"Chasing Dreams: From Pan American Glory to Olympic Ambitions" - Jessica Gaudreault (Ep. 2)

In this inspiring episode of Waterpolo Expert Talk, I reconnect with Jessica Gaudreault, goalkeeper of the Canadian women’s national team, to explore her remarkable path from the Pan American Games in Toronto to her continued Olympic aspirations. Jessica reflects on the unforgettable experience of competing on home soil, the intensity of playing five games in five days, and how the Pan Ams serve as a “mini Olympics” for North and South American athletes. She also compares the atmosphere of the Paris Olympics to the Pan Ams, sharing insights on what it’s like to perform in front of thousands of spectators and how these experiences have shaped her mindset. Beyond competition, Jessica opens up about the realities of resilience and setbacks — including missing the Tokyo Olympic roster — and how she turned that challenge into motivation to reach new personal heights. 💪 The conversation also touches on her brief coaching experience at the University of Michigan, where she discovered how demanding full-time coaching can be, and her thoughts on mentoring the next generation of athletes. 🎙️ Highlights include: - The unique spirit of the Pan American Games 🇨🇦 - Comparing Olympic and Pan Am experiences - The importance of resilience and perspective in an athletic career - Life lessons from coaching and leadership in sport 👉 Tune in now to hear Jessica’s honest reflections and her thoughts on what it takes to stay driven — from chasing medals to building a legacy in and beyond the pool.