For the third time, University of the Pacific water polo All-American Alex Obert ’16 will represent Team USA as one of 13 athletes selected to compete in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“I was super excited when I found out,” Obert said. “This is a special team with a lot of talent and returners coming back for another Olympics. Being a part of this group of men is really humbling and exciting. I know these guys like the back of my hand, and they are some of my best, closest friends.”

Obert is one of four former Pacific water polo players competing in the Olympic Games, along with Luke Pavillard ’19 (Australia), John Hedges (Australia) and Clara Vulpisi ’23 (Canada).

A third chance to go for gold and compete on the grandest of stages was an opportunity Obert could not pass up, although he nearly did.

After the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, Obert believed his days of playing water polo had ended. He got a full-time job and became a father in 2023 and hadn’t practiced water polo for two years.

“I thought my career was over,” Obert said. “I was very satisfied with how my career went, but about a year ago, some of my teammates asked me if I wanted to come back, and when I did, they fully accepted me. I got one last opportunity to push for another Olympic Games. I’m super excited for the role on this team. I know what I can do to help this team be successful.”

A three-time All-American and the third Tiger in Pacific history to be named a finalist for the Peter J. Cutino Award, Obert is thankful that Director of Water Polo James Graham prepared him and set him up for success at the highest level of competition.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here today if I hadn’t chosen Pacific a long time ago,” Obert said. “Coach Graham was able to put me in situations that made me the most successful. He helped me grow and make me the player that I am today. I think it’s really cool to see how more high-level players are coming to Pacific.”

Graham is thrilled to see Obert represent Pacific at his third Olympic Games. The two have kept in touch since Graham graduated from Pacific in 2016.

“I’m very proud of Alex for everything he has accomplished here at Pacific and on the national stage,” Graham said. “He is a great example of what our program represents, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him compete in his third Olympic Games.”

The student-athletes, coaches and staff at Pacific are all excited to see Obert compete in Paris.

“It’s awesome,” said Devon Thumwood ’18, assistant director of athletics for business operations and Obert’s teammate from 2014-15. “When I came to Pacific in 2014, I didn’t know anyone on the team or the campus, but he was a leader and took me under his wing to show me what Pacific water polo is. To see him represent the United States in the Olympics is a true testament to what kind of athlete he was, as well as a person.”

As Obert continues his water polo journey, he is most thankful for his wife, Michele (Relton) Obert ’16, a Pacific women’s water polo alumna from 2012-15.

“She supported me from the first day when I was a bench-warming freshman until the day I left Pacific where I was nominated for the Cutino Award,” Obert said. “She has taken on a lot this past year. She’s a superwoman and she gets it because she played water polo at the highest level. I would say my wife is my number one supporter.”

Reflecting on his journey from Pacific to Paris, Obert is proud of the path he has taken and has his sights set on gold.

Men’s water polo competition for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games runs July 27-Aug. 11. See the full schedule.