John Mcbride stands out as a highly accomplished figure in the world of water polo, making significant contributions to both collegiate and national levels. Currently at the helm of the men’s and women’s water polo programs at Bucknell University, a position he assumed on May 18, 2011, John McBride brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His influence extends beyond Bucknell as he also plays a crucial role with the U.S. National Team, set to contribute to their journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics after their Pan American Games gold medal win in 2023.
John McBride’s Transformative Tenure at Bucknell University
During his time in Lewisburg, John McBride has undeniably elevated Bucknell’s water polo programs. Having surpassed 300 career wins, his leadership has translated into tangible achievements for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Elevating the Men’s Water Polo Program
Under John McBride’s guidance, the Bucknell men’s water polo team has reached unprecedented heights. A defining moment came in 2012 when they clinched the Southern Championships title, setting the stage for further triumphs. This was followed by a historic appearance in the Eastern Championship title game, a feat not achieved by the program in nearly two decades. The 2016 season marked another milestone as John McBride led the team to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1985, secured by winning the MAWPC Championship on their home turf at Kinney Natatorium. The program’s success continued to flourish in 2019, witnessing one of its most remarkable seasons. Capturing their second MAWPC Championship in four years, the Bison demonstrated their prowess by defeating the previously undefeated Harvard in an NCAA Tournament Play-In game. This victory propelled them to the national quarterfinals and marked the program’s first NCAA Tournament win since 1985. Bucknell’s consistent performance under John McBride’s tutelage was further underscored by a return to the NCAA Tournament in the 2020-21 season, reaching the final eight once again.
Growing the Women’s Water Polo Program
John McBride has also been instrumental in the growth and competitiveness of the Bucknell women’s water polo program. Consistently facing challenging schedules against top-ranked opponents, McBride has fostered a culture of improvement and resilience. In 2015, he guided the women’s team to their first .500 record since 2010, initiating a period of upward trajectory. The following year, the team achieved an impressive 18 wins, the highest win count for Bucknell since 2009. Their progress culminated in a fifth-place finish at the CWPA Championship in 2016, their best showing since 2010. John McBride’s contributions were recognized with the CWPA Coach of the Year award in 2016, making him the first Bucknell coach to receive this honor since 2010. The 2019 season saw the team achieve 25 wins, just shy of the school record, and a third-place finish at the CWPA Championship, the highest in program history. A personal milestone for John McBride was reached on February 2, 2019, when he recorded his 100th win with the women’s program, solidifying his impact across both teams. The 2020 season showcased further potential with a program-best 10-1 start before it was unfortunately cut short.
John McBride’s dedication to player development is evident in the numerous All-Americans he has mentored at Bucknell. Notably, Rade Joksimovic, a four-time All-American and MAWPC Player of the Year, reached the final three for the prestigious 2020 Cutino Award, recognizing the national player of the year.
Previous Success at Brown University
Before his tenure at Bucknell, John McBride honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach at Brown University for seven years. During this period, he played a key role in Brown’s water polo achievements. In 2009, the men’s squad secured the Collegiate Water Polo Association Northern Division title, their first conference crown in nearly 25 years. The team also maintained an undefeated record in regular-season conference play in 2008 and achieved a fourth-place finish at the Eastern Championship. On the women’s side, John McBride contributed to back-to-back ECAC Championship titles in 2009 and 2010 and a fourth-place finish at the Eastern Championship, marking Brown’s best performance since 2001. Both men’s and women’s teams consistently appeared in the national top-20 rankings under his tenure. Academically, Brown’s water polo teams also excelled, with the men’s team achieving the highest team GPA in the nation for four years and the women ranking in the top three nationally four times.
John McBride’s Role with the U.S. National Team
John McBride’s expertise extends to the national stage through his long-standing involvement with the U.S. National Team program. A former goalie for the U.S. National “B” Team in 1993, he remains a prominent figure in national team circles. He has served as the head coach for the men’s Northeast Zone Olympic Development Team and the Southeast Zone Olympic Development Program. His responsibilities also include evaluating and coaching top East Coast players for potential spots on the U.S. National Team. In 2022, John McBride’s commitment and skill led to his promotion to assistant coach with the U.S. Senior National Team. His contributions were recently highlighted by the team’s gold medal victory at the Pan American Games in Chile in November 2023, and he is set to continue his role with the team at the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics.
Accomplished Playing Career
John McBride’s coaching acumen is built upon a solid foundation as a player. He was a four-year starter as a goalie for the University of Rhode Island’s water polo program, graduating in 1992. During his playing career, he earned recognition as a three-time First Team All-New England selection and twice as a First Team All-East honoree, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Conclusion
John McBride’s career is a testament to his dedication and expertise in water polo. From his impactful leadership at Bucknell University, transforming both the men’s and women’s programs, to his significant contributions to the U.S. National Team, John McBride has solidified his position as a leading figure in the sport. His continued involvement with the national team and Bucknell ensures his ongoing influence on the future of water polo.
