A site for all things water polo, with other topics mixed in (but not too much)
Achy Knees and All, Mike Schofield is Still A Fixture at the Navy Open
For decades Mike Schofield was the most successful—and outspoken—coach in Eastern water polo. Leading The Naval Academy men’s team for almost 40 years, Schofield got the Middes to 14 NCAA tournaments—more than any other program in the East. These days he’s switched to refereeing, which means less emotional baggage regarding outcomes, but he still cares enormously about the sport.
News From Abroad: Yuri Colet of Barcelona International Water Polo Academy
In a recent interview, Yuri Colet, one of the founders of Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, describes why BIWPA may be the best place in the world for learning polo.
Where’s Marko? Why are an Olympian and his brother left off USC's roster?
A significant casualty of Jovan Vavic’s legal woes was the USC careers of his sons Marko and Stefan—both of whom will never play for the Trojans again.
On The Record with Ashleigh Huckins, Water Polo Lifer
2018 was a terrible year for Ashleigh Huckins, her husband Alan and their children. When Hartwick President Margaret Drugovich abruptly cancelled women’s water polo that year, Huckins—assistant to Alan, the Hawks head coach—had to uprooting their growing family from upstate New York. They landed well in Colorado Springs, where Alan is the top assistant for Air Force polo and Ashleigh remains involved with the sport she adores.
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi’s Morgan Stewart: Quotes on Civil Case Against Bahram Hojreh, USAWP
With accusations that USAWP had engaged in “flat out lies,” Morgan Stewart, the lead attorney for Manly, Stewart & Finaldi in the sexual abuse case against Bahram Hojreh, has continued to excoriate the national governing body for water polo in the U.S.—even after engineering a $13.85 million settlement
On The Record with USA Water Polo’s Chris Ramsey: Present, Past, Future
In an extended interview, Christopher Ramsey, USA Water Polo longtime CEO, detailed how the organization has prospered under his leadership while taking on accusers—including polo advocates he’s worked closely with over his tenure—that have accused him and USAWP of gross negligence regarding sexual abuse allegations against Bahram Hojreh, a now-disgraced coach from Irvine.
Appearances Aside, Lingering Sex Abuse Controversy strikes at the Heart of USA Water Polo
A sexual abuse scandal has ensnared USA Water Polo Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ramsey and Christy Sicard, USAWP’s Senior Director, Membership and SafeSport Compliance. Both have been named as defendants in a civil suit alongside Bahram Hojreh, a one-time USAWP SOPAC Zone board member and now-disgraced polo coach in SoCal.
Terence Ma, Former VP of USA Water Polo, Reflects on Leadership
In unraveling how USA Water Polo’s current leadership—including Board Chair Michael Graff and CEO Christopher Ramsey—have dominated U.S. polo for the past 15 years, the thread leads to Terence Ma. Second in command to former USAWP President Rich Foster, Ma was bounced out of the organization in 2007. In a wide-ranging interview Ma details his views of what afflicts an organization he has been far removed from more than a decade.
The Fighting Flamingos: Ready to Play for 40 Years
The Fighting Flamingos are a 55+ women's team that has dominated USA Water Polo Masters Tournaments for more than a decade. But their success was established long before the club’s founding in 2006. It starts in 1972, when the U.S. Congress passed the Title IX of Education Amendments, which provided equal opportunity to both sexes for all educational benefits, including athletics.
Whittier, Oh! Whittier Say Have You Seen Whittier?
That the first-ever DIII men's national was an unqualified success was abundantly clear to this observer. No, the match-ups at the DIII Collegiate Men's Water Polo National Championship weren't as compelling as the action at the 2019 NCAA men's tournament; not many games can top the scintillating Stanford vs. USC semifinal that was truly the national championship match.
What made for a fantastic weekend of polo action was that a truly national DIII tournament occurred, and that it took place at Whittier College.
Broken Trust: Hartwick College Eliminates Women’s Water Polo
On February 28, 2018—when Hartwick President Margaret Drugovich unexpectedly announced the elimination of polo, effective at the end of this season, it marked the end of one of the top women’s water polo programs in the East.
Women Coaches Rise Up Through the Ranks of NCAA Men’s Polo
While not a feminist revolution, there's three new head coaches in NCAA men's water polo; they're women and they're beating the men at their own game.
Florian Bruzzo, French Men’s Coach: An Ambitious, Resilient Team Ready for Paris
The French men’s water polo team hopes to be the toast of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. But thanks to extensive preparation, Head Coach Florian Bruzzo and his players will not be surprised if they medal for the first time in a century.
