If there is one UCLA figure that stands out the most in the most recent decade of Bruin success, it is men’s and women’s water polo coach Adam Krikorian.
Krikorian led UCLA men’s water polo to a national crown as a player in 1995. In the past 12 years, he has made an even greater impact on the program as a coach. He has won nine championships overall and his women’s water polo team is UCLA’s only current dynasty, with championships in each of the past three seasons.
“I’ve learned a lot of things (from Krikorian),” women’s water polo player Kelly Rulon said. “What makes Adam so special, and a great coach, is that you learn so many life lessons that you will carry forever. He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met, and he really has a sense of pride in UCLA.”
Krikorian’s role in the UCLA Athletic Department has changed dramatically. After graduating in 1997, he worked his way up as an assistant coach. He assumed the title of coach of both the men’s and women’s teams while former men’s coach Guy Baker coached the U.S. women’s national team.
“My pride for the school hasn’t changed,” Krikorian said. “I would like to think that I really appreciated being a part of something that was a lot larger than myself in this unbelievable university. (But) I think you begin to realize how much of a greater impact you can have as a coach.”
The dominance of UCLA water polo peaked this season. Krikorian coached the Bruins to four victories over a great USC team and an ultimate win over top-seeded Stanford in the NCAA title game.
But the Bruins’ respect for Krikorian goes beyond the Xs and Os.
“I think he’s really personable,” Rulon said. “You can talk to him about everything, and he’s there to listen to anything you have to say. He really cares about you as a person, player and a friend.”
Krikorian’s friendly personality is not reflective of his intense dedication to the program.
“He loves UCLA,” Rulon said. “He demands 110 percent every day from his players, which is what makes our team so successful.”
As a coach, Krikorian has demonstrated a respect for the UCLA tradition that makes him a fitting leader to bring the school its 100th title. He recently told the story of a motivational e-mail sent to him by former softball coach Sue Enquist that he used throughout the women’s team’s latest title run.
The e-mail congratulated him on a victory at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament and encouraged success at the NCAA Championships, and Enquist attended the tournament in Los Alamitos to cheer on the Bruins.
“That e-mail really helped to inspire me and have confidence in myself,” Krikorian said. “(At UCLA) you’re just around always excellence, and it helps to motivate and excite.”
And while Krikorian has received plenty of praise for his team’s dominance and victory last Sunday at the NCAA Championships, he is still determined to achieve more success as a Bruin.
“You have to stay focused on this task at hand,” Krikorian said. “Sure, I am enjoying this win, but I’ve already met with my assistants and started to think about next year.”