In Part 1 of this episode of WET – Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Brian Xicotencatl, founder of WaterPolo Strong, strength & conditioning coach, and sports science researcher specializing in water polo performance and injury prevention.

Brian shares how his own playing career — marked by a long list of serious injuries — completely changed his understanding of training, recovery, and self-care. He explains why many water polo players are still underserved by outdated training methods, and why the sport is, in his words, still “where soccer was in the 1800s” when it comes to applied sports science.

A major focus of this first part is self-care and preparation. We talk in detail about:

- Why foam rolling, stretching, and hydration are not optional add-ons but essential performance tools
- How mobility directly affects power output, shooting ability, and verticality
- Why many athletes unknowingly limit themselves through poor movement habits
- The importance of proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after training

How recovery only truly begins when the body shifts from fight-or-flight into parasympathetic mode

Brian also explains why water polo players must start seeing themselves as high-level athletes, not just as players who train in the pool. He highlights how neglecting foundational physical work leads to avoidable injuries and long-term performance limitations.

The conversation further touches on hydration and in-game fueling, why athletes lose far more fluids and carbohydrates than they realize, and how modern sports nutrition is starting to influence elite water polo performance.

In the second half of this episode, Brian introduces the concept behind WaterPolo Strong:
why he created a dedicated strength & conditioning platform for water polo, why youth development (ages 12–18) is the key window for building real athletic foundations, and why basic movement quality must always come before heavy lifting or high-intensity conditioning.

This first episode sets the foundation for a deep, science-based look at how water polo athletes should be developed — physically, structurally, and sustainably.

🎧 Episode 1 is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In Part 2 of the conversation with Izabella Chiappini, Brazilian-Italian Olympic water polo player, we focus on one of the most critical topics in international sport: the huge and still growing gap between women’s and men’s water polo. Izabella speaks openly about inequality in media coverage, prize money, streaming quality and professional support.

She compares the women’s and men’s Champions League experience, explaining how even the final of the women’s Champions League suffered from frozen livestreams, while the men’s competition is presented with professional TV production, multiple camera angles and global visibility. She questions why women’s water polo is judged by numbers and reach that it is never truly allowed to achieve due to missing investment.

Izabella also talks about her current club situation in Italy, her shoulder injury, rehabilitation in Brazil and her planned return to Europe. We discuss how competitive balance in the Italian women’s league has improved and why close matches are crucial for attracting fans, sponsors and young players.

A powerful part of this episode is Izabella’s message to young girls starting water polo: the importance of resilience, dealing with ups and downs, and the incredible life experiences water polo can offer – friendships, travel, culture and personal growth. She also stresses how important visibility and easy livestream access are for inspiring the next generation.

The episode closes with a personal Quick Fire Round, giving unique insight into Izabella’s personality, including her favorite pre-game ritual (chocolate!), her most memorable goals and her role models in the sport.

Topics of this episode:
– The massive gap between women’s & men’s water polo
– Champions League production & streaming inequality
– Prize money differences & lack of investment
– Women’s league development in Italy
– Injury, rehab & comeback planning
– Why close competitions attract fans & sponsors
– Visibility as the key to growing women’s water polo
– Advice for young female athletes
– Life lessons from professional water polo
– Quick Fire Round: rituals, goals & teammates

This episode is highly recommended for female athletes, coaches, parents, sports officials and water polo fans worldwide who care about the future, fairness and visibility of women’s water polo.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Izabella Chiappini, Brazilian-Italian Olympic water polo player, about her extraordinary journey from Brazil to the Olympic Games and into professional European water polo. Izabella shares her personal story of growing up in a true water polo family, with both parents having played for the Brazilian national team.

She talks openly about being coached by her father, the pressure this created in her youth, and how this tough upbringing later became the foundation for her international career. Izabella explains the difficult conditions of women’s water polo in Brazil, lack of funding, limited league structures, and how many talented young players are lost due to missing financial support.

