01 Our Coaches
02 Our Team
03 Triggerfish Women's Team
04 Our Sport
05 The Social Side
06 How to Join Us!
07 Directions
08 FAQs
09 Member Zone

 



The Toronto Triggerfish are proud to be supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as we grow the capacity and offerings of our water polo club!

 

 


Christi Bardecki (Coach)

Christi (aka Angelfish) played water polo for the first time twelve years ago in high school because she thought it would be a fun new sport to try, but as soon as she tried it she was hooked!

Over the past decade, Christi has had the opportunity to play on many teams across all levels: locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.

For 6 years she was a member of the Canadian national team program playing at both the junior and senior levels. Water polo afforded Christi the opportunity to travel the world, and play the sport she loved in events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games. Christi is currently a member of the British national team program.

Christi began coaching the sport while still in high school, and has coached all levels and abilities of players.

"I have been lucky enough to coach the Triggerfish team for the past 2 years. Just about everyone who comes out to join our team has never played the sport before, but just like me, they become hooked into the sport right away.

If you are thinking about trying something new, this is definitely the sport and the team for you. We will welcome you with open arms, and help you along... one stroke and one shot at a time!" 
 
Employment & education:
Elementary School Teacher, B.A., B.Ed., M.A.
 
Awards & accolades:
Level 2 National Coaching Certification,
National Water Polo Referee
Head Coach of Women's Provincial Team 2007-2008
 
What is your favourite moment in water polo?
Bronze Medal at World Cup,
Silver Medal at Commonwealth Games,
Triggerfish's first IGLA win in Atlanta
 
What are your favourite…?
Movies
: Princess Bride and Silence of the Lambs   
Songs: Ruby Tuesday by Franco Battiato; Poker Face by Lady Gaga;
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
The power of invisibility

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Yours To Discover

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Energetic, Spunky, Sporty

Why are manhole covers round?
I don't know... I only have all of the answers to water polo.
 
What is your favourite thing about the Triggerfish?
Getting to see people who have never played the sport before improve and fall in love with water polo like I have. 
 


Kirsten Saganowski (Coach)

Kirsten started playing water polo for the University of Toronto at the age of 25. Her previous sporting background includes: varsity swimming, varsity rowing, and high school basketball.

“I remember learning the sport as an adult, and that is why I love coaching newer players who are also coming to the sport as adults.”

Kirsten’s first encounter with the Triggerfish was, as a member of the U of T varsity team, in scrimmages arranged by former Head Coach John Godoy. Kirsten then ran a lifeguard certification for the club in the fall of 2006 before starting to coach in May of 2007.

“The Triggerfish are an amazing group of individuals! Over the years the club has managed to maintain an incredible group dynamic and energy.”

Kirsten has spent over half her life working in aquatics. She has taught all levels of swimming and coached several masters swim teams. She currently coaches the swim team, as well as the junior girls’ basketball team, at Weston Collegiate where she teaches.

“Swimming is an important component, but having played team sports really helps develop a good game sense.”

Employment & education:
High School History Teacher / B. A. Hons, B. Ed.
 
What is your favourite moment in Water Polo?
January 2002 playing in the Back from the Break tournament when it finally clicked and scoring my first backhanded goal from hole, which happened to be the game winning goal.
 
What is your favourite movie?
Six Degrees of Separation

What is your favorite Song?
Since When by 54-40
 
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Mindreader (ability to see a situation from all perspectives)
 
If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Three Decades and Two Years
 
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Tall, Outgoing, Enthusiastic
 
What is your favourite drink?
Coffee followed closely by a decent Ontario Microbrew or maybe a Dirty Gin Martini
 
Why are manhole covers round?
So that they can quickly be replaced (no corners to line up) in case of emergency, or for a quick escape.
 
What is your favourite thing about the Triggerfish?
The uniqine chemistry and energy created when we are all together.

 


Laura Shaw

Laura started playing water polo when she was 7 and has been playing competitively for over 13 years. She currently is attending the University of Toronto where she is a History major with minors in Political Science and French.

A self described “Amazing Water polo Player”, this title is quite true as she holds many accolades for her water polo achievements having played on varsity water polo team at the university of Toronto where they won the Canadian Championship. Additionally she was on the Water Polo Canada National championship winning team (Pacific storm) where she was an integral part of bringing the win to her tem.

When not playing water polo Laura also refs for the University of Toronto intramural program in addition to hear coaching with the Triggerfish.

In the rare event that you find Laura away from the pool, you may find her enjoying some time with her friends, studying vigorously at the library, or just relaxing watching a great episode of Arrested Development.

What is your favourite moment in water polo?
Nationals 2006. My team, Pacific Storm, won.

What is your favourite movie?
Little Miss Sunshine and Life is Beautiful.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Meryl Streep.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Amazing water polo player.

What is your favourite drink?
Alcoholic: Stella Artois, Non-alcoholic: Orange Juice

What is your favourite thing about the triggerfish?
The positive and optimistic outlooks from everyone on the team. 


Lawrence Stephenson

Lawrence (aka Ethel Mermaid) got turned on to water polo in 2001 when he showed up at the U of T pool to help a friend who was volunteering at the IGLA Championships. The phone call sort of went like, "You've got to get down here - hundreds of guys in Speedos!" Needless to say, he was hooked. Lawrence started in the field, but quickly transitioned to goal when he joined the team in their first out of town tournament in Seattle Washington in January 2002 - we didn't have a goalie, so Lawrence and Ken D'Souza jumped into the fray.
 

Lawrence has been very active with the team over the years, sitting on the executive team, volunteering and recruiting, organizing social events and, more recently, turning his passion for the game towards refereeing and coaching. Lawerence is an integral part of the Triggerfish Team and was awarded “Catch of the Year” in 2006.

On dry land, Lawrence is a Senior Account Director at a Public Relations Agency and, when not at work, you will often you will often find him hanging out with his friends or in a theatre rehearsing for his next big production.
 
"The beauty of water polo - and the Triggerfish - is that anyone with a love for the water can participate in a team sport that is challenging, physical and rewarding. It is a perfect place to exercise the body (it's a great workout) but also the spirit (the team is the best group of people I've ever encountered)."

What is your favourite song?
Song: Thank You for the Music – ABBA

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
The ability to stop projectiles from hurtling through the space between my hands and into the back of the net.

What is your favourite moment in water polo?
Team B winning our final game at IGLA in Chicago - with Christi sprinting down the pool at the end to give me a hug.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Bold, brassy and beautiful

What is your favourite thing about the Triggerfish?
The camaraderie - I have never met a greater group of people.

 


 

 

 


Practice Schedule

Today: Thursday September 9:  9:00 - 10:00pm
U of T: Benson Pool
Beginners & Recreational Playyers

Friday September 10:  9:00 - 10:00pm
U of T Main Pool: South End
Advanced & Competitive Players

Practice Change:
Sunday September 12:  6:00 - 8:00pm
House League
U of T Main Pool : North End

Thursday September 16:  9:00 - 10:00pm
U of T: Benson Pool
Beginners & Recreational Playyers

Friday September 17:  9:00 - 10:00pm
U of T Main Pool: South End
Advanced & Competitive Players

For Directions to our practices, click here.


Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 11:  7:00-11:00pm
2010/2011 AGM – “Kings & Queens”

Murano Condo Party Room
37 Grosvenor (Bay & Grosvenor)

 
 


Questions? E-mail info@triggerfishwaterpolo.ca.


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All rights reserved in all media.