00:00:03: Welcome to this

00:00:04: podcast.

00:00:15: Water Polo Expert Talk, get the insights!

00:00:32: Yeah so welcome back to The Water PoloexpertTalk Podcast.

00:00:36: and yeah today we are joined by another Spanish young Adelaide.

00:00:43: Max welcome to the podcast.

00:00:46: thanks for taking the time today to talk with us a little bit.

00:00:49: maybe you

00:00:49: can introduce yourself at the beginning.

00:00:53: Yeah, well thank you so much for having me here today.

00:00:57: Well as you mentioned Max Casabella a world polo player that is currently playing for Barceloneta CNAB and yeah I mean pretty much all my whole life.

00:01:18: Yes, so you already mentioned that you are located and talked to us from Mataró.

00:01:23: So we're just thirty minutes away from Barcelona which is not really the worst situation or location to be located in order to play water polo right?

00:01:34: No it's actually at C Barcelona when it comes to Spanish Water Polo.

00:01:40: At C Barcelona its like a main area.

00:01:43: most of our teams on the first division were located there Apart from some other teams like Mataró itself, where I grew up playing here through all the categories.

00:01:55: And also of course on the islands and in the center of Spain which is in this case Madrid.

00:02:02: But you know it's a really nice area to play into have the opportunity To experience more water polo around here in Spain There's better place than Barcelona?

00:02:14: so yeah

00:02:15: Yeah, absolutely.

00:02:16: So when you're talking about locations or countries... ...or towns to play and enjoy water polo so Barcelona is maybe then one of the top three.

00:02:32: I think that you can talk with anybody.

00:02:36: Sure, yeah it might be up there.

00:02:39: When you say signing or coming back from the US actually to join Barcelona again, growing up in the area around Barcelona.

00:02:50: What are your first impressions of your way to come and touch with Water Polo at very beginning?

00:02:57: When I was young... ...I didn't play water polo but I used to play football and swim.

00:03:07: At the same time I was swimming here on Mataró Club while my brother, my older brother Chaby.

00:03:15: he already started playing water polo before me and then from there it was time to decide either the pool or the pitch you know?

00:03:24: And I ended up deciding about the pool.

00:03:27: Then when i was like nine ten years old through the summers Chaby would would bring up a ball and we'd just like mess around at the pool on vacation.

00:03:38: And then one day, they were okay why don't I try this?

00:03:42: Yeah when i was nine ten i'd say uh... Then switch from streaming to water polo!

00:03:51: From there i dreamt fun so far.

00:03:54: So yeah

00:03:56: The reason is that for all other guys coming from swimming At some point in time, it was a little bit boring without a ball.

00:04:05: I mean nowadays when you see the streamers You look from like the water polo point of view and you think that but like When...when..you never tried Water Polo?

00:04:17: I mean you have....I think i agree with you.

00:04:20: You know, Water PolO to me because I'm doing It's more fun Of course.

00:04:26: But then also swimming has its things, you know.

00:04:29: It's really competitive and uh... You can develop yourself And it is a really mental sport actually!

00:04:35: And..and....you get to compete against your self at the same time as others but um...it´s YOU against YOURSELF.

00:04:44: so it´s really mental sports.

00:04:46: For those who are not up there or for ones that aren't high on their swimming level I think they gotta be like really strong mentally.

00:04:54: Yeah, okay.

00:04:54: So are there any benefits still from this area?

00:04:58: trying to be competitive and let's say the swimming lessons at the very beginning?

00:05:05: There is for sure a benefit in terms of styles and efficiency And it makes life little bit easier as a water polo player when you're coming from swimming.

00:05:15: Well off course I mean... When you grow up swimming then become a water Polo Player.

00:05:23: There's also the difference on like this swimming style, I'd say because you're more technique based than The one that started playing water polo from the beginning which of course everyone that plays Water Polo at some point Swimming.

00:05:37: You know it's something that Everyone goes through.

00:05:40: Maybe get a younger age but But yeah no Yeah It helps you.

00:05:46: And when comes to technique in the water, playing water polo.

00:05:54: Maybe it gives you a little advantage but at high levels its not that big of an deal and other things get looked over as well You know?

