Americans Alex Bowen, Drew Holland Retire from International Water Polo
American Olympic water polo players Alex Bowen and Drew Holland announced their international retirements on Tuesday.
Both Stanford grads, they were part of the Paris Olympic team that won a bronze medal for the U.S. men’s first Olympic medal since 2008.
Bowen has been part of the team since 2013. The attacker won three Pan-American Games gold medals and three World League Super Finals silver medals.
“After more than a decade with Team USA, I’m stepping away from the game that has given me so much,” Bowen said. “Representing this country has been the greatest honor of my life. From competing on the Olympic stage and bringing home a bronze medal, to seasons spent playing abroad that challenged and shaped me, every step of this journey led me back to the pride of wearing the USA cap. Water polo shaped who I am, discipline, resilience, and a deep love for team and country. But my greatest role is one I have just begun, being a father. And the same heart, commitment, and passion I gave to this sport, I now give to my family. To my teammates, coaches, and everyone who stood by me, thank you for being part of this journey. I carry you with me into this next chapter. The pool will always be home, but now, so is something even greater.”
Bowen hails from Santana High School and was a Cutino Award Finalist in 2015, his 253 goals third all-time in Stanford history. He made it to three Olympics teams, scoring three times in Rio and 18 times in Tokyo. Bowen played club polo for Sabadell in Spain, Noisy-le-Sec in France, Partizan in Serbia, Apollon in Greece, Miskolci VLC in Hungary, and Mladost Zagreb in Croatia as well as New York Athletic Club.
“Alex Bowen is the ultimate grinder and someone that bought into what we were trying to accomplish from day one. It’s hard to think about doing this job without Alex Bowen, he’s been with me since my first summer back in 2013 through three Olympic Games,” USA Men’s National Team Head Coach Dejan Udovicic said. “Bowen worked tirelessly to improve his game and grew into one of the most elite scorers in the world. He committed to living and playing in Europe year after year and got better for it, rising through the ranks of elite European water polo. I’m thankful for his commitment to USA Water Polo and am excited for him and his family in this next chapter of life as a new dad.”
Holland spent 11 years representing the U.S. The goalie won three CIF section titles and one DFAL title at Miramonte High School, then was twice a Third Team All-American at Stanford, where he still holds the career saves lead at 925.
“It has been the honor of my life representing Team USA as a member of the Senior National Team for the last eleven years. Having the chance to play at the highest level, train with and compete against the best players in the world, and travel around the globe playing the sport that I love has been incredibly special,” Holland said. “Thank you to my coaches, teammates, family, fiancée Hannah, friends and fans for offering so much support throughout my career. I’m grateful to close out my career with a bronze medal in the Paris Olympic Games, and am excited to continue to be involved in the great sport of water polo.”
Holland debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He was named the top goalkeeper at the 2021 World League Super Final. He played for Peristeri and Chios in Greece and Caballa in Spain as well as The Olympic Club in San Francisco. He’s returned to be the co-head coach at his high school alma mater.
“We are so fortunate to have had Drew Holland in net for Team USA for two Olympic quads,” Udovicic said. “Making the Olympic Games as a goalie isn’t easy, there are only two spots, but Drew did it twice. His preparation, precision, and passion were world class. Whether he was starting or coming in during a shootout to make a critical block, he was always up for the challenge. He was never afraid to share his opinion or offer an idea that would help make our team more successful. Add to that his dedication to playing several seasons abroad, a commitment that helped our program set a standard. It’s no surprise he’s transitioned now into coaching and I know he’ll do a great job leading the next generation.”
