After leading his team to a third straight national title and finally capturing the school’s 100th NCAA team title, women’s water polo coach Adam Krikorian received plenty of praise.
And as he is leader of UCLA’s only current dynasty, it was well-deserved.
Krikorian has won four NCAA crowns in five years. He brought UCLA its 100th NCAA team title this May. And he has won six women’s titles in his career, joining the ranks of elite Bruin coaches in less than a decade.
“What makes Adam so special, and a great coach, is that you learn so many life lessons that you will carry forever,” senior team leader Kelly Rulon said last month. “He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met, and he really has a sense of pride in UCLA.”
This year may have been Krikorian’s best coaching job to date. After finishing the year ranked No. 2, Krikorian’s Bruins went on a magnificent postseason run, winning the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship in April and the NCAA crown in May.
What was most impressive about the run was UCLA’s domination against its rivals, USC and Stanford. UCLA lost twice to Stanford in the regular season before beating the Cardinal in the MPSF championship and NCAA title game. The Bruins were also able to hold off a feisty Trojan team, winning four one-goal games against their crosstown rivals in the season.
Against USC in the NCAA semifinal, Krikorian used Rulon, the team’s leading scorer, to force the Trojan defense into double teams. The strategy paid off in the final minutes as the Trojans double-teamed Rulon, leaving junior Courtney Mathewson wide open to score the game’s final goal, giving UCLA a 7-6 victory.
“There is a reason why people get open like that,” USC coach Jovan Vavic said. “People who know water polo know that there was a reason why (Mathewson) was open.”
Against Stanford the Bruins played an aggressive opening quarter and claimed an early three-goal lead. While Stanford played a conservative style in the opening period, Krikorian’s team ran aggressive counterattacks. Stanford coach John Tanner said after the game that the opening period was the difference in the 5-4 contest.
Throughout these battles at the NCAA Championships, the UCLA team was composed and confident. Krikorian coached the experienced team to dominance in execution and remarkable mental poise. The team used its speed to score in the counterattack and its relentless defense to hold off top teams.
After the exceptional season and following celebrations, Krikorian expressed attachment to his championship team.
“This team is really special; it’s one of the best groups I have ever had the opportunity to coach,” Krikorian said in the press conference after the win over Stanford.
Despite the loss of an accomplished senior class, the 2008 UCLA team will have a shot at a four-peat. And Krikorian will have the opportunity to maintain his position atop collegiate water polo.