Two times Olympic gold medalist Maggie Steffens is on the top of her game and preparation as she and her team gear up for the Olympic Games in 2020. As she aims to add another feather to her cap, Women Fitness had the wonderful chance to talk to Maggie about what is the best part about playing a team sport, how she wishes to revolutionise water polo and lots more in our Special 19th Anniversary month. Check it out now!
NN:
You became interested in water polo and were influenced to join it mainly by your father and sister. When did you first start playing water polo?
MS:
I first started playing water polo when I was 8 years old. We always had water polo balls around the house and floating in our backyard pool, so luckily, the idea was familiar to me. I did soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, cubbies, you name it! So when Maureen O’Toole came to Danville and started Diablo Water Polo club, it was a no brainer to jump right in.
NN:
Best part about playing a team sport?
MS:
TEAMMATES. There is nothing like fighting alongside people you respect, trust, and love – it is truly what makes everything worth while.
NN:
What is your most favourite workout routine?
MS:
My favorite workout routine usually involves some cardio/warm-up into a hard & powerful lift. Then get in the pool to condition our bodies for endurance & speed (swimming), following with some strengthening sets/circuits for our legs! These are some of our hardest days, but they prepare us for ‘battle’ – mentally and physically. Ideally though, I would just play water polo for every practice 
NN:
A healthy breakfast for you should include?
MS:
I LOVE homemade avocado toast with a hardboiled egg on top and some yummy seasoning or hot sauce. I usually pair it with some fresh fruit, a coffee, and some water.
NN:
One training tip for water polo newcomers.
MS:
Focus on your legs and fundamentals, life will be much easier as you move forward!
NN:
How do you train for the Olympics?
MS:
I believe you start training for the Olympics the second you begin to dream of them. Mentally, emotionally, and physically – training starts early. But in terms of an actual timeline – our team trains together every summer & then we train ‘full-time’ a year and a half before the Games begin. This allows us to live remotely to the pool and train as our full-time job. We train 7-10:30am (lift & conditioning) and then again from 1:30-4:30pm (skills, strategy, play). We do this 4xWeek and then 7-11am 2xWeek (6xWeek in total).
NN:
You hydrate your body with?
MS:
WATER! We also use Klean hydration & gatorade, especially during our long hours on a hot day!
NN:
How do you like to spend your day off?
MS:
I spend a lot of time recovering so my body is ready for the next day of training – so this means a lot of time in the training room. Otherwise, our team loves breakfast/brunch – so it’s always fun to go get a yummy meal together :)!! Can’t say no to delicious food with friends! And luckily, we live by the beach too, so catching some waves or just enjoying the view is always a nice way to escape the grind and appreciate where we are.
NN:
Most favourite memory from a Championship or Competition?
MS:
Standing in our ‘circle’, arms around each other, before the Olympic Gold Medal game. Locking eyes with one another and knowing there is nothing that can break our connection, our bond – it is a powerful feeling that takes over your whole body and soul – one I can never forget. It reminds us of everything we’ve done to prepare for this moment and everything we will do to fight for this ‘circle’.
NN:
How do you rejuvenate and relax your body?
MS:
There are tools we use like RockTape Recover tools, normatec, GameReady, and hands-on treatment. Otherwise, just laying down and letting my body take a second to breathe and sink down is always helpful to bounce back for a second practice.
NN:
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
MS:
I see myself happy and proud, eager for my next adventure/dream to chase.
NN:
How is the preparation for 2020 Olympics going?
MS:
Strong! It was just 2 years out to Tokyo and it definitely got our minds even more focused. 2020 is always in the back of our mind, but we understand it’s the daily grind and journey that propels us to not just be in Tokyo, but to be our best. Our qualifiers are next summer, so although we dream of 2020, we have to make it there first! It’s all a part of the journey… the nerves, the drive, the heart, the wait… we love it.
NN:
How do you motivate your team during a tough hour?
MS:
I think one thing our team does really well is be competitive, yet supportive. So especially in those moments where you feel like you just can’t push yourself any further, finding a teammate to lock eyes with and know you’re going through it together is the best motivation we can provide each other.
NN:
If you were given a choice to change one thing about your life what would that be?
MS:
Hmm, I try to enjoy life as much as possible and not think too much about that, I mean, I am living out my dream! But, I would probably wish that my family was closer. My parents are in Puerto Rico (not a bad place to call home:) ) and my other siblings are in Northern California and NYC – so I would love to be around them more I’m the youngest of 4… probably explains that answer!
I’m the youngest of 4… probably explains that answer!NN:
5 songs that are on top of your workout playlist?
MS:
- La Gozadera – Gente de Zona ft. Marc Anthony
- MAROON 5 (ANY AND ALL SONGS!)
- Good to Be Alive – Andy Grammer
- Echa Pa’lla – Pitbull
- American Girl – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
NN:
Any skin care measures that you undertake before entering the water?
MS:
SUNSCREEN!!!!
NN:
How do you wish to utilise technology for transforming the sport of water polo?
MS:
My partner and I not only have a passion for the sport, but to share our passion and to help the sport grow. Tony Azevedo (5x Olympian) and I have come together to create 6-8 Sports. 6-8 Sports contains a data-driven water polo app to help athletes maximize their game and track trends in their play. This data will help youth see their potential and we provide the tools to help them exceed it! We also use our 6-8 Challenge, similar to a combine – a series of water polo specific tests, as the first universal measurable in our sport. Through all of the data collected, kids will be able to compare their ’number’ to athletes from all over the world and continue to improve it! ( 68 Sports, Earn Your Number.)
NN:
Message for our fans on Women Fitness’ 19th Anniversary.
MS:
There is nothing like training your mind and body next to incredible, independent, and strong woman in order to achieve a goal. There is a great confidence and pride that comes with it, one that is irreplaceable. I’m lucky to have water polo and my teammates to help me find this, but it is all around us! We are lucky :)!
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