My Story

Hi, I'm John and I'm 13 years old. I started playing water polo when I was 7, and over the years it has become a huge part of my life. I train with the Jacksonville Water Polo Club in Florida, practicing five times a week throughout the year. The sport has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to push myself every day to improve.

Along the way, I’ve built incredible friendships and grown both in and out of the pool — even connecting with teammates and coaches from different countries. Water polo has shaped who I am, and I’m excited to keep training hard as I work toward the next level.

This year, I got selected to compete in the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Championships in Chula Vista, California, held March 6–8, 2026. After a strong performance at the Championships, I earned an invitation to the USA Water Polo National Team Selection Camp in the ODP Development group — an honor extended to elite athletes from across the country.

I was also awarded the Nick Johnson Inspiration Award, given to only 18 athletes nationwide. This award recognizes players who embody the core values of the Olympic Development Program: dedication, sportsmanship, leadership, integrity, and respect for the game and for fellow competitors.

In addition to my ODP achievements, I competed in the Junior Olympics in 2024 and 2025, where my team earned 1st‑place and 7th‑place finishes. I’m now training with focus and determination as I prepare for the 2026 Junior Olympic Games, taking place in Orange County, California, from July 23–26.

Outside of water polo, I love playing basketball and riding my Surron motorcycle — both of which keep me active, balanced, and always having fun.

Why I Love Water Polo

I love water polo because it challenges me to be my best every single day and teaches me what it truly means to be a great teammate. Every practice pushes me to grow, and every game reminds me how much I love competing; regardless its in a 30-degrees water, or it's a 7.00am game.  

Traveling for tournaments has opened up my world. I’ve gotten to see new places- (my favorite one was Puerto Rico :-)) , meet athletes from all over, and learn from coaches with different perspectives and styles. Each trip teaches me something new — about the sport, about teamwork, and about myself — and it motivates me to keep working hard and chasing the next level.

Why Your Support Matters

First and foremost, I want to thank the coaches who have helped me reach this point in my journey:

• Manny Torres & Barbaros Erdal – Jacksonville Water Polo

• Alex Donis – ODP SEZ Development Coach

• Paden Mitchell – SoCal Water Polo

Each of them has pushed me, believed in me, and helped shape the athlete and teammate I’m becoming. I’m grateful for their guidance, their time, and the lessons they’ve taught me both in and out of the pool.

As part of my continuing journey, I’m raising support to help fund the training, coaching, and development opportunities that make growth at this level possible — not just for me, but for other athletes working hard toward their goals. Every contribution directly helps open doors to experiences that challenge us, inspire us, and move us closer to becoming the athletes and leaders we strive to be.

Your support truly makes a difference

Looking Ahead

This page will stay with me throughout the 2026 ODP season, and I’ll continue sharing updates as my journey unfolds. I’m excited to bring you along as I head into the National Team Selection Camp, prepare for my upcoming Serbia Water Polo Camp — an experience I’m really looking forward to — and compete in the Futures Tournament and the Junior Olympics in CA this summer.

There’s a lot ahead, and I can’t wait to share every step of it. More to come soon…

Join My Team

If you’d like to be part of my journey, I would truly appreciate your support. Every contribution — big or small — makes a real difference in helping me train, grow, and compete at the highest level. Thank you for believing in me, for supporting my goals, and for being part of my team! Lets GO!!!