LBCC aquatics coach Chris Oeding took part in leading the women’s national water polo team to back-to-back Olympic gold medals.
Odeing has contributed to the women’s senior national water polo team since 2013 and has been the head aquatics coach at LBCC for over 15 years.
As an assistant coach, Oeding got to witness an enormous amount of time and effort put in by his players that led them to win gold in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.
“The women dealt with an extreme amount of uncertainty during COVID, so to see them achieve their goal was special,” said Oeding.
Oeding continued to add how he has a tremendous amount of respect for the national women’s water polo team and feels honored to have been a part of their journey.
Oeding explained how taking part in the Olympics gave the women motivation but emphasized how it was important for the athletes to focus on the small details without getting caught up in the pressures of the moment.
Being part of the coaching staff of the women’s water polo Olympic team meant a great amount to Chris Odeing.
He explained how it was special to be on the bench during games and have an opportunity to work with the women as they pursued their goal.
Being part of such accomplishments has taught Oeding a great amount that he applies to his coaching at LBCC.
LBCC women’s water polo player Rachel Westphal explained how Chris Oeding has helped the team “learn the importance of connections and trust between teammates and staff.”
Oeding believes that someone’s abilities isn’t what matters, as he simply wants to get athletes to believe they can continue to improve and grow as individuals.
He explains how now that the Olympics have come to an end, he plans on coaching and working with LBCC student-athletes for the foreseeable future.