Two years ago Chay Lapin was dismissed from the UCLA men’s water polo team. After rejoining the team the following year, the redshirt junior is back in the pool this fall with hopes of leading the team to its ninth NCAA Championship.
“Two years ago I had a lot going on at home,” Lapin said. “I lost the love for the sport and wasn’t enjoying it. I didn’t realize what it was like to lose it. Ever since then I realized I can’t give up and have to focus.”
This was a turning point in Lapin’s career, and he has never turned back. Last season, Lapin earned All-American honors and recorded 198 saves in 84 quarters in 2007.
Coming out of Long Beach Wilson High School, Lapin was one of the most talented recruits in the country.
“When I recruited him I saw a potential All-American and potential Olympian,” coach Adam Krikorian said. “He was highly touted coming out of high school. The thing I liked about him was his maturity.”
At Wilson, Lapin learned what it was like to be a part of a winning program. All four years, he was on a CIF Division I champion team.
UCLA was his choice college, following in the long tradition of top goalkeepers, including current assistant coach Brandon Brooks. The 2005 alumnus helped the United States capture a silver medal this past summer in Beijing.
“We are still pushing him to get better,” Krikorian said. “The great thing is having a guy like Brandon Brooks here that can coach him and teach him. I’m not working with him on a daily basis like Brandon is.”
Lapin has had a lot of success as a Bruin, racking up a 6.90 goals-against average last year and second team all-MPSF. But there have been some setbacks, including the dismissal two years ago.
Lapin’s mother suffered from cancer while Lapin was still at Wilson. In the pool, Lapin found solace in the sport of water polo and in his team.
“My mom gives me strength,” Lapin said. “By far she is No. 1. My mom got sick with cancer in high school. Everyone there supported that and water polo kept me going. If she can do it, I can do it.”
After bouncing back, Lapin has developed into one of the premiere goalies in the nation. The 6-foot-5-inch, 205 pounder has come a long way since he stepped foot in Westwood.
His performance over the years earned him an opportunity to train with the U.S. team before they went to the 2008 Olympics. Lapin took spring and summer off to work with them and to gain a beneficial experience.
“When you’re out there competing with some of the best players in the country and the world, you’re forced to step up your game,” Krikorian said. “There are times in practice here he is challenged, and sometimes he can cruise a little bit here and there. When you’re at that level there is no cruising. When you begin to take something lightly, you’re going to pay for it.”
Using what he learned the past few months, Lapin will turn his attention back to UCLA and the defense he anchors in the cage.
UCLA was eliminated early in the MPSF tournament in 2007 and is focusing on not faltering again. The goal is to begin the season strong, which they have done so far, notching a 10-4 victory over UC Irvine last weekend. Lapin totaled 11 saves in the victory.
“The level of intensity of practice is up; you can see it there,” Lapin said. “Everyone is in it for the team. No one is playing for themselves. We’re all in it together.”
With the high hopes this season and for a strong senior campaign next year, Lapin dreams to achieve what he has always wanted after he is done at UCLA: the Olympic Games.
He has already trained with the National Team and is looking forward to making the team for the 2012 Olympics which will be held in London.
“I want to try to out for 2012 Olympics,” Lapin said. “There are 2009 world championships that I will try out for next year. My main goal is the Olympics. Ideally that’s what I’m shooting for.”
But for now, the main goal is Bruin water polo. Lapin will help lead the team through the usual tough season that lies ahead with strong competition coming from many schools in Southern California. He has learned throughout his career and the focus and love for the game is there. He can just concentrate on what he needs to do in the pool.
“I want to have a good year,” Lapin said. “I want to play well every game. I don’t want to be hot and cold. It’s going to be a good year. Everyone has a lot of fire. We’re hungry and want it.”