I had no idea that I was going to be playing water polo for more than 20 years.
Luckily, I got equipped with all (sometimes intangible) skills needed from my coaches, my teammates and friends to tackle not only practices and games but school and life as well. I started playing in 2001 in the pool in my hometown (Pápa, Hungary), where I showed up to practice wanting to try the sport after I saw the Hungarian national team win an Olympic gold medal in 2000 in Sydney.
The national team won the Olympics again in 2004 and 2008, so I found myself motivated and playing multiple seasons in the regional youth leagues, and later the national second competition. The friends, coaches, teammates and opponents who surrounded me shared two things in common: the smell of chlorine and our love of the sport.
Going through multiple practices a week and traveling to almost every pool in the country, we didn’t even realize we were all growing up together, fostering a mindset of respect, discipline, hard work and healthy cheekiness that would always be with us, both in and out of the water.
Now, goggles on, and let’s dive into my professional journey!
I had no idea that I was going to be in communications and media relations for more than 10 years now.
I quickly realized during my first internship, that I was utilizing interpersonal skills from my days at the pool and water polo games. Five synergies stand out when I think back on similarities and focus areas both for communications and water polo.
1. People
In water polo, success relies entirely on the players’ skills, strategies, and teamwork. There’s no dependence on technology to outperform opponents or score goals.
The same is true in communications, where the most impactful work stems from the people behind the messages, not the tools they use. While technology can enhance efficiency and reach, it’s the creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills of communicators that drive meaningful connections and build trust with audiences. Just as water polo players must rely on each other to anticipate plays and respond to challenges, communications teams thrive when they prioritize human collaboration and understanding over mere technical solutions. Ultimately, it’s the people who make the difference in both fields.
2. Accountability
In water polo, each player is accountable for their actions, whether it’s scoring a goal, defending, or setting up a play, and the team’s success depends on perfect coordination. Similarly, in communications, every team member plays a critical role: whether crafting key messages, managing client relationships, or executing campaigns.
Just as one player’s mistake can shift the momentum of a game, a missed deadline or unclear message can disrupt the flow of a communications strategy. By fostering accountability, communications professionals can ensure that every piece of work is thoughtfully considered and aligns with the broader strategic goals. When delivering impactful results, whether a win for the water polo team or a client, the momentum can be maintained.
3. Stamina
Reminding myself to swim laps and conduct leg drills every single practice helped me to maintain the mindset to continuously work hard and get better. In water polo, everyone must maintain physical endurance throughout intense matches, often while treading water or playing against opponents.
Similarly, communications professionals must sustain mental agility, creativity, and resilience to craft compelling narratives, build relationships, and navigate the fast-paced environments of the field. Both pursuits require the ability to adapt under pressure, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the endurance to see challenges through to the end. Whether in the pool or at the office, success is earned through perseverance and dedication.
4. Resilience and Adaptability
Water polo demands resilience and adaptability: players face constant physical challenges, from treading water to enduring defensive pressure, while staying focused and adjusting swiftly to the game’s unpredictable dynamics. Adaptability becomes crucial as the game’s pace and circumstances can shift dramatically. Within the first minute, a teammate’s disciplinary foul or critical flaws might leave the team at a significant disadvantage. Success depends not only on endurance but also on the ability to reassess strategies, recalibrate positioning, and make quick decisions to overcome setbacks and seize new opportunities.
This same approach is vital in communications, where professionals often navigate tight deadlines, evolving client needs, and unexpected crises. Just as water polo players push through fatigue and setbacks to stay competitive, communicators must remain composed and resourceful in the face of pressure, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles and be flexible and versatile to meet key stakeholders‘ or clients’ needs In both fields, resilience isn’t just about endurance and stamina: it’s about the ability to bounce back stronger, learn from setbacks, and maintain a relentless drive toward success.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
In water polo, teamwork and collaboration are the foundation of success, as every player must work together to defend, strategize, and create scoring opportunities. No single player can dominate the game alone; rather, the team thrives on trust, communication, and a shared understanding of roles.
This principle directly translates to the field of communications, where success depends on the collective effort of individuals with diverse skills – writers, strategists, and account managers – all contributing to a common goal. Just as water polo players rely on quick, clear communication to execute plays under pressure, communications professionals must collaborate seamlessly to deliver integrated campaigns, overcome challenges, and achieve impactful results. In both fields, final success is built on the strength of the team.
From the Pool to the Pressroom
For me, water polo and communications will always go hand in hand, and I’ll continue trying to identify ideas and scenarios to advance both my time in the pool and my career in communications and media relations.
If you’re interested in getting to know more about how we can help shape your communications strategy and achieve your media relations goals together (or how to elevate your water polo practices) get in touch here.