A central highlight of this episode is her Olympic experience at the Rio 2016 Games: playing in front of a home crowd, emotional opening ceremonies, facing Italy in her very first Olympic match, and the unforgettable atmosphere inside the stadium. She describes the emotional final match of her Brazilian national team career and the powerful bond between her teammates.

We also talk about her bold decision to switch nationalities, move to Italy, give up her university studies in the USA, and chase the dream of winning Olympic medals with a European powerhouse. This episode gives deep insight into career decisions, sacrifices, injuries, rehabilitation and the mental challenges of elite women’s water polo.

Topics of this episode:
– Growing up in a water polo family in Brazil
– Being coached by her father
– Women’s water polo conditions in Brazil
– Lack of funding & lost talents
– Olympic Games Rio 2016 – emotions & memories
– Facing Italy at the Olympics
– Switching nationality & moving to Italy
– From the USA to European professional leagues
– Injuries, rehab & comeback
– Mental strength & career sacrifices

This episode is highly recommended for players, coaches, female athletes, parents and water polo fans worldwide who want to understand what it truly takes to reach the Olympic level against all odds.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In Teil 2 des Gesprächs mit Jan Pommer, dem Vorstandsvorsitzenden des Deutschen Schwimm-Verbandes (DSV), geht es konkret um die Zukunft des deutschen Wasserballs: neue Ligastrukturen, Nachwuchsförderung, Beach Water Polo, Eventisierung des Sports und den dringend notwendigen Image- und Wahrnehmungswandel in der Öffentlichkeit.

Jan erklärt, warum der Wasserball attraktiver, verständlicher und erlebnisorientierter werden muss, um neue Zielgruppen zu erreichen. Wir sprechen über Regelideen aus anderen Sportarten wie Handball, die Bedeutung von Tempo, Action und Spielverständlichkeit, sowie über die Rolle von Medien, Musik, Event-Atmosphäre und Community-Erlebnissen im modernen Sportmarketing.

Ein großer Schwerpunkt liegt auf Beach Water Polo als möglichem Zukunftsformat, den geplanten Finals 2026 in Hannover (Maschseefest) sowie auf der Idee, Wasserball aus den klassischen Hallen heraus zu den Menschen zu bringen. Jan erläutert, warum Event-Formate entscheidend für die Nachwuchsgewinnung und die Vergrößerung der Wasserball-Community sind.

Zudem geht es um die Bundesliga-Reform, die Abschaffung von A- und B-Gruppen, klarere Strukturen, bessere Außenwirkung sowie um die geplante Positivquote für deutsche Spieler, um mehr Nachwuchsspieler nachhaltig in den Leistungssport zu integrieren. Jan erklärt offen, warum diese Maßnahmen kurzfristig unpopulär, langfristig aber unverzichtbar für die Zukunft der Nationalmannschaft sind.

Zum Abschluss thematisieren wir die Enhanced Games, Doping-Problematik, Gesundheitsrisiken, Selbstoptimierungs-Trends und warum der DSV hier eine klare ethische Haltung zum Schutz der Athlet:innen vertritt.

Themen dieser Episode:
– Wasserball attraktiver und verständlicher machen
– Eventisierung, Musik, Atmosphäre & Community
– Beach Water Polo als Zukunftsformat
– Finals 2026 in Hannover (Maschseefest)
– Bundesliga-Reform ohne A- und B-Gruppen
– Positivquote für deutsche Nachwuchsspieler
– Perspektiven für Jugend & Nationalmannschaft
– Ausbildung, Studium & Leistungssport
– Enhanced Games & klare Anti-Doping-Haltung
– Schutz der Athletengesundheit

Diese Folge richtet sich an Trainer:innen, Spieler:innen, Vereinsverantwortliche, Funktionär:innen, Eltern und Wasserball-Fans, die verstehen möchten, wie der deutsche Wasserball strukturell neu gedacht werden soll.

