John Hahn Q&A
11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Water Polo
Freshman John Hahn (
Q: What made you decide to pursue your education in the
A: “I had been thinking about it since the last few years of high school. I knew there were some great opportunities to play water polo and get an excellent education in the
Q: How did you choose Pepperdine?
A: “I played for the Australian Junior National Team and we played in
Q: Were you looking at any other schools?
A: “The other keeper on our national team was looking at USC and they had contacted me as well. I just felt like Pepperdine was a better fit for me.”
Q: What did your parents think about you going to school so far away?
A: “They really supported my decision. I think they feel like if I’m happy, they’re happy.”
Q: Is it difficult to not be going home for the holidays?
A: “Not really. I’m really not that homesick, though I miss my family and friends. I’ve made so many new friends here who have invited me to their homes for the holidays. I also have some friends from
Q: Tell me about your water polo season so far.
A: “It’s been kind of up and down. I think early on we expected to win some of the bigger tournaments. We had some disappointing losses, but we never give up. We have two MPSF matches left ... UCSB and UCLA. We’re planning on beating both teams and entering the tournament with a high ranking.”
Q: What does the team have to do to make it to the NCAA Tournament?
A: “We’ll have to win the entire tournament. We’re capable of that and it helps that we’re hosting it at our own pool.”
Q: Tell me about your coaches. Does their style differ from what you were use to in
A: “In
Q: Are you happy with your choice to attend Pepperdine?
A: “I am. The location is second to none, the team is great and everyone gets on well with one another and the small classroom sizes are good for learning.”
Q: How does the educational system in
A: “There is probably more of an emphasis to attend University here than in
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: “I’ll probably go on to post-graduate school and pursue a career in finance. I would really like to work with athletes and help them manage their finances.”
Q: Any plans to continue playing water polo?
A: “I’d love to play in
Q: Will you continue to play for the Australian National Team?
A: “I’m too old to play on the junior team, so I would have to try out for the senior team. They’re having a camp over Christmas break, but I’ll be here. I hope to keep playing for
Q: What other sports did you play while growing up?
A: “I played baseball and rugby. I really liked baseball, but had to give it up because the season was the same as water polo.”
Q: Will this be your first American Thanksgiving?
A.: “Yes it will and it’s the day before the tournament starts so I think a lot of guys won’t go home. Some of the guys who live around here have invited us over. I’m looking forward to eating lots of turkey!”
Q: What food do you miss from home?
A: “I miss really good Thai food. We’re so close to Asia that we have lots of great Thai and Chinese restaurants in
Q: Any words of wisdom for potential athletes considering Pepperdine?
A: “It’s a great place to go for athletics and education. I love it here.”
