Battle of the Bay

Battle of the Bay Tournament Update: Day 1 Recap

Clearwater, Florida

For many of these young athletes, this is their first time playing in an official water polo tournament. The experience is full of "firsts": playing in a structured team, competing in a pool, and feeling the energy of an organized match. With all the excitement and anticipation, they arrived yesterday, ready to take on new challenges, learn from each moment, and showcase the skills they’ve worked so hard to develop.

We arrived yesterday after a long drive and went straight to the Long Aquatic Center here in Clearwater, where the kids had their first warm-up game. It was a special experience—they met their teammates, and for the first time in their lives, played water polo in a swimming pool! Watching them scrimmage with other players, feeling the excitement and energy of the game, was incredible. After that, it was an early night, resting up for the big day ahead.

This morning kicked off early with the boys’ first official game. They went up against a tough team, and while it was a challenging start, all three boys gained valuable experience. Each of them had some time in the water, learning about positioning, timing shots, and working with the shot clock and timer. It was clear they were soaking up everything and applying what they learned. Even though they didn’t come out with a win, they showed so much growth in understanding the game’s intricacies.

Later, it was the girls’ turn. Their game was intense, starting three goals down by halftime. But they fought back hard, tying the score by the third chukka and even taking the game to a nail-biting penalty shootout. The girls ultimately lost by one goal, but the determination and teamwork they displayed were unforgettable. For most of them, it was the first time playing an official water polo match, the first time in a pool, and the first time playing as part of a full team—an impressive list of firsts!

After the games, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and a team debrief. Each swimmer shared their thoughts, highlighting just how much they’re learning and actively applying in the games. The energy and enthusiasm are high, and we can’t wait to see what the next match brings.

Hold on tight—there’s more action ahead as we take on the rest of this tournament! Stay tuned for more updates!