Kieran Hattie of New Zealand has just recently joined the men’s water polo team here at Cerritos.

He played as a goalie for his school back in New Zealand.

His aspirations were always to come to the United States, not only to visit, but also to play for a school and obtain scholarships.

“I always knew I wanted to come here. It was something I hoped for. Of course it was going to take a lot of sacrifice, but I was willing to make them,” Hattie states.

It began with a suggestion from the director of water polo from New Zealand, Christopher Hayward.

Hayward along with Mike Ash, founder of the Chinese water polo, found six contacts here in America.

Cerritos was considered the best possibility.

Men’s water polo coach Joe Abing recalls, “I received an e-mail from Kieran where he introduced himself as a goalie from New Zealand trying to find a school in California where he could participate in water polo.” 

Abing informs that he and Hattie kept in touched for about six months before Hattie’s schooling and housing accommodations were acquired.

Though he has visited and lived in the United States for five years prior to this visit, Hattie feels this experience is very different.

“I am in a new environment and surrounded by a lot of new people. Back at New Zealand I basically coached myself in an indoor pool. Now I play outdoors with coaches constantly pushing me to my limit,” said Hattie.

Elliott Cowens, assistant coach, has been assigned to be Hattie’s personal trainer.

Cowens is designated to train Hattie and introduce as well as help him improve on skills that are used in water polo at Cerritos.

Hattie comments, “There’s not much of a difference really. Back home it was individual, independent playing and coaching. Here it is team oriented.”

He adds, “The one thing that did surprise me however was the shot clock. In New Zealand the shot clock is 30 sec. and here it is 35 secs.

It also surprised me to see how together and connected the team is. They get along really well in and outside the pool. ”  

“My first impression of him was that he was a great kid. I could tell he is really passionate about water polo. His excitement and enthusiasm clearly shines through. The team is really excited to have him. We are sure his unique style will contribute much to the team,” said Abing.

“I was really nervous,” Hattie recalls, “I thought they were going to think I was just this tall, white aussie. But they welcomed me right away.”

“If Kieran is having a challenging time adjusting, he definitely does a very good job a not showing it,” Abing stated, “He’s been here a month and already he’s one of the hardest workers I’ve seen. He’s made a huge contribution to the team.”

Hattie misses both his girlfriend and his family the most.

He states, “I talk to my girlfriend every night. She has been really supportive throughout this entire experience. She just hates the fact that we are so far away just as much as I do.”

His mom was mostly worried about his school.

“She was worried I wouldn’t get enrolled. Once that was settled she became much more relaxed,” Hattie confirms.   

Hattie is now housing with team mate Michael Torres. 

Torres states, “He doesn’t eat much and he stays in his room a lot. So as long as he keeps his hands out of my sugar bowl, he’s welcomed to stay as long as he likes.” 

Torres took up this opportunity because he thought “it would be cool to have someone my age around the house. I have no regrets. He’s one tall, dark, and handsome aussie.” 

Abing added, “One difference I find rather funny is that when he came he was tall and white, now he is tall and red.”

Hattie hopes this experience will earn him a spot on the Australian water polo team in the near future.

“I don’t intend on going to New Zealand anytime soon. I’ve wanted this for a long time and I’m loving it. I’m loving every bit of it.”