Parent’s perspective: The ASU Water Polo journey

Early mornings, late nights, weeknight practices, long weekends, road trip tournaments and hotel stays. Not to mention league fees and fundraisers. Every parent of an athlete knows the drill.

It’s an intense commitment not just from the athletes, but their families too. It all pays off when these athletes get the opportunity of a lifetime … to play their sport at ASU. 

While some student-athletes (like ASU’s Football players) aspire to go pro after their time in Tempe, not all sports are created equal. This makes ASU’s academic programs - and the community that comes with it - all the more important.

Water Polo is one of those sports. 

Meet the Glad family
“We always have said that if the stars align for the Olympics, the stars align,” says Tricia Glad, mother of two Water Polo players; freshman goalkeeper Keri Glad, and redshirt junior 2-meter defense Molly Glad.

“However, Molly has huge dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon and Keri has always had a desire to help autistic children. I think that ASU has all the opportunities to help both of them get there.”

As she reflects on her time as an ASU student-athlete parent, there’s no doubt it’s a special moment.

Tricia traveled from Oregon to see her girls compete in the Cross Conference Invitational at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center from February 15 and 16, 2025. On Sunday morning, ASU sunk the Cal State Fullerton Titans 12-3, and the Iona Gaels 21-9. In 24 minutes played, Keri made 9 saves for a .750 save average against the Titans, while sister Molly scored two goals against the Gaels.

“They've never been able to play together, so this is the time,” notes Tricia. “As a mom, that is so incredible to see all of the hard work and dedication over the years come to fruition, and we'll be here to continue to root them on.”

Meet the Frangieh family
It’s a similar situation for the Frangieh family. Like Tricia Glad, parents Bill and Kelly Frangieh also have two players on the team - freshman attacker Karly and junior 2-meter defense Zoe.

Visiting from San Jose, California, the Frangieh’s had one of the best seats in the house to watch Karly score one against the Titans and add another six against Iona, which set a single-game high in goals scored by a Sun Devil this season.

“I feel ASU is definitely preparing my girls for the future,” says Bill. “When you're out in the real world, there needs to be a regimen and understanding they can’t blow off practice or not go to class. You need to have some structure because that's how it's going to be going forward in life. It's not just kicking back and partying or whatever. It's not about that.”

“The amount of work that they do and the level that they play at, it's impressive,” adds Kelly. “They're in the dorm and have kids partying next to them when they’ve got a full day of weights and practice ahead of them. It's a sacrifice for sure. They're living a different college experience than your normal student.”

The Sun Devil community
The saying “it takes a village,” is one that ASU embodies. It’s not just the parents supporting these student-athletes. It’s an entire community of support the Sun Devils benefit from.

“I will tell you, I am very impressed. I've been to a lot of colleges and I've seen a lot of college athletes,” says Glad. “ASU supports the well-being of the athlete, both in the water, through nutrition, exercise and medical support, and academically. I appreciate that.”

The culture of this support didn’t just happen overnight. In 2023, Petra Pardi was named Water Polo’s head coach, and noted, “I am a byproduct of this team and am excited about continuing the tradition and building a very strong team culture. … There is not another person that would care more about the success of this program and the well-being of the young ladies [than me]."

“Coach Petra, she's amazing,” says Bill. “Zoe and Karly respect and gravitate towards her in anything she says. Then, their teammates are all amazing girls from all over the world, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. It's just amazing to see.”

That pride even extends to family friends who travel to see the girls in action.

“Watching them grow up from kids to now, I've seen them become the kids to the mature ladies that they are and their commitment. I've seen the commitment from both parents and the kids and it's paid off,” says Seema Patel, a longtime Frangieh family friend.

“They're getting a great education here in addition to playing in an amazing team and a great place. So I am proud of the girls, just like their parents are. But as an outsider looking in, just seeing them evolve into what they are, I'm a proud family friend.”

Knowing their student-athletes are in good hands, parents couldn’t be more proud of the choices made in selecting ASU.

“For me, I’m a watchful parent. Petra promised me that ASU would take care of my kids and I didn't have to do it anymore, so I love that ASU is doing that for me. I'm happy here,” says Tricia.

HOW TO FOLLOW
Keep up-to-date with Sun Devil Water Polo at SunDevils.com which hosts the team’s schedule, roster, stats, news and more. Follow Sun Devil Water Polo on Twitter/X @sundevilwp, Instagram @sundevilwaterpolo, and Facebook all season long during the 2025 season for coverage of the team. Live stats are also available through 6-8 sports.