00:06:06: And when you start in Mataró then what was your next stations?

00:06:12: or were there are stations between the move to US right now?

00:06:19: Well, so yeah when I started playing water polo over on ten eleven years old just played through until getting to the senior team in Mataró and then after finishing the categories during those years competing for the national U-Fourteen, U-Twelve, U eighteen you know competitions Competing them against teams like Barceloneta for example, Barcelona was a really good team on our age.

00:06:54: Also another good team Saturday.

00:06:55: you know there's always... There is always really competitive when it comes to categories here in Catalunya and most of the times whatever team that ends up winning the Spanish title Most of the time.

00:07:09: this is from the area or Barcelona Catalonia itself, because as we said before Baropolo is really big here in Catalonia and more like Barcelona.

00:07:21: But yeah no through those years just growing up learning having more experience Learning from all the coaches that I had And then when it was time to get to the senior team i spent a year there and Then um...I decided to move to the

00:07:40: U.S.,

00:07:40: it was not an easy decision, because first like my brother was there already he decided to move... ...to other side of world by himself.

00:07:50: and then from that my parents kept pushing me to get a chance.

00:07:55: just look into this.

00:07:58: you never know what will be opportunities we'll have in universities out there.

00:08:03: also I got opportunity for study abroad Like if possible in a good school and get a degree from there.

00:08:14: It'd be amazing, you know.

00:08:15: And my parents mostly my father pushed me to make that decision until like okay Just at least I got into it getting for him.

00:08:25: Get information.

00:08:27: and then one day was like Okay Why not let's do.

00:08:30: we started looking into it?

00:08:32: Then is when when I made the decision that I was gonna go across the world and spend my next four years there, you know.

00:08:40: And luckily with... My brother in this case because So when we started looking into like places that we could go Chaby also was trying to move from place he was at Because of opportunities were both getting.

00:09:03: We both had the chance to go to University of California, Berkeley.

00:09:07: And then from there it everything was... The process was I would say easy but maybe not easy because he was like really tight on time Because usually you get approved early in the year To get there on September.

00:09:23: But us since we decided do that later on Like around May or something It was more of like a rush, I'd say.

00:09:34: Through admissions and stuff with the university but everything worked out.

00:09:37: so that doesn't really matter now... So yeah

00:09:43: it sounds at least happy about this support from your parents yes?

00:09:48: They said okay go for it straight let's have a look.

00:09:52: then don't say ok i will not go You never know what the future will bring.

00:09:59: then, if this kind of opportunity comes again.

00:10:02: Of course!

00:10:02: That's a thing... you gotta take it.

00:10:05: so that is where I did and my brother did as well yeah?

00:10:09: And was really let say already mentioned not an easy decision at first phase but also move to the

00:10:18: U.S.,

00:10:19: i would expect also not so easily because in these young age maybe than do have advantage for your brother.

00:10:26: Yeah, so that would not super alone then in this case.

00:10:30: What was it really a big advantage than?

00:10:35: I'd say so because at the end of day when you think about moving... Of course The reason why i wasn't like Really thinking about and my parents had to push me And get information on it.

00:10:52: It's just You're not you're gonna be better Anywhere else than home, you know home is really comfy your friends are here.

00:11:03: Your family's here.

00:11:04: So that's why I was like okay?

00:11:05: I'm good Here Like.

00:11:06: I don't need to move now, you Know.

00:11:08: but then when do you think about it?

00:11:09: It's like But there's this other part That you had the book.

00:11:13: you have the opportunity go, you No.

00:11:14: And then we did so.

00:11:16: We just get a chance and did it and they and yeah When he comes through The Difference on like their lifestyle adaptation process.

00:11:28: It was easy for me then it probably someone that went to the US or somewhere else in the world by themselves because my older brother was there and he always took a lot of care with me, and the other Spanish guys who were also there as well... As soon we got there like things could be something really basic, but for someone that is not used to do those things and haven't been around a different country like Different culture everything just getting there.

00:12:01: And having your phone line Your bank accounts you're Everything set up.

00:12:07: I mean it makes big difference You know and Javi really helped us with that?