🔗 Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk spreche ich mit Jan Pommer, dem neuen Vorstandsvorsitzenden des Deutschen Schwimm-Verbandes (DSV), über den neuen Kurs des Verbandes, strukturelle Reformen, Professionalisierung, Digitalisierung und die Zukunft des Schwimm- und Wasserballsports in Deutschland. Jan bringt über 25 Jahre Management-Erfahrung aus dem Profisport mit und möchte den DSV nachhaltig modernisieren.

Wir sprechen über den organisatorischen Aufbau des DSV mit seinen Landesverbänden, Fachsparten und über 600.000 Mitgliedern, über die Trennung zwischen Präsidium und hauptamtlichem Vorstand, über effizientere Entscheidungsprozesse sowie über die Notwendigkeit, agiler und schneller zu handeln.

Ein zentraler Schwerpunkt ist die Digitalisierung des Verbandes, moderne Medienarbeit, die Bedeutung von Livestreams, Plattformen wie Sportdeutschland.TV, neue Kommunikationswege sowie die Frage, wie der Wasserball endlich wieder sichtbarer und attraktiver für die Öffentlichkeit werden kann.

Außerdem sprechen wir über Business Development im DSV, neue Erlösmodelle, die schwierige Finanzlage vieler Verbände, den Vergleich mit anderen Sportarten, die Rolle des Ehrenamts, Nachwuchsgewinnung, Schulprojekte, Digitalisierung der Ausbildung sowie über die langfristige Perspektive für Wasserball, Schwimmen und Wasserspringen.

Themen dieser Episode:
– Neuer Vorstand & Reformkurs im DSV
– Aufbau & Struktur des Deutschen Schwimm-Verbandes
– Trennung von Ehrenamt & hauptamtlicher Führung
– Digitalisierung, Medienpräsenz & Livestreams
– Sichtbarkeit des Wasserballs in der Öffentlichkeit
– Business Development & neue Erlösmodelle
– Nachwuchsgewinnung & Schulprojekte
– Ehrenamt, Professionalisierung & Zukunft des deutschen Wassersports

Diese Folge richtet sich an Trainer:innen, Spieler:innen, Funktionär:innen, Vereinsverantwortliche, Ehrenamtliche und Wasserball-Fans, die verstehen möchten, wie sich der DSV strukturell und strategisch neu aufstellt.

🔗 Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In Part 2 of the conversation with Andrija Prlainović, one of the greatest water polo players of all time, we dive deep into the mental side of elite performance, the golden generation of Serbian water polo, and the extreme pressure of Olympic and World Championship knockout matches.

Andrija explains why the 2009 World Championship title was the emotional starting point of their legendary era — a young Serbian team defeating Italy, Hungary, Croatia and Spain in consecutive knockout matches. From that moment on, Serbia dominated world water polo for more than a decade, winning Olympic, World and European titles.

We speak in detail about the Olympic Games: the overwhelming emotions of a first Olympic appearance, the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Village, and why the quarterfinal match is the most psychologically brutal game in any Olympic tournament — win, and a medal becomes possible; lose, and everything is over.

Andrija explains the difference between playing an Olympic final and coaching one, how pressure changes on different career stages, and why mental preparation is just as important as physical training at the highest level. He shares why confidence is built by daily work, not by words.

We also talk about:
– His closest teammates Filip Filipović & Duško Pijetlović
– Why team balance matters more than individual stars
– The role of joy, creativity & imagination in youth development
– Why children today play less freely than past generations
– Creativity vs. over-structured youth systems
– The future of water polo coaching and education
– His current work with Radnički Kragujevac
– Regional league, Champions League & Final Four ambitions

Topics of this episode:
– Serbian golden generation in water polo
– Mental pressure at Olympic level
– Quarterfinal psychology at major tournaments
– Team spirit vs. individual stars
– Winning habits & championship mentality
– Youth development, creativity & imagination
– Coaching philosophy & modern training systems
– Champions League ambitions with Radnički
– Longevity at the highest level
– Life inside elite team environments

This episode is a must-listen for players, coaches, parents and fans worldwide who want to understand what truly separates good teams from legendary championship teams.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this international episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Andrija Prlainović, one of the most successful water polo players of the modern era, multiple Olympic champion, World Champion and European Champion with Serbia. We talk about a life completely shaped by water polo – from childhood in Herceg Novi to the very top of the global game.

