Tuesday, October 21, 1997
Man with a mission
FEATURE With a positive
attitude and a new leadership role, Brett Stern looks for a
championship
By Arin Aboulian
Daily Bruin Contributor
When envisioning a college athlete, an extraordinary image of
excellence and hard work comes to mind. Unfortunately, an extra
dosage of rude behavior sometimes accompanies this attitude.
Words like "rude" are not in the vocabulary of Brett Stern,
senior co-captain of the UCLA men’s water polo team. Stern is a
hard worker but also of great character and kind manner, aggressive
in the water but calm and collected on the deck.
"I’m just a regular average guy who plays water polo," Stern
said regarding his attitude and accomplishments.
Through a great attitude and a lot of hard work, Stern has
earned a national championship with the UCLA men’s water polo
team.
Stern entered UCLA as a freshman in 1992, when most of his
current teammates were still freshmen in high school. He played for
two seasons in 1992 and 1993. In the latter year, Stern racked up
career statistics when he scored 30 goals. He also added 39 steals
and 13 assists.
Even though these were his best years statistically, Stern feels
there was much room for improvement. "In my first two years, I was
very inexperienced and I made a lot of mistakes," Stern said.
After the 1993 season, Stern interrupted his water polo career
for something he felt to be of deeper significance: he left for
Brazil to fulfill his Mormon mission.
Stern, a lifetime member of the Mormon Church, went on his
mission in January of 1994. He stayed in Porto Alegre, located
south of Brazil, for two years.
Getting used to Brazilian life was not easy. Stern learned
Portuguese very quickly, but jokingly said, "Although, I had
Portuguese classes before I left, I found out that I did not know
much, and I had to learn very quickly."
In 1996, he returned as a junior to help UCLA capture its second
consecutive national championship. Upon his return, Stern developed
into a defensive specialist on a team that had plenty of offensive
firepower.
For Stern, the emotions and memories of winning that first
championship will always remain with him.
"It was the most awesome feeling I have ever had," Stern said.
"It was just great. Definitely one of the greatest moments of my
life."
Stern’s road to a championship began in his hometown of Modesto,
CA. He was part of head coach Guy Baker’s first recruiting class,
along with current assistant coach Adam Krikorian. Stern decided to
attend UCLA because he wanted to play on Baker’s team.
Additionally, Stern felt he needed a change in life.
"I wanted to experience something new," Stern said, regarding
his move from Northern California to Los Angeles.
Stern came to UCLA to study Economics and focus on a future in
investment banking or finance.
But, he was quick to point out that his only focus right now is
winning another championship this year and not leaning back on the
previous two.
Through different experiences, Stern has developed a great
attitude regarding his life. He has a reputation for being very
calm and relaxed outside of the pool, and very aggressive when
playing defense.
His seniority has placed him in a leadership role of a two-time
defending national championship team that lost seven seniors from
the year before.
"We’re a very talented team, but we have not played up to our
potential yet," said Stern.
Leadership of a young team is extremely important, but keeping
them focused is necessary as well. Therefore, Stern always tries to
lead by setting an example rather than getting in someone’s
face.
"My leadership has to come through my play … It’s more
important to be able to walk the walk, than to talk the talk."
Assistant Coach Gary O’Brien said, "Great attitude and a great
athlete," referring to Stern’s demeanor.
It is with this type of leadership and great attitude that the
UCLA men’s water polo team is striving towards another national
championship, with Brett Stern anchoring the squad.
PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin
Senior Brett Stern hopes to be the lynchpin of the young water
polo sqad and lead through example.