00:12:14: There's another bunch of other stuff that i didn't have in control.

00:12:20: So any question or doubt that I had, I just had to send him a text and he would solve it for me.

00:12:28: And also too sharp pool with it because as we mentioned before when i played here in Mataró through all categories He was there even though two years older than us We had the chance of playing together most of these categories.

00:12:48: So the fact that we were able to do the same again in

00:12:52: U.S.,

00:12:53: it was really nice, you

00:12:54: know?

00:12:55: During those early days... Was there a face or moment where you say maybe this is not only a hobby for the next couple of years because I'm really talented and makes fun all these kind things.

00:13:12: maybe a little bit more important during the next couple of years for you, this little hobby of water polo.

00:13:21: You know that the water pola becomes something serious from me when I was fourteen or fifteen because at that age here in Spain is where we were high school.

00:13:35: and then there's selection of players in this case mostly from Catalonia, that get the opportunity to go and practice every day with national team coaches through last four years of high school.

00:13:53: And then when I had a chance do it at when i was fourteen... It's like preparation for National Team in future you know?

00:14:03: From there junior national team U-twenties all these kind stuff.

00:14:08: So yeah, I'd say when i was like fourteen or something became more serious.

00:14:12: and because usually when you're fourteen fifteen sixteen seventeen years old.

00:14:17: You don't train for five hours six hours a day.

00:14:21: so

00:14:23: at least When do not have really future plan?

00:14:26: Yeah!

00:14:27: Your own road map in terms of water polo and studying maybe go into another country then you train four five six hours per day but without that Maybe not.

00:14:39: Who knows, yeah and then as I was saying it became

00:14:43: like

00:14:44: some things more serious on something that um...I could dedicate myself in the future when i was fourteen.

00:14:53: And from there just more practice and more practice.

00:14:54: When I moved to

00:14:55: U.S.,

00:14:58: It was.. I wouldn't say different mentality but maybe sometimes I'd have a different mentality Because when you're there, of course... There are some basics that we have to think about.

00:15:14: The college or the university is the most important thing for them and they value it the most.

00:15:19: You can be an amazing player but if your not doing good in class then.... That's how it works!

00:15:30: So.. When ure here you gotta focus on things And of course it's like class, water polo and of course social life because at the end you're in college.

00:15:41: In

00:15:42: U.S.,

00:15:42: do your first two most classes then water polon comes itself.

00:15:49: but they just value their class a lot.

00:15:57: When we compare both worlds let say Europe what a polo community and world in style, whatever.

00:16:05: And the US.

00:16:06: so where do you think or based on your experiences?

00:16:10: Where are the biggest difference between both

00:16:13: systems?".

00:16:14: You already mentioned high school and college etc... Based on previous podcasts for example talking to people who also have at least short time in the U.S saying this is biggest difference because in Germany or Europe at the age of fifteen, sixteen and seventeen when you're leaving school then maybe also the water polo world comes to an end.

00:16:42: Because we have to focus on studying And it may be the opposite so that this time you really have a time for focusing on water polos.

00:16:53: You know I agree as you mentioned sometimes its not easy sport that you can At the same time either work study and at the same train a high level because That's how it is here in Europe, but in the US they give you the chance to do that.

00:17:16: And They gave me all the facilities To Be the best on class But I'll be the best in this case.

00:17:24: water.

00:17:29: The difference between the US water polo and European Water Polo.

00:17:35: I just think that U.S has been growing a lot recently Recently, maybe in last five or six years And you can see it on the results they are having.

00:17:48: College water polos.

00:17:49: Of course You cannot expect top teams from Europe.

00:17:55: You could not expect college team the best coach teams there to come here and compete against the best team in Europe because that's not how real life is.

00:18:03: There are people studying, you cannot compare it but I think water polo brings a lot of good opportunities for players maybe when they're at high school.

00:18:25: Oh, maybe I don't know if i want to do this.

00:18:27: But then a college comes up and says okay like... ...I want you to come here play water polo and study at the same time.

00:18:34: And then You say Okay Maybe Then I should keep playing From those years in college may be that you develop yourself.. ..and become really nice player A good player and teams in Europe won't you?

