John O'Brien, whose goalkeeping brilliance, led UCI to its only undefeated season in program history and its second NCAA Championship title in 1982 reflects on his time as an Anteater and the important lessons he learned at UCI that have helped him to great successes in his post-graduation life. 
 
O'Brien played three seasons for UCI men's water polo under head coach Ted Newland. He was a two time All-American goalkeeper and named the 1982 NCAA Tournament co-MVP. As a formidable force in goal, he helped UCI to a perfect 30-0 record in 1982 and defeat Stanford, 7-4, in the NCAA Tournament to win the Anteaters their second National Championship.  
 
"I really enjoyed my time at UCI," said O'Brien. "First, being part of the tradition of the water polo team was exciting, and it was a family that I still have today. The campus was much smaller than it is today, but that brought intimacy to the campus, the students, and the faculty.  The water polo team was extremely close and we enjoyed success because we spent so much time together and working towards a shared goal."
 
"Some of my fondest memories include winning an NCAA Championship with an undefeated season. We had worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment, and it was great to share it with my teammates and our coaches, especially Ted Newland.  It was a culmination of four years of work to achieve a common goal.  Next, would be all the people I met outside of water polo. These people made each day special at UCI." 

"The National Championship was a highlight but playing with such talented athletes and great people made it much more fulfilling.  We were a band of unselfish players with the common goal to win as our driving force. We had an amazing mentor in Newland, and I took so many of his teachings with me throughout my life. I have friendships that are like a brotherhood for those I have played with, and that comes from the shared experience of playing for Newland." 

O'Brien reflects on some of the people that helped shape his UCI experience. "There were many, but the one that comes to mind first was Chancellor Dan Aldrich. He was such a supporter of the water polo team and spent time with us. He was larger than life, and I had the pleasure of graduating the year he retired, so we both left UCI at the same time." 
 
After graduating from UCI, O'Brien spent 24 years in the United States Marine Corps earning the rank Lieutenant Colonel. 

"I have had a couple of careers since my time at UCI.  First, I spent 24 years in the United States Marine Corps. The lessons learned from battling in the pool and putting in the hard work were used my entire Marine Corps career.  From never quitting to keeping a level head in the worst of times, all that is directly attributed to my time with Newland." 

Currently, O'Brien is the Vice President of Real Estate for NVIDIA Corporation. He manages a team of 140 people and 107 sites globally.  

"I am in charge of the design and construction of our new corporate campus in Santa Clara, and the leadership skills I began to develop at UCI and continued through the military have led me to this position and the responsibility I hold. UCI taught me not only the academics necessary to be successful but also the ability to take on challenges and meet them head-on."
 
"My time at UCI set a foundation for a lifetime of learning and leading. It was the lessons learned in the pool at six am and in the classroom. UCI was a great start to my adult life and prepared me to meet all challenges I have faced." 

What his peers have to say...
Head coach Marc Hunt: " OB, as he is affectionately known as, had an impact of the culture that I played with. Competing water polo from '89-93, I only crossed paths with OB on the basketball court. You had to bring your "A" game if OB was at Warmington's half court that day. The guy was there to systematically win. His game focus and execution was incredible. Those days had immense impact to my athletic and coaching approach." 

1982 UCI teammate Tony Choquehuanca: " From my perspective, John was the best goalie I had ever played with. Our 1982 NCAA Championship team went 30-0 because of his goalie brilliance."

UCI All-American, Hall of Fame honoree and son of Coach Newland, George Newland: "He played an important role on the most successful team to ever play for my Dad at UC Irvine." 

1982 UCI teammate, Peter Campbell - Four-time UCI All American, UCI Hall of Fame, '88 and '84 Olympian: " He improved as a player, leader, and student each year. I believe he was the best goalie in the country his last two seasons. John was a major reason we were undefeated and NCAA Champions in 1982. 

1982 UCI teammate and two time All-American Trevor Dodson: " He couldn't help it, that's just who he was. I don't think I've ever seen a more competitive person, unapologetic for his efforts as well.  He was the guy you were glad was on YOUR team."
 
John W. O'Brien USMC  
Rank:  Lieutenant Colonel  
Billets (positions) Held: 
Senior Air Director, Tactical Air Operations Center Officer in Charge (OIC), MACS 7, Yuma Az 
H&S Battery Commander, 5^th Battalion, 14^th Marines, Seal Beach, Ca                  
Battalion Logistics Officer, 5^th Battalion, 14^th Marines, Seal Beach, CA 
Manpower Support Western Region, Marine Forces Reserve 
Civil Affairs Officer (Section Leader), 3^rd Civil Affairs Group, Camp Pendleton 
Civil Affairs Liaison to 2^nd Amphibious Assault Vehicle Battalion, 1^st Regimental Combat Team, Iraq 
Civil Affairs Liaison to 1 Marine Division, Iraq 
H&S Company Commander 1^st Medical Battalion, San Diego, Ca 
 
 Awards: 
Navy Commendation Medal 
Navy Achievement Medal 
Combat Action Ribbon 
Navy Presidential Unit Commendation Medal 
Navy Unit Commendation Medal 
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal – 2 
Iraqi Campaign Medal – 3 Campaign Stars 
Global War on Terror Service Medal 
Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal - 4 
National Defense Medal – 2 
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon