Ep. 105: From Water Polo to World Championships with Ethan Derman

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Derman, a remarkable young talent who just got accepted early decision to the University of Virginia. Ethan shares his journey from playing baseball and water polo to becoming a junior world championship medalist in bridge. We dive into our dramatic Vanderbilt comeback against the heavily favored Rubenstein team featuring Zach Grossack, Michael Rosenberg, Joe Grue and Brad Moss. Where we were down 62 IMPs at the half. Then pulled of one of the most satisfying wins I've ever experienced. Ethan goes into his difficult decision to quit competitive baseball to focus on bridge, and how that choice has shaped his path forward.

We explore how water polo taught him teamwork and mental toughness that translates directly to the bridge table. Ethan discusses his partnership with Avery Silverstein, training with legendary player Chip Martel, and invaluable coaching from Aaron Silverstein, Avery’s dad. From winning silver and bronze medals at junior world championships to balancing college applications with tournament play, Ethan has a big future ahead in the game. His summer plans include playing multiple European tournaments as well as the nationals and world championships.

Key Highlights:

•       🎓 UVA Early Decision: Ethan shares the emotional moment of getting accepted to UVA early decision, his top choice. Though he’s not sure how much he’ll be involved with Hoos Playing Bridge, the UVA club.

•       🏆 The Epic Vanderbilt Comeback: How our team, Silversetin and the Destroyers, rallied from down 62 IMPs at halftime to defeat the 8th overall-seed.

•       🥈 World Championship Medals: Ethan recounts winning silver in the Under-16 and bronze in the Under-21 world championships, including dramatic qualification battles and playing against the best junior teams in the world.

•       ⚾ Choosing Bridge Over Baseball: The difficult decision to quit competitive baseball despite being on track for college recruitment, and how falling in love with bridge made that choice clear.

•       🤽 Water Polo's Impact on Bridge: How being a varsity water polo player taught Ethan about teamwork, handling pressure, and the goldfish mentality of forgetting the last board, essential skills for competitive bridge.

•       👨‍🏫 Training with the Best: Ethan's structured training regimen have at times included weekly sessions with Chip Martel, one of the winningest players in ACBL history, and constant mentorship from Aaron Silverstein.

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Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

1:45 Getting Into UVA Early Decision

5:41 Future Bridge Goals and Summer Training Plans

8:36 Training with Chip Martell

12:06 The Importance of Mentorship in Bridge

15:17 First Meeting and Playing Together

22:39 Starting Bridge and Playing with Paul Holmes

26:46 Traveling Solo to Tournaments

30:13 Family Background and Bridge Heritage

32:58 College and Career Goals in Finance

35:31 Balancing Bridge with Future Career

37:17 Water Polo and Its Impact on Bridge

42:38 Aaron Silverstein as Coach and Mentor

43:17 The Epic Vanderbilt Comeback Against Grue-Moss

50:10 Quitting Baseball to Focus on Bridge

54:31 Under-16 World Championship Silver Medal

01:01:04 Under-21 World Championship Bronze Medal

01:07:45 The Importance of Aaron's Coaching

01:12:32 Beating Team Rubenstein - Biggest Achievement

01:14:04 Playing on Vugraph Against World-Class Players

01:19:54 Summer Bridge Tour Plans in Europe

01:22:27 Friends' Reactions to Bridge Career

01:26:11 Wrap Up and Looking Ahead