Andrija shares how he started water polo at the age of six, growing up in the unique water polo culture of Montenegro’s coastal region, where rivalries between cities like Kotor and Herceg Novi define generations of players. With his father also being a former Yugoslav national team player, water polo was in his DNA – yet without being pushed into it.

We talk about his transition into the senior level at just 15 years old, his formative years at Partizan Belgrade, and how that generation became the core of one of the most dominant national teams in history. Andrija explains why team culture, shared sacrifices and daily competition were the foundation of Serbia’s golden era.

His club career took him across Europe to the biggest teams in the world:
– Partizan & Red Star Belgrade
– Pro Recco (Italy)
– Szolnok (Hungary)
– Marseille (France)
– Radnički Kragujevac

We compare the Serbian, Italian, Hungarian and French leagues, discussing why Hungary was the most balanced league of his career and how Pro Recco represents the absolute elite of club water polo.

podcast-22953-waterpolo-expert-…

Andrija also reflects on the mental side of elite sport:
– Why losing is often more important than winning
– How pressure shapes champions
– Why young players must learn to fail early
– The importance of discipline, patience and daily work

We also speak about:
– Childhood development through endless hours in the sea
– Why today’s kids watch less water polo despite having more access
– His Olympic experiences
– Longevity at the highest level
– The difference between young talents and experienced champions

Topics of this episode:
– Andrija Prlainović’s legendary career
– Serbian & Montenegrin water polo culture
– Early development & family influence
– Playing professional water polo across Europe
– Pro Recco, Partizan & Serbian dominance
– Mental strength & championship mindset
– Winning vs. learning through defeat
– Balanced leagues & player development
– Youth development & discipline
– Longevity in elite water polo

This episode is a must-listen for players, coaches, parents and water polo fans worldwide who want to understand what it truly takes to build a career at the absolute top of world water polo.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this international episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Jessica Gaudreault, goalkeeper of the Canadian women’s national team, about her journey through the Pan American Games, World Championships and the Olympic Games in Paris — and her ongoing dream of competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Jessica shares unforgettable memories from the Pan American Games in Toronto, where she experienced the feeling of a mini-Olympics on home soil with her family in the stands. She explains why multi-sport events are so special for athletes and how demanding it is to perform at the highest level in five games in five days, sometimes early in the morning before most people even have their first coffee.

We compare the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games, and Jessica gives powerful insight into her experience at the Paris Olympics, including the emotional impact of playing in front of thousands of spectators, living in the Olympic Village and competing under the highest imaginable pressure.

A central part of the conversation is about career setbacks and resilience. Jessica speaks openly about the disappointment of not making the Tokyo Olympic roster, how that moment became a turning point in her career, and why mental strength, patience and belief in the process helped her reach a new performance level afterward.

She also shares valuable advice for young female athletes:
– Why resilience is essential
– How to deal with doubters and criticism
– Why setbacks can become your biggest breakthroughs
– How to take control of your personal narrative

We also talk about:
– Her brief experience as a college coach at the University of Michigan
– The reality of full-time coaching in the NCAA
– Why she currently prefers specialized goalkeeper coaching
– The responsibility coaches carry beyond the pool
– Future tournaments with Team Canada and international club teams

Topics of this episode:
– Pan American Games vs. Olympic Games
– Paris Olympics experience
– Goalkeeper mindset at elite level
– Mental resilience after setbacks
– Not making the Tokyo Olympic team
– Advice for young female athletes
– Coaching vs. playing careers
– NCAA water polo coaching
– Olympic dreams & LA 2028
– Life inside national team programs

This episode is a must-listen for players, young athletes, parents and coaches worldwide who want to understand how mental resilience, setbacks and belief shape an elite sports career.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In Part 2 of the conversation with Jessica Gaudreault, goalkeeper of the Canadian women’s national team, we dive deep into the unique mindset of goalkeepers, the impact of new water polo rules, modern goalkeeper training concepts, and the growing importance of mental adaptability in elite sport.

