the
highest level. If we do that, we should be able to win it
all.”
And if the Bruins are to win a championship this year, another
good season from Axelrad will likely be needed.
His teammates have plenty of confidence and respect for him.
“He’s a great leader,” redshirt sophomore
attacker Thomas Foley said. “He’s a great guy to be
around and he’s a very hard worker.”
In fact, Krikorian thinks Axelrad’s teammates may love him
too much.
“(Axelrad) is one of the most unselfish people I’ve
ever known,” Krikorian said. “Sometimes, I get upset
with him because he takes the blame for something he
shouldn’t. It’s not good for him, and it’s not
healthy for the rest of his teammates. But (his unselfishness) is
also his greatest attribute. His teammates love him to
death.”
Axelrad, of course, deflects the accolades to his teammates.
“My guys make my job easy,” he said. “They
play fantastic defense.”
But Krikorian gives him the credit.
“The goalie is the most important position in the
pool,” Krikorian said. “It’s the last line of
defense. We have to rely on the goalie to make big saves and bail
us out at certain times. Joe’s proven he can do it.
He’s worked tremendously hard and he’s in the best
shape of his life.”