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LIU to host Water Polo Clinic with Felix Mercado & Gabby Juarez

This summer Felix Mercado, Brown University men’s and women’s water polo coach—who was recently named lead coach for Team USA’s 2005 Futures National Team—will hold a clinic for athletes ages 10 – 18 at Long Island University in Brooklyn.

[Brown University’s Felix Mercado Named Lead Coach for Team USA Born in 2005 Futures Youth National Team]

In leading New York City’s first-ever Junior Olympics and college prep clinic on July 16 and 17, Mercado—current president of the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPA)—will be assisted by Gabby Juarez, head coach for LIU’s women’s water polo team. Under Juarez’s leadership, the Sharks have enjoyed noteworthy success, registering a program-best 25 wins while advancing to the 2022 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title match.

[LIU Water Polo Tops Marist 13-7 to Head to MAAC Championship Title Game]

Irakli Sanadze, one of the lead coaches for the Brooklyn Hustle, the age group club which will host the two-day session, was delighted that Mercado and Juarez will be available to help grow the sport in New York City.

“Coach Mercado has been successful at every level of polo in the USA,” Sanadze said recently from the LIU pool deck. “He and Coach Juarez are some of the best in the East to develop age group athletes.”

Irakli Sanadze coaching Brooklyn Hustle athletes at LIU. Photo: M. Randazzo

COACHES:

Felix Mercado, Brown University; one of the country’s most decorated collegiate coaches, Mercado leads the Bears’ men’s & women’s program at Brown, the most popular Ivy League school among New York parents.
Gabby Juarez, LIU; head coach at one of Northeast’s best women’s programs.
Irakli Sanadze, FINA certified referee, 20 years as an age group coach in New York City
Mike Byrd, LIU assistant women’s coach, former Harvard men’s polo captain

TIMES: 11:30am – 3pm Saturday, July 16 & Sunday July 17
COST: $295 per person

Long Island University Pool - 161 Ashland Place, Brooklyn NY
For registration information please visit brooklynwaterpolo.org