Weinberg, USA Water Polo, win bronze in Paris

Adrian Weinberg, Class of 2019, was preparing for the biggest match in his life when doubts started to creep into his mind.

The starting goalkeeper for USA Water Polo, in his first Olympics, was preparing for the biggest match of his life. A bronze medal was on the line as the USA faced off against Hungary on Sunday, Aug. 12.

“Right before the game I was 1,000 percent battling fear and anxiety about the game,” Weinberg said from a Paris airport as he prepared to head to Greece after the Olympics. “Then I shifted my mind onto Jesus and focused completely on Him. That’s when my mindset shifted, and I had the most confidence.”

With a focus on Jesus, Weinberg went onto play what he called “his best game of the Olympics.” He tallied an impressive 67 percent save percentage, tallying 16 saves on 24 shots faced in regulation, including three power play saves. Weinberg stat line continues with two steals, and one penalty shootout save. His performance in goal saw the game tied 8-8 after regulation. Team USA secured the bronze medal beating Hungary 11-8 after a 3-0 shootout.

In the break between regulation and the shootout Weinberg remained confident. Where an opportunity for doubt could have crept back into Weinberg’s mind, a conversation with teammate Noah Lyles prior to the opening ceremonies helped anchor him.

“I asked him ‘right before a sprint, what are you thinking about?’ He told me ‘I just think that God made me for these moments,’” Weinberg said. “So going into shootouts I just thought about that and remained confident.”

Hungary didn’t convert any of their shootout attempts, after Weinberg saved one in regulation.

“That doesn’t really mean anything, they just missed three shots is all,” Weinberg said.

But his former head coach and current USA Water Polo consultant/scouting coach Jack Kocur saw it differently.

“Right now, he’s still in awe of what he achieved that he won’t take any of the credit for his achievements,” Kocur said. “He’s one of the most humble people that I know, but at the same time I want him to know that he’s great and he accomplished incredible feats.”

The victory secured the first medal for USA Water Polo Men’s Senior Team since 2008. Weinberg recorded 93 saves, including 19 power play saves, and a 56 percent save percentage. For his efforts he was named to Total Water Polo’s Team of the Olympics and World Aquatics “Media” Team.

“It means a lot to win a bronze medal, but it means more to see what it means to the people who have helped develop me,” Weinberg said. “The people who believed in me throughout the process and the work we’ve put in together makes me really happy.”

While he was standing on the podium with his teammates, he had an opportunity to reflect on his journey.

“Being on the podium is a surreal moment because it’s something you dream about as a kid,” Weinberg said. “It’s been 16 years since we won a medal, so even though we didn’t do as well as we’d hoped, I was very happy to be on the podium with my teammates.”

USA Women’s Water Polo finishes Fourth

Amanda Longan, Class of 2015, made her second appearance at the Olympics. The heavily favored Americans suffered a heart-breaking defeat to the Netherlands. A last-second shot found the back of the net securing the Dutch’s spot on the podium with an 11-10 defeat of USA.

“That was a heart breaker for sure,” Longan said. “To be leading a team by four goals and then slip at the end, when you need the hold strongest. That was definitely a dig to my soul.”

Longan has had time to reflect on the Paris Olympics and has found peace through her faith.

“We lost, but I woke up the next day and I still had my health and my faith,” Longan said. “God didn’t go anywhere in that whole time. He would love me the exact same way even if we won. Your heart is broken, and it’s still a little broken, but this experience has helped keep me grounded.”

Jack Kocur, who coached Longan at Oaks Christian, shared his thoughts on the struggles USA Water Polo faced in the Olympics.

“It’s never easy when you have a changing of the guards on your roster. They were definitely a younger team,” Kocur said. “The stigma of gold medals is hard to live up to, especially when it’s not the same team. My heart goes out to the entire team and their staff.”

Longan appeared in two matches during group play recording three saves on five shots faced.

Longan backed up Ashley Johnson, who’s arguably the best goalie in the women’s game. With USA Water Polo starting to look forward to the Los Angeles games in 2028, Kocur wants to see the former Lion go for another four years.  

“I only hope the Cinderella story for Amanda’s last chapter is to be in cage in 2028 and bring that team back to the podium,” Kocur said.

Longan still feels called to the pool.

“To me my body and my soul are telling me I’m not done with this sport,” Longan said referring to a 2028 run. “There’s more I have to learn from this game. No matter how it ends up, I need to give it one more shot.”