00:18:44: And it's when your gotta move because As much as we said they invest alot on younger stages of Water Polo let's say high school College, but then when you're done with college if you want to keep doing this You can come Europe because that's where mm-hmm the war polo is.

00:19:02: Yeah But yeah no I'd say that.

00:19:06: And we were when you think about your time in thee and the u.s.. Yes so Regarding be what does it called?

00:19:14: NCA a title

00:19:15: nca.

00:19:15: So we will.

00:19:16: yes, which is not easy to win at once.

00:19:19: you did several times.

00:19:22: How many times?

00:19:24: Three times.

00:19:25: My first three years there, we got

00:19:27: the win.

00:19:28: First three years?

00:19:28: Three titles.

00:19:29: so it's not such a big bad thing.

00:19:38: Yeah no problem bring us a little bit more information around these kinds of NCAA titles.

00:19:45: Is it big?

00:19:47: Do you have anything like to compare this with other things here in Europe?

00:19:53: because when you won three times, so which is...

00:19:58: Yeah I mean the NCAA since there's no professional league there for Polo do we have for example the MLS then FL then NBA all these sports.

00:20:09: basketball American football uh baseball they have a professional league and then when they win that, in america say their world champions most of the times although there are not but we can give it to them.

00:20:26: But no so when he comes through the sports there don't have a profession league.

00:20:35: The biggest thing you can accomplish I'd say, the NCAA is a national championship even though it's still college sports.

00:20:42: It's really big thing because as well not just Water Polo but the NCAEA itself when it comes to all the sports... ...it's a really really really big deal.

00:20:53: for example When it come to American football or basketball during time of year that the final four or the NCEA championships for basketball It's a whole thing in the US, it is just really big.

00:21:11: Everyone is into it even though its not professional but still important for them because they value college sports.

00:21:19: But when it comes to water polo Yeah!

00:21:23: Its' biggest thing.

00:21:24: you can win there.

00:21:26: And with my teammates we had three great first seasons and were able to accomplish that.

00:21:34: Yeah, three good first seasons.

00:21:37: It's

00:21:40: really fun.

00:21:42: So I would assume that you are still in touch with most of the guys from the rest?

00:21:48: Of course Because there when before I mentioned a class water polo and then the social life The one of the biggest difference as well.

00:22:01: when it comes to college sports and more professional, well now I'm going to compare just water polo here in Water Polo there.

00:22:10: It might be as well the age difference.

00:22:13: like sometimes an eighteen year old can play with a thirty six-year-old because that's how it is you know?

00:22:19: In all sports happens but in College Sports doesn't happen.

00:22:23: often maybe someone studies at later stage of their lives But...in this case All my teammates were around the same age as I was.

00:22:33: Some older in my first years, then of course some younger on last season.

00:22:39: but it's always that range.

00:22:40: they're at the same ages.

00:22:41: you do everything together and go to practice.

00:22:45: most times we have class with them from the pool or after the class.

00:22:52: let's eat lunch Yeah,

00:23:02: so which makes it easier.

00:23:03: So when you are more or less everybody in the same age range than for example twenty or eighty against thirty six?

00:23:14: Maybe the topics to talk about other things they join could be different

00:23:22: Trust me because I experienced this last year.

00:23:24: but at the end of their different and and the things you talk, I don't know.

00:23:33: You do are different but they're still both good then both work.

00:23:42: But there's a difference because on one side your in college On other side you play professionally.

00:23:48: it is your job when you dedicate yourself But at the same time, you have to have some fun with your teammates.

00:23:56: You already mentioned that maybe Water Polo in actually these days are really growing fast let's say it that way.

00:24:03: so we have much of good results for young teams.

00:24:08: We also have the bronze medal in Paris For a senior team and during last couple weeks or months Also many good result.

00:24:20: Do you think that it's really based then on the system or is this based in a good year?

00:24:27: For example, do we think really... Based on the systems and things they are bringing to the road during last couple of years.

00:24:38: I just think its'a little bit about everything.

00:24:40: And off course there also part where a lot of European players are moving and the more European players want to move there.