Meet the Dodd brothers: The USA's sensational water polo siblings preparing to debut at Paris 2024
When the call came, American water polo brothers Chase and Ryder Dodd were side by side, just like they’ve always been.
They had both made their first Olympic team together, a dream shared since childhood now a reality. “It was pretty surreal at the moment,” Ryder told Olympics.com.
“When we got the call, it was just Chase and I together, sharing that moment. We haven’t completely wrapped our heads around it yet,” he continued. “We are going to be Olympians.”
The Dodd brothers have already made waves internationally, competing together at the 2023 and 2024 World Aquatics Championships and the 2023 Pan American Games, where they clinched both the gold and Olympic qualification.
But the synergy between them goes beyond the pool. “You get a connection with a sibling that you don’t get with any of your teammates,” Chase explained. “Ryder knows what I’m going to do before I even know what I’m going to do, and vice versa. It’s crazy.”
Ryder echoed his older brother’s sentiments. “It’s really special to share this experience with Chase. We’ve been through so much together. Being able to share these moments with family is something I’ll always cherish.”
As Chase and Ryder prepare for their Olympic debuts at Paris 2024, they will also join a long line of American Olympic water polo siblings.
Chase Dodd: I can’t wait to have my little brother on the team.”
While most 18-year-olds juggle the usual teenage concerns of college roommates and class registrations, Ryder will be preparing for his first Olympic Games.
Chase, 21, is also taking a year off from UCLA to focus on the Olympics before his brother joins him on the Bruins team next year as a freshman. “I think going to college is going to be really good for me,” Ryder said. “Many of my teammates talk about the Olympic high and the feeling of being alone afterward. I know there’s still a huge challenge ahead, but it’s definitely in the back of my mind.” Chase also looks forward to the "mental and physical reset" of returning to college following the Olympics.
When asked if they’d be roommates, the brothers laughed. “Oh, no, we’re not going to live together,” Chase said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together over the past three years on the national team. But it’s great, I can’t wait to have my little brother on the team.”
Looking ahead to Paris 2024 and beyond
The last time the US men's water polo team medaled was at Beijing 2008, when they took silver after a tough loss to Hungary. Chase looks forward to avenging that loss in Paris: “I think I’m most looking forward to probably playing Hungary. We’ve had a very controversial relationship with them, where we’ve beaten them in places and they’ve beaten us at home. It's been pretty back and forth.”
Chase's current collegiate coach (Ryder's soon-to-be coach) at UCLA, three-time Olympian Adam Wright, was a member of the 2008 silver-medal winning squad. "He's helped us a lot through this process of life," Chase shared.
Both the U.S. head coach, Dejan Udovicic, and the Dodd brothers are optimistic, agreeing that this team is brimming with talent. According to Chase, it will come down to discipline and teamwork, both of which are strengths for Team USA.
While the men's team is gearing up for a promising run, the women's team will be looking for a historic fourth consecutive Olympic title, having dominated at London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
They, too, will face stiff competition from Hungary, who came second at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.
USA Water Polo grows rapidly, in time for LA 2028
Both teams are based in Southern California, a hotbed for American water polo. “Everyone knows what water polo is around here,” the brothers said, with most of Team USA living and training in the state.
The sport is gaining rapid popularity in the United States, also thanks to the international successes of the men's and women's teams. “I went to the NCAA championships in Cal Berkeley, and I’ve never seen more people at a water polo game at that pool in my life. It was insane. It’s cool to see how it’s rising and growing," Chase shared.
Some of the biggest names in American music have taken notice of the sport as well.
The Dodd brothers are proud to be part of this growth, eagerly looking forward to hosting their many water polo friends from around the world at home in California in 2028. “Having the Games in LA, there’s going to be a lot of people who know what’s going on, how the game is played, and tons of fans. It’s going to be great,” Chase said.
Sibling Success: A hallmark of USA Water Polo
As Paris 2024 approaches, the Dodd brothers stand ready to make their mark as athletes and continue the growing legacy of American sibling success.
With so many siblings across the US water polo world, it begs the question—what is in the water in Southern California?
“I think the size of water polo as a sport just brings more and more families to the game," Ryder explained. "So many families are involved, and it really creates a team culture that everyone wants to be a part of. Everyone is really close and happy to compete with each other."
Also in this sibling club are...
The Steffens Sisters: Olympic Royalty
Few names resonate as powerfully in the world of water polo as Maggie Steffens. A triple Olympic champion, Maggie is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. Her remarkable journey is also intertwined with that of her sister, Jessica. Together, they clinched their first Olympic gold at London 2012, and Maggie went on to replicate this achievement in 2016 and 2020.
The Neushul Sisters: Continuing the Tradition
The Neushul family is another powerhouse in the realm of water polo. With Ryann Neushul making her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, the family marks its third consecutive Olympic appearance. Ryann follows in the illustrious footsteps of her sisters, Olympic champions Kiley and Jamie, who competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, respectively. Both Kiley and Jamie have tasted Olympic glory, and now the spotlight shifts to Ryann, who has joined a team renowned for its winning legacy. Can Ryann add to the family's collection of Olympic gold?
The Woodhead Trio: A Team Effort
The Woodhead siblings—Dylan, Quinn, and Ella—further bridge the men's and women's teams. While only Dylan Woodhead made the Paris 2024 roster, his journey is also deeply connected to his siblings. Dylan and Quinn have previously competed side by side on the world championship stage, and their sister, Ella, is also a national team member. Read more about the Woodhead siblings here.
As the Dodd brothers take their place among these legends, the story of sibling success in USA water polo continues to be written.
How to watch the Dodd brothers at Paris 2024
The American men are in Pool A, where they are set to compete against major teams like the reigning world champions Croatia and the Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Greece. With their recent achievements and a talented roster, the team could make a serious splash this summer in the Paris La Defense Arena.