By Ben Dines '15

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) talked to redshirt senior Matt Kochalko (MK) of the men's water polo team about being an elder statesman and embracing his final year on the team.

SCB: You are one of a few RS-seniors on the team this year.  What is your role going to be like this season?

MK: My role this season will be becoming one of the leaders on this team. We graduated a lot of big leaders last year, so there needs to be a few guys to step into that role. I am really just trying to help everyone on the team get better, by giving them some advice or keeping them focused on what we want to do as a team. That adds to my role as a player on the team; I am constantly trying to help people improve. I am always looking and trying to set up the best opportunity for our team to score. 

SCB: What is something about you that most people don't know?

MK: Most people do not know that I am a major Mechanical Engineer who wants to work in the Aerospace industry. 

SCB: How has water polo benefited your life outside of the pool?

MK: Water polo has really benefited my life outside of the pool because it has taught me a lot of good habits. It has taught me to never give up or quit on anything you do. It has really taught me to manage my time well, because we have so much practice you have to plan out your day accordingly to be able to get everything done.

SCB: What are you looking to personally build on this year?  What have you been working on this in the offseason?

MK: A big part of my offseason training was focused on my legs. I really wanted to get stronger legs because that is the base of your game. Pushing myself in offseason weight training has helped a lot with that. Personally, I am looking to just have fun with my last season of water polo. I love the sport so much and since it is my last year playing competitively I just want to go out there and have fun with it.