Jessica explains why the goalkeeper position demands a special personality — being the last line of defense, standing alone under extreme pressure, and taking responsibility when the scoreboard changes. She reflects on why goalies are often seen as “different” — and why that mental toughness is essential at the highest level.

A major focus of the episode is the impact of recent rule changes:
– Shorter shot clocks
– Faster and more chaotic shot selection
– The new two-meter rules

Jessica explains why these changes have made the goalkeeper more important than ever, and why average goalkeeper performance is no longer enough to win games at the elite level.

She gives deep insight into her training philosophy developed in Spain with her goalkeeper coach, focusing on:
– Training for unpredictability
– Reaction over routine
– Mobility, neural pathways & cognitive work
– Preparing for chaos instead of perfect drills

We also talk about:
– Why early sport specialization can shorten careers
– The value of playing multiple sports as a youth
– Differences between the Canadian, American & European water polo systems
– Club access vs. school sports
– Why Canada struggles with game volume due to geography
– How lack of competition affects national team development
– Why European leagues provide constant high-pressure matches

Topics of this episode:
– Goalkeeper psychology in elite water polo
– Adapting to new rules & faster gameplay
– Chaos-based goalkeeper training
– Mental resilience & confidence under pressure
– Youth development & multi-sport background
– Canada vs. Europe water polo systems
– Coaching goalkeepers in modern water polo
– Longevity & injury prevention for goalies
– Why games matter more than training volume

This episode is a must-listen for goalkeepers, coaches, young athletes and water polo fans worldwide who want to understand how the goalie position is evolving in the modern game.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In Part 2 of the conversation with Tamás Sedlmayer, Champions League winner with Ferencváros, we focus on the reality of living as a professional water polo player across different countries — from Hungary to Germany and Italy — and how club culture, travel, lifestyle and expectations shape an athlete’s career.

Tamás shares his honest impressions of the German Bundesliga, explaining why for many years the title race often came down to Hannover and Spandau, while clubs like Potsdam were starting to change the system by developing young talent. He also reflects on the Italian league, which he describes as being very close to the Hungarian level in terms of quality and competitiveness — even against teams from the lower half of the table.

A major topic is travel and professionalism:
– Why Italian teams often travel one day early
– How player recovery is protected
– And why that level of organization impressed him deeply

We then move into the lifestyle differences between Budapest, Berlin and Trieste — from city size and transportation to climate, mobility and everyday rhythm. Tamás explains why Trieste became his favorite city to live in, thanks to its compact size, Mediterranean atmosphere and quality of life.

Another important part of the episode is about mental strength and life advice for young athletes. Tamás speaks openly about setbacks, difficult moments and why it is crucial to always search for light even in the darkest situations. He emphasizes that mental toughness is just as important as physical strength for a long and successful career.

We also talk about:
– Returning to Hungary with a completely new, young team
– Leadership as one of the oldest and most experienced players
– Realistic goals for the upcoming season (Top 8 ambition)
– Building chemistry in a newly formed squad
– His personal quick-fire round: favorite city, music routines, tennis as a second sport, Italian vs. Hungarian food

Topics of this episode:
– Germany vs. Italy vs. Hungary water polo leagues
– Professional travel & recovery standards
– Lifestyle as a pro athlete in Europe
– Budapest, Berlin & Trieste compared
– Leadership in young teams
– Mental resilience & life philosophy
– Advice for young athletes
– Team building in transition seasons
– Pressure vs. privilege as a senior player

This episode is a must-listen for young players, international athletes and coaches who want to understand the real everyday life behind a professional water polo career in Europe.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de