Comments by Carl Quigley to the New York State Water Safety Commission
With 60 years involvement with New York City aquatics, Carl Quigley, former St. Francis College water polo coach and aquatics director, is very knowledgeable about the city’s swim situation. He recently offered solutions to the city’s prolonged lifeguard shortage and limited access to swim instruction for many city residents.
Brown’s Mercado, LIU’s Juarez + Byrd on Collegiate Water Polo Recruitment
Felix Mercado, Brown men’s & women’s water polo coach, Gabby Juarez, LIU men’s & women’s coach and Mike Byrd, LIU women’s coach, talk what it takes to play NCAA and club collegiate water polo.
Danish Polo Players in Brooklyn Are Almost Unseen—Except to Those Who Care Most
On a Saturday in Williamsburg a group of intrepid Danes played a water polo match against the Brooklyn Wets that was an unlikely celebration of life, family and friendship.
On Deck With Connecticut College’s Jeff Passwater: Coast-to-Coast for Water Polo
Jeff Passwater has played and coached all over the U.S. and beyond: Midwest, West Coast, the Caribbean. Now the St. Louis native is in the Northeast at Connecticut College working with Matt Anderson to rebuild Camel polo.
On Deck With Ed Reynolds of SOCAL Water Polo
Earlier this year Ed Reynolds and a 14U girls team from SOCAL Water Polo—a legendary age group club from Los Angeles—made the trip to Coral Springs for the South Florida International Water Polo Tournament, a memorable experience for Reynolds and his young athletes.
On The Record with Petar Solomun of Raider / Ransom Everglades Water Polo
Coaches like Petar Solomun—a former Serbian and French professional player now coaching boys and girls at Ransom Everglades in Miami—are why South Florida has emerged as the East’s best water polo region.
On The Record with Michael Goldenberg of South Florida Water Polo Club
A year after COVID-19 cancelled his club's signature tournament, Michael Goldenberg of the South Florida Water Polo Club reflects on a return to age group play—and about whistling an Olympic final in Tokyo last summer.
On The Record with Emilio Torrealba of Peru’s Water Polo Program
For the past five years, Carlos Emilio Torrealba Gallardo, head of Peru’s water polo program, has been overseeing an ambitious project: make Peruvian polo competitive.
Connecticut College's Matt Anderson on Camel Water Polo, Life in Division III
Want to know about collegiate water polo in America? Ask Matt Anderson, currently Connecticut College men's, women's coach & Michigan women’s coach for a decade.
On Deck With St. Benedict’s Glenn Cassidy: Water Polo Flourishes in Newark
Water Polo is alive and well in Newark, New Jersey at St. Benedict’s Prep, where Dr. Glenn Cassidy has been involved with the team since its inception in 1989. Not that all has been fine with Gray Bee polo; in 2019 Spencer Vespole, the team’s colorful and inspirational coach, lost his battle with cancer—and his absence is still felt two years later.
From The Vault: St. Francis Scratches Out 12-11 Win over Cinderella Mercyhurst in 2012 Easterns
In an epic battle from the past, St. Francis Brooklyn rallied from four goals down to defeat the upstart Mercyhurst Lakers, coached by Curtis Robinette.
American Water Polo Community Mourns Passing of Curtis Robinette, Mercyhurst Water Polo Coach
Many are mourning Mercyhurst's Curtis Robinette, who passed away on August 14th following a two-year battle with cancer. Tributes to the beloved Laker coach are all over social media.
Sayonara USA Water Polo
In moving to a new platform and—potentially—a new focus for my writing, I’ve decided in one particular instance to make a clear break with my past. I’ve rescinded my USA Water Polo membership.
St. Francis Brooklyn’s Boris Posavec: In Memoriam
On the same day that the 2021 NCAA women’s water polo final was contested, former teammates and friends of Boris Posavec gathered in Brooklyn to remember the 23-year-old who unexpectedly passed away last week.
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Rev. Edward Reese Remembers Larry Rogers, California’s greatest high school swim and water polo coach
Now the president of St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, for 15 years (1978–1993) the Rev. Edward A. Reese, S.J. was at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose—where he hired Larry Rogers to teach history as well as lead the school’s swim and water polo teams. In a recent interview Father Reese shared his experience with arguably the most successful aquatics coach in California high school athletics history.
