2025 WCC Men’s Water Polo Awards Announced

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Pacific and San José State Dominate West Coast Conference Men’s Water Polo Awards

The Pacific and San José State men’s water polo teams were the big winners as the West Coast Conference (WCC) announced its 2025 All-Conference and end-of-season honors on Tuesday. Pacific, ranked sixth nationally, secured two of the four major individual awards, while San José State also enjoyed meaningful recognition for a stellar season. All awards were resolute by a vote of the Conference’s seven head coaches.

Pacific’s success was spearheaded by head coach James Graham, who was named West Coast Conference Coach of the Year after guiding the Tigers to a 15-7 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play.”The coaching staff and I are incredibly proud of the team’s accomplishments this season,” a senior official stated. Freshman apostolos Georgaras further bolstered Pacific’s accolades, earning the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year award.

Did you know?– Water polo is one of the oldest team sports, originating in late 19th-century England and Scotland as a form of “water rugby.” It debuted at the 1900 Summer Olympics.

However,the Player of the Year honor went to San José State’s Brendon Gyapjas,a junior from Hungary,who delivered a standout performance defending the Spartans’ goal. Gyapjas led the conference with a .531 save percentage, a 10.90 goals-against average, and 11.2 saves per game.He also contributed defensively with 10 steals and eight field blocks, helping the Spartans to a co-championship with a 5-1 conference record.

Pro tip:– Players cannot touch the bottom of the pool during play. Maintaining a vertical position is crucial for both offense and defense, requiring significant core strength and leg endurance.

LMU’s Alika naone was recognized as the west Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year,an award recognizing the top non-freshman student-athlete in their first year competing in the WCC. Naone made an immediate impact for the Lions, scoring 49 goals and providing 26 assists for a total of 75 points. He also drew 16 exclusions and recorded 14 steals, contributing to LMU’s 13-11 overall record and 3-3 conference standing.

All-Conference Teams Reflect Competitive Season

The All-West Coast Conference First team showcased the league’s top talent, featuring players from six different schools. Leading the way were Tommaso Baldineti and Abel Romero Corbalan from LMU, Riccardo De Simon from santa Clara, Apostolos Georgaras and Brendon Gyapjas, Tom Leggett of Air Force, and Andrea Nuzzo from California baptist.

The Second Team also highlighted a diverse range of players, including Sam Biros and samuel Keightley from San José State, Ori Buzaglo and Boris Kasa-Gal from Pacific, Henry Engs from Santa Clara, Erik Ionescu and Max Smirnov from Pepperdine.

Reader question:– Why are water polo players frequently enough seen wearing mouthguards? They protect teeth from impact during physical play and help prevