AGUA Water Polo Athletes Earn National Recognition
What does it take to compete on a national stage before you’ve even finished high school? For a group of AGUA Water Polo athletes, the answer came into focus this summer, as their hard work in the pool translated into some of the sport’s biggest opportunities.
Seven athletes from AGUA Water Polo earned selection to USA Water Polo’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) Northeast Zone Team, competing at the Nationals tournament this summer. Two additional athletes advanced even further, earning spots on USA Water Polo’s Futures National Teams at the Cadet and Youth levels, traveling overseas to compete against some of the top young players in the world.
USA Water Polo Futures National Teams
- Margaux Bollyky Purcell — USA Women’s Youth Futures National Team, competing in Slovenia and Italy this summer
- Mattias Bollyky Purcell — USA Men’s Cadet Futures National Team, competing in Hungary this summer
USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program, Northeast Zone Team
Youth Team
- Rowan Kane
Cadet Team
- Kieran Dewan
- Sachin Bansal
- Yannis Ntoulis
- James Ryder Russo
- Nathaniel Broom
Development Team
- Declan Kane
We sat down with Ilija Duretic, Head Coach of AGUA Water Polo, to talk about what these selections mean for the program and the athletes behind them.
What does it mean for AGUA Water Polo to have so many athletes selected to the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program and Futures National Teams?
Having so many Asphalt Green athletes selected for the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program and Futures National Teams is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the quality of our program. These selections validate the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and families and demonstrate that our athletes are developing at a level that allows them to compete with the best players in the country. More importantly, we see these opportunities as part of the athletes’ long-term development. Being part of the Olympic Development Program gives them valuable experience, exposure to different coaching styles and playing environments, and the opportunity to challenge themselves against elite competition.
What qualities do these athletes share that helped them earn these opportunities?
The athletes who earn these opportunities have several qualities in common: commitment, discipline, competitiveness, coachability, and a willingness to continuously improve. These athletes consistently show up, work hard, respond to coaching, and take responsibility for their own development. They understand that becoming an elite athlete is a process and that success comes from being willing to work on the small details every day.
How does AGUA Water Polo prepare athletes to compete and succeed at the regional, national, and international levels?
Our goal is to develop complete water polo players, not just athletes who can perform well in one particular age group or tournament. We emphasize strong fundamentals, tactical understanding, game awareness, decision making, physical development, and the ability to adapt to different styles of play. We also encourage our athletes to take ownership of their development. We want them to understand why they are doing something, not simply follow instructions. That approach helps them become more confident, intelligent, and independent players.
What were you most proud of watching these athletes accomplish this summer?
I was most proud of seeing our athletes represent themselves, their families, and Asphalt Green with confidence and professionalism. The selections and results are exciting, but what makes me most proud is seeing how much these athletes have grown since September, not only as players, but also as teammates and young people. Watching them compete internationally, handle new challenges, adapt to different environments, and continue to work hard was incredibly rewarding. It’s also exciting to see the next generation of Asphalt Green athletes beginning to understand that opportunities like these are possible when they commit themselves to the process.
What message would you share with younger AGUA Water Polo athletes who hope to one day follow a similar path?
Believe in yourself, be patient, and enjoy the process. Every athlete’s journey is different, and there is no shortcut to reaching the highest levels of the sport. Focus on becoming a little better every day — improve your swimming, your skills, your understanding of the game, your strength, and especially your ability to be a great teammate. Don’t worry too much about where you are today. Instead, focus on where you can be a year, two years, or five years from now. And most importantly, believe in yourself before anyone else does.
Congratulations to all seven athletes on these well-earned selections, and to the AGUA Water Polo coaching staff for the work that helped get them there. Their summer is a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets dedication — and a glimpse at what’s ahead for the next generation of Asphalt Green athletes.
Interested in water polo for your young athlete? Learn more about AGUA Water Polo and find the right program to start their journey.
