My Story

Hi, my name is Caleb Walag.

I’m 13 years old, and I started playing water polo when I was 10. What began as trying something new quickly became my passion.

I currently compete with Team Vegas Water Polo on the 14U Team and also train with the Masters Team to push myself against older, stronger, and more experienced athletes. Before moving to Nevada, I played for Albuquerque Water Polo Club — that’s where my love for the sport truly began.

This year marks one of the biggest milestones of my athletic journey: my first year participating in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) through USA Water Polo.

My ODP Journey

I tried out for the Mountain Zone and was selected to attend two of the three training camps:

• Mesa, Arizona – October 2025
• Kearns, Utah – Mountain Zone Camp

Each camp pushed me physically and mentally. I trained and competed with some of the top athletes in the region and learned what it truly means to play at a higher level.

From there, I was selected as one of only 28 athletes in the Mountain Zone Development Program to compete at the ODP Super Regionals in Dallas, Texas in January 2026.

After Super Regionals, I was honored to represent the Mountain Zone at the ODP National Tournament. Out of thousands of athletes in my age group who began the ODP process, I was selected as one of only 70 athletes nationwide — and the only athlete from Nevada — to advance to the next phase: the National Team Selection Camp (NTSC).

This NTSC opportunity means so much to me because it gives me the chance to challenge myself against athletes who are better than me. I believe that competing at the highest level is how I grow, improve, and become the best version of myself — not just as a player, but as a teammate and person.

Why I Love Water Polo

I love water polo because it challenges me to be my best every single day.

But it’s more than just competition. It’s the early mornings. The hard practices. The travel tournaments. The friendships. The memories. The lessons.

Water polo has taught me discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to push through when things get tough. It has shaped who I am and continues to help me grow.

My Long-Term Goal

My long-term goal is to play high-level college water polo and continue developing as both an athlete and a person. Opportunities like ODP and the National Team Selection Camp move me one step closer to that dream.

Why Your Support Matters

As part of this journey, I’m raising support to help fund training, coaching, and development opportunities — both for me and for other athletes working toward their goals.

As part of the Olympic Development Program, every athlete participates in fundraising to help strengthen and sustain the future of our sport.

Your support helps provide:

• Athlete training and development
   
• National Team preparation
   
• Access and opportunity for the next generation
  
• The road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
   

Unlike many countries, USA Water Polo’s athlete pipeline is not funded through government support or through the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. It is powered by families, friends, and supporters who believe in young athletes like me.

Looking Ahead

This page will stay with me throughout the 2026 ODP season, including NTSC and future Pipeline opportunities. If I’m selected for additional training camps or international competitions, I’ll continue updating my journey here as I work toward the next level.

Join My Team

If you would like to be part of my journey, I would truly appreciate your support. Every contribution — big or small — makes a difference.

Thank you for believing in me and being part of my team.