A starter since his freshman year in 2011, senior David Higginson is now a key component on a 2014 club that the Triton faithful hope will be UC San Diego's third conference championshp winner in Higginson's four seasons. The 5-foot-8 San Diego native has accumulated career totals of 71 goals and 84 assists through the first five contests this fall and is clearly a leader in the eyes of head coach Denny Harper. “David is part of an elite group of players who have been two-year team captains, and he's able to lean on the experience of starting three straight WWPA championship games,” said Harper. “He's unfazed by any scenario he encounters in the pool.”
With the 16-team NorCal Tournament in Stockton this weekend and the always-anticipated home match-up with league rival Loyola Marymount looming on Oct. 1 (6 p.m.), Higginson spent time recently talking about his career at UCSD, the prospects for this year's squad, and what it's like being an intercollegiate athlete and an electrical engineering major.
Q: It seems like just yesterday that you were being interviewed as a freshman after scoring the game-winning goal in a 16-15 Triton victory over Navy. How quickly have the last three years gone by?
HIGGINSON: The last three years have gone by a lot faster than I expected. I only have a few collegiate games left in my career, and I am so focused on those that I always forget to look back and realize everything that has happened leading up to this point.
Q: Two WWPA championships, a pair of NCAA Championship appearances and a 40-goal, all-conference season as a junior. What's been the most memorable thing about your UCSD career so far?
HIGGINSON: So far, it has been winning the WWPA championship my freshman year. Being a part of winning that championship and only being a freshman, really showed me how far I could go in this program.
Q: What's the biggest difference between the David Higginson of 2011 and today's model?
HIGGINSON: Well, I would have to say the biggest difference is how vocal I am now. As a captain, I have learned to speak up in situations where as a freshman in 2011, I didn't. I also have to say the facial hair is quite different.
Q: Talk about your role on this year's team. How is it different than previous years, and what aspect do you enjoy the most?
HIGGINSON: My role is not too different from last year. I am still expected to lead the team and bring everyone together. The only difference I see is some new faces to get to know and help integrate into our system.
Q: You're a graduate of local polo power The Bishop's School in La Jolla. What first attracted you to UCSD and what sealed the deal?
HIGGINSON: When looking at schools, I had it set in my mind that I was not leaving California. I also wanted to continue to play water polo, and when I got an offer from UCSD, I couldn't think of a better place. San Diego is a beautiful city and has so much to offer. I couldn't think of a reason to leave.
Q: You're part of an impressive class of four-year (and in some cases five) seniors. How close is that group and how motivated, as a unit, are you to go out on top?
HIGGINSON: Being with all these guys for this long has been amazing. We are all communicating to each other the goals we have and what we believe needs to be done to achieve those goals.
Q: If there was one facet of your game you could trade with a teammate, what would it be?
HIGGINSON: I don't think I would trade any part of my game. I think every person on the team has a role they fit into and bringing everyone together with their specific talents creates a great team.
Q: Your head coach, Denny Harper, is in his 35th year at UC San Diego. What do you consider his strengths as a coach and how does he stay relevant with the younger generation of players?
HIGGINSON: Denny's greatest strength is in his experience. He understands that it takes a whole season to build a team, and it isn't going to happen in the first few games. I would say he stays up to date with the younger generation through collaboration with his assistant coach, Matt Ustaszewski.
Q: In your final collegiate season you have the unique opportunity to play with your younger brother, Thomas, who's a Triton freshman. What's it been like having him on the team. Anything unexpected occur so far?
HIGGINSON: I am really lucky to have the opportunity to play with my younger brother. It is fun having him on the team and we have a strong connection in the pool. I expect him to play well and so far he has, so I wouldn't say anything unexpected has happened so far.
Q: You're an electrical engineering major, which, when paired with water polo, seems like a pretty rigorous combination. How do you balance it?
HIGGINSON: It is quite a challenge to balance it all. I am also a head lifeguard at the pool. I am just one of those people who can't sit still. I love to be busy but sometimes, I lose track of what needs to get done in what order. I try to stay organized by writing myself calendar notes or setting reminders.
Q: What's the most difficult academic situation you've encountered at UCSD? What's the most interesting thing about your major?
HIGGINSON: I would have to say the toughest class I have taken was also one of the classes I did my best in. I took ECE 108 spring quarter of junior year and it was one of the hardest classes but one of the most interesting as well. I remember our teacher giving us an exercise in class where if you got the right answer in the allotted five minutes, then you would automatically get an A in his class.
In my response, I forgot to multiply by two at the end. Otherwise, I had the correct answer, and he told the class that any person who could learn a concept in one lecture and then perform it under pressure deserved an A. Sports have taught me to perform under pressure, and even though I did not get the right answer, I felt confident in my efforts and proud of myself for how close I was able to get, given the situation.
Q: Outside of the pool, you're both a surfer and a snowboarder. What are your favorite spots for each?
HIGGINSON: For surfing, I love going down to Black's Beach, though I have to say the hike back up after surfing is not easy. I don't really have a favorite spot for snowboarding since I don't go as often, but my family typically goes to Brian Head in Utah.
Q: On Dec. 6-7, the 2014 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship will be hosted by UC San Diego at Canyonview Aquatic Center. What's the dream scenario?
HIGGINSON: My dream scenario is to qualify for the final four of the NCAA tournament, defeat whatever team we face in the semis, and go on to compete in the NCAA finals in front of our home crowd.
Previous Triton Q&A Features
Matthew McClure (Men's Soccer) September 10, 2014
Caitlin Brenton (Women's Volleyball) September 3, 2014
Michelle Yasutake (Women's Soccer) August 25, 2014
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