HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, June 18. TERRY Schroeder, one of the legendary players in American water polo history, has been named head coach of the USA Water Polo Men's National Team, effective immediately. A four-time Olympian who captained Team USA to silver medal performances at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, Schroeder also coached at Pepperdine University, where he led his team to its first-ever NCAA Division I championship in 1997.
"Terry Schroeder is not only a renowned player and coach, he is also a man of character, intelligence, and integrity, which we believe are defining elements in a successful Olympic program," said Christopher Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer of USA Water Polo. "We are excited to have Terry once again leading Team USA. We are confident that he will bring the highest standards of achievement to his new assignment."
Schroeder helped the U.S. win its first-ever major international water polo competition in 1991, as the Americans captured the FINA Cup in Barcelona by defeating longtime nemesis Yugoslavia in the title game. The Schroeder-led U.S. team won two Olympic silver medals, finishing second to Yugoslavia in both 1984 and 1988.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to coach Team USA," Schroeder said. "Our goal remains to get this team back into the medal hunt as quickly as possible. There is a great deal of work to do in a short time and we need all the support we can get from the water polo community."
Recognized as a leading spokesman for the sport of water polo, Schroeder has been featured in numerous national publications, including Sports Illustrated. He was assigned the honor of carrying the U.S. flag at the Closing Ceremonies of the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. Schroeder was inducted into the U.S. Water Polo "Hall of Fame" in 1998 in recognition of his many contributions toward the sport.
Schroeder graduated with honors from Pepperdine in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in sports medicine, and earned All-American honors in 1977, 1978 and 1980. He completed his doctoral studies at the Palmer-West Chiropractic School in Sunnyvale. Schroeder and his wife, Lori, reside in nearby Westlake Village with their daughters, Leanna and Sheridan. The Schroeders operate a chiropractic office located in Westlake Village.
Special thanks to USA Water Polo for contributing this report.