TAURANGA, New Zealand – Pacific graduate student Bae Fountain was named the 2022 Premium Real Estate New Zealand Water Polo Male Player of the Year.

The awards recognize the top water polo athletes throughout New Zealand.

"We're excited for Bae to win this prestigious award and be recognized for his incredible 2022 season," said Pacific Head Coach James Graham. "To be named the top male water polo athlete in New Zealand is an incredible accomplishment, and we're glad to have Bae here at Pacific. He's a vital part of this program, and we can't wait to continue to watch his success both at Pacific and in New Zealand."

Fountain was named to the Honorable Mention All-America team for the 2022 season at Pacific and was a First-Team All-GCC selection. The first-year Tiger started 21 of the 29 games this season and led the conference in both saves and save percentage.

Before coming to Pacific, Fountain was a part of the gold-winning team and the MVP in the 2022 Suzuki National Water Polo League, New Zealand's premier domestic water polo competition. He was also named Tauranga Water Polo player of the Year. Fountain also ran a goalie clinic in 2022 in New Zealand.

"Other than being super grateful, receiving this award has made me look back at how far I've come in water polo," said Fountain. "It's easy to forget all the hard work and sacrifices made to get to where I am now. It's a real privilege to have my efforts acknowledged and to know that I still have so much more to give to this sport."