Jesse Smith

Jesse Smith (born April 27, 1983) is an American professional water polo utility player. He was an All-American at Pepperdine University. Smith is a 2008 Olympic silver medalist and a five-time Olympian with participation in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. He has played professional water polo for Panathinaikos in Greece.

Early life Smith was born April 27, 1983 in Kailua, Hawaii, but grew up primarily in greater San Diego, California. He played water polo for Coronado High School, where he helped the team win three San Diego Section CIF Division II titles from 1998 to 2000. He was named the San Diego Union Tribune Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000.

Pepperdine University Smith then played for Pepperdine University. As a utility player, Smith could hold any field position including wing, driver, and hole set, known as Center. The position allowed Smith to use his speed and agility to make shots from many angles and set-up other players to make goals. Smith was named to the All-American first team in 2002 and 2004.

International career highlights At the 2003 Pan American Games, Smith scored in three games and helped the U.S. win the tournament. At the 2004 Summer Olympics, he scored nine goals. The U.S. finished seventh. At the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Smith was a part of the U.S. team that placed sixth in an improved finish.

2008 Beijing Olympic silver medal In a career highpoint at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he was coached by his former Pepperdine Coach Terry Schroder, Smith scored three goals and helped win a silver medal for the U.S. He is 6 feet, 4 inches tall.