Johns Hopkins University Athletics

To be the first person to do something in the history of a program is accomplishment. To be the first person to do many somethings in a program as successful as Johns Hopkins water polo is remarkable. Brain Mead was that remarkable player for the Blue Jays and head coach Ted Bresnahan from 2001-04.

Mead was the first four-time ACWPC All-American in school history and the first three-time ACWPC First Team All-American as well. More than 15 years after he concluded his record-breaking career, he remains one of just two players to achieve either of these feats. He was the first, and remains the only, four-time CWPA All-South selection in school history and was the 2002 and 2004 CWPA Division III Eastern Tournament MVP.

One of the most dangerous goal-scorers in school history, Mead led the Blue Jays in goals in each of his four seasons and set a school record with 100 goals as a senior in 2004. His 100-goal season remains one of just two such performances in school history and the mark wasn’t topped until 2012. His career record for points (399) also held until 2012 and has been surpassed just twice since he graduated.

Mead’s individual accomplishments translated directly into team success. Hopkins won the Division III Eastern Championship three times during his career and posted a then program record 18 wins in 2004.

The 67 wins the Blue Jays produced during his career were the most in any four-year period at that time. In addition to his efforts in water polo, Mead was also a member of the highly successful Johns Hopkins men’s swimming team as a freshman.