Harry Hauck: Polo Pirate of the Caribbean
As many have attested—from Manuel de Jesus, a long-time coach and official in Puerto Rico, to Carlos Steffens, arguably the best polo player the island ever produced—Harry Hauck is one of a kind, a Puerto Rican “living legend” who, upon his arrival in 1964 was responsible for launching the country’s national team program. If this was his only accomplishment, Hauck’s achievements might not be so grand, his status as the island’s “Father of Water Polo” not so large.
David Silverman Remembers Larry Rogers: Beloved Swim and Water Polo Coach at Bellarmine
Former Navy Seal, Lieutenant Commander David Silverman swam and played water polo at Bellarmine College Preparatory (1990 – 94) and played water polo at The Naval Academy (1994-98). In a heartfelt interview, Silverman—an leadership expert—talks about the man he who “probably more than anyone made me who I am today.”
Jorge Gonzalez, A Giant of Puerto Rican Water Polo, Dies at 75
Among the first players to be recruited by Harry Hauck to compete on the Puerto Rican’s nascent men’s team, Jorge Gonzalez is notable as one of the most accomplished athletes during the formative years of the island’s water polo program. Last February 12 Gonzalez passed away at the age of 75.
On The Record with Jorge Gonzalez of Puerto Rican Polo’s Greatest Generation
One of the best of Puerto Rico’s first generation of water polo athletes, Jorge Gonzalez was in the right place when polo got its start on the island. His passing last February at the age of 75 devastated the fraternity of Puerto Rican polo players. In June of 2020, I spoke with Gonzalez about his start with water polo, his tenure on the national team, and the rich and colorful history of polo on the island.
Ted Newland, Coach Emeritus of UC Irvine Men’s Water Polo, Passes Away at 91
His players affectionately called him “The Old Man.” And he treated them like family—one that stretched into the hundreds. “That’s why all of his boys were sons-in-law,” said Gary Figueroa, who really was a son-in law.
The “he” in question is legendary University of California at Irvine Head Coach Edward “Ted” Newland, who last week passed away at the age of 91.
Olympian Tara Prentice In NYC: Past, Present, Future
At a youth clinic in Manhattan, Tara Prentice spoke about her Olympic experience at the 2024 Paris Games, the joy of working with young water polo prospects and what the future looks like for a newly minted Olympian.
Charlie Gulotta and The Unbelievable Story of Bishop Loughlin High School Water Polo
It’s been 60 years since the boys of Loughlin shocked the water polo establishment, winning the 1964 AAU Junior National Championships. Charlie Gulotta was there, and he remembers everything about how that team came about—and how they forever changed NYC water polo.
Fordham’s Bill Harris on New York City Water Polo: “We Just Had Fun!”
Bill Harris, the Fordham assistant men’s coach—who’s been around many of New York City’s great water polo moments—spoke recently about the rise of Ram polo, the great Bishop Loughlin High School team of the 1960s and all the fun he had playing for the New York Athletic Club.
A Dive into the Deep End, Emotionally
An adult learn-to-swim class stirs bittersweet memories for the writer—specifically the tragic death by drowning of Magnus Murkoro, a beloved youth soccer coach in Downtown Brooklyn.
A Splash of Polo in Brooklyn
Water polo may be barely recognizable in Brooklyn but the sport has found a home at the Long Island University pool. On a recent weekend novice players were bobbing around to the whistles of Brooklyn Hustle Waterpolo coaches.
After A Memorable 2021-22 Season, Brooklyn Hustle Seek New Challenges This Fall
Following a 2021-22 season that saw Brooklyn Hustle Water Polo Club travel the country after being sidelined by Covid-19, a new season beckons for NYC's premier club.
Ken Vincent: Navy Water Polo on the Rise
You have to get up pretty early to steal a march on Ken Vincent and Navy water polo. A native of Pennsylvania, Vincent recently moved to Annapolis to join the Naval Academy staff. He’s already having an impact on their age group program.
East Coast Rising: CT Premier, Capital Emerge Victorious At National JOs
With wins in three different age groups—and numerous top-three finishes—USA Water Polo’s Northeast Zone enjoyed an excellent adventure at the National Junior Olympics Session 3 in Dallas, Texas.
On Deck with Kevin Van Such, Maverick Water Polo Boys’ and Girls’ Coach
Maverick Water Polo, led by Head Coach Kevin Van Such, has achieved success in both AWP and USAWP competition. In two weeks, a team of 18U boys from Maverick will travel to Dallas for regional Junior Olympic play.
On The Record with Ulmis Iordache, Greenwich Water Polo Coach [Part 1]
Ulmis Iordache’s Greenwich Aquatics team recently returned from the Futures International Water Polo League tournament in Salt Lake City with some impressive results—which he’s excited to talk about.
On Deck with Jason Grubb, North Penn Boys’ and Girls’ Water Polo Coach
At last weekend’s National State Challenge in Lansdale, PA, Grubb chatted about his team’s prospects for the upcoming regional Junior Olympics and how Pennsylvania, can again rule water polo in the Northeast.
On The Record with Andy Lewandowski, Board Chair for USAWP Northeast Zone
Andrew Lewandowski, head of the New Haven Hydras age group club and long-time Northeastern water polo coach, has recently taken on a new role: Board Chair for USA Water Polo’s Northeast Zone (NEZ)—one of the most challenging polo positions in the region!
Lynn Kachmarik on Life, Team USA and Five Decades in Water Polo
Now in her fifth decade in water polo, Lynn Kachmarik has shattered numerous glass ceilings. She played for legendary coach “Doc” Hunkler and spent 10 years as a member of the U.S. national team. In addition to her playing career, for 19 years she held multiple coaching positions at Bucknell University, including being named head coach of the men’s water polo team in 1986, replacing CWPA Hall of Fame member Dick Russell.
JP Mujica: A Generational Change for Puerto Rican Water Polo
The Mujica family of San Juan has enjoyed a long association with Puerto Rican water polo. Agustin Mujica, the family patriarch, first became involved with the sport in the late 1970s, when his oldest son Gus started playing as a youngster. Agustin’s five children—all boys—would go on to play polo on the island and also in the United States, including his third son, Jean Pierre, who is now the head of the sport for the Federación Puertorriqueña de Natación, the island’s governing body for all aquatics.
On Deck with Chris Vidale, Marist Women’s Water Polo’s Head Coach
After losses to Wagner in the four previous championship finals, Chris Vidale of Marist finally has a MAAC title in his fifth year in Poughkeepsie .
And now he has an NCAA victory too, thanks to a 9-8 win over Salem in the opening round of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship.
In a broad interview, Vidale spoke about how the Red Foxes overcame COVID-19 challenges, the surprising withdrawal of top seed LIU a day before the MAAC tournament and the unexpected retirement of U.S. national team player Kiley Neushul.
Marist, In a COVID Year, Makes it Count with a MAAC Title and 2021 NCAA Women’s Water Polo Berth
For the first time in more than a decade, the Marist women’s water polo team are champions of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Behind four goals from junior Myriam Lizotte and nine saves by Marina Hyham, the host Red Foxes took a 13-10 decision over VMI on Sunday at McCann Natatorium in Poughkeepsie, NY.
In the East, American Water Polo Strikes a Blow for Age Group Play
LANGSDALE, PA. On March 27th at precisely 12:45 p.m. a ball drop in the North Penn High School pool signaled the end of a long drought of Northeastern water polo club play. When the Brooklyn Hustle swam off against the Souderton Seahawks in an 18U match, it ended a span of 398 days since the last sanctioned age group polo match took place in this part of the country.
The Game of a Lifetime: Bucknell 21, Pitt 20, 1977 Easterns
A span of 43 years can bend memories to fantasy, where the impulse to exaggerate might be fueled by pride for exploits hazily remembered—and long past changing.
For the participants of a water polo match on November 13, 1977, in Pittsburgh University’s Joseph C. Trees Pool, their elation—and disappointment—is palpable more than four decades later. Bucknell, a small liberal arts school in the center of Pennsylvania known primarily for its academic prowess, defeated the Pitt Panthers 21-20, scoring twice within an eighteen-second span in the fourth quarter of regulation to send the game to overtime.
Carlos Steffens, Travelin’ Water Polo Man: From San Juan to Cal-Berkeley to the Olympics
Mention of the name “Steffens” brings to mind Maggie Steffens, who—with two Olympic golds and three NCAA titles—is arguably one of the greatest Americans to ever play water polo. Or Jessica, a two-time Team USA Olympian who in 2012 claimed gold with her sister in London. But Carlos “Kaki,” Steffens—the clan’s patriarch—is perhaps the best polo player Puerto Rico has ever produced and a member of the island’s greatest generation of polo players.
On Deck with Damon Newman, American Water Polo’s Director of Membership
It’s been more than a year since age group water polo was played in the Northeast—in particular the tri-state region of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Last month the Main Line League in the Philadelphia suburbs restarted, offering hundreds of athletes the opportunity to play a sport they love—and one they’ve missed.