Preview by Marcus Akerland, SCU Athletics Department Student Assistant
Entering his senior season in the fall, Santa Clara water polo's Liam Farrell looks forward to writing an exciting final chapter in his collegiate career. Farrell takes some time out of the pool to talk about the team, his goals, and hard work both in the pool and in the classroom.
SCU: The team has been practicing for about a month as part of summer club play. What excites you the most about the squad as you look forward to the season this fall?
Liam Farrell: We have a good group of new players who will add to our team right away, and to have new faces that will contribute is always exciting. I am also really excited for this year because it will be my final season. I want to end my career right, leave my mark on the program, and help lead our team to a WWPA championship.
SCU: What do you feel you need to improve on for this season?
LF: I am working to improve my ability to open up my teammates and help get them more involved in the game. A good player will not only be able to open himself up and get opportunities there, but will also be able to do the same for his teammates. I have also been working to bulk up this off-season, so I have been hitting the weight room hard. I also want to become a better leader both in practice and in games.
SCU: Being a senior and a captain, what do you look to do to make sure the team is performing at its best?
LF: I enjoy leading by being vocal. I want to be the guy who keeps the morale high during practice, and I do so by keeping everyone lively and loose. I want to make sure everyone is focused and working hard, but it is also important to make sure that everyone is having a good time too.
SCU: You are graduating early next year after the fall quarter. What are your plans once you are finished at Santa Clara?
LF: I'm looking forward to being able to take a break and enjoy my time off. I want to get involved in coaching water polo at some point down the road. It will be weird not having practice everyday, since I have been playing water polo for so long.
I am currently working at Lockheed Martin in the Business Finance Department, so hopefully I will be offered a spot back there once I am done with school.
SCU: What is your favorite thing to do when you're not playing water polo?
LF: I really enjoy being active. When I'm not playing water polo I enjoy playing other sports. Basketball is one of my favorite hobbies outside of water polo.
SCU: Tell Bronco fans something they do not know about Liam Farrell.
LF: When I was in 7th grade I started playing water polo because a girl I thought was cute was playing it and I wanted to be able to go on a team trip with her.
Liam Farrell Quick Hits:
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: Blood Diamonds
Favorite Actor: Bill Murray
Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Athlete Most Admired as a Kid: Mike Piazza
