U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman Woepse is grieving the loss of her husband, Pat, who passed away from a rare type of lung cancer. Pat Woepse, aged 31, was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2023. Despite his illness, he was determined to attend the Paris Olympics to support his wife, who is a prominent figure in the sport.
Maddie, 26, took to Instagram to express her deep love and admiration for Pat, referring to him as the “light of my life and my person.” She described him as her first love and the best husband she could have asked for, emphasizing his impact on her understanding of love. Pat, a former water polo player at UCLA, was a pivotal figure in Maddie’s life, opening her heart to new dimensions of love and compassion.
Hailing from Southern California, Pat had a successful water polo career at UCLA, contributing to the team’s back-to-back national championships in 2014 and 2015. Recently, the 2014 UCLA team commemorated their 10th anniversary, with Pat’s former teammates visiting him during his hospital stay. The bond forged through their shared experiences on the water polo field was evident in their support for Pat during his battle with cancer.
Pat and Maddie’s love story began at a mutual friend’s wedding in January 2022, where their connection blossomed. Despite a hesitant voicemail from Pat at the start, their relationship flourished, grounded in their faith and mutual love for water polo. Traveling together became a cherished experience for the couple, with Pat’s adventurous spirit complementing Maddie’s passion for exploration.
Maddie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, reflected on the profound impact Pat had on her life, expressing belief that he is watching over her from above. She finds solace in the idea of Pat being her guardian angel, guiding and motivating her through life’s challenges. Their love story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience found in shared experiences.
As the water polo community mourns the loss of Pat Woepse, his legacy lives on through the memories and love he shared with his wife, Maddie. In the midst of grief, there is a sense of gratitude for the love that transcends boundaries and continues to inspire others. Pat’s unwavering support for Maddie and his enduring spirit serve as a reminder of the strength found in love, even in the face of adversity.
