2005 - George Gross, Jr. - Yale University

George Gross, Jr. starred at goaltender for an exceptional Yale University men’s water polo team from 1971-1973, earning All-East honors all three years. Yale ruled the East during that time, posting a 39-0 record versus eastern opponents, winning the Eastern Championship three times, and competing at the NCAA Championship in 1972. In honor of his success, Gross was named first member of the Yale Water Polo Hall of Fame.

After graduating from Yale in 1974, Gross played for the University of Toronto men’s team for two seasons, earning the team Most Valuable Player award and leading the university league in scoring as a field player both years.

Upon returning home to Canada, Gross earned a roster spot on the Canadian Men’s National Team and enjoyed a long and successful career as an international player. He played in two Olympic Games (1976 and 1984), scoring the longest goal in Olympic water polo history versus China in 1984; five Pan Am Games (1975, 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1995), winning two bronze medals and enjoying a six-goal game; three World Aquatics Games (1975, 1978, 1986), serving as Canada’s flag-bearer at the 1986 games; and two World Student Games (1977 and 1979). All told, Gross scored 162 goals in 170 international matches.

After the conclusion of his international playing career, Gross served as Head Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team twice, from 1987-1991 and 1994-1996. He led the unit to two World Aquatic Games, one Pan Am Games and through qualification for two Olympic Games.

In 1980, Gross founded the Toronto City Golden Jets water polo club and served as head coach/player from 1980-84 and 1986-1991. He was named a first team All-Star at the National Championship eleven times, was awarded both Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Coach honors in 1982 and was again named MVP in 1986. Under his guidance, the club grew from 12 initial members to 125 members in men’s, women’s, junior and senior levels of play. The Men’s team won the 1982 and 1986 National Championships, five silver medals, bronze medals and numerous provincial titles.

In addition to his induction in to CWPA and the Yale Water Polo Halls of Fame, Gross is also a member of the Ontario Aquatics Hall of Fame, Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame. He has served as the keynote speaker at a water polo symposium in Athens, Greece, the induction ceremonies for the Missouri State Water Polo Hall of Fame, and the Sports For Kids Gala Event.

George Gross Jr. resides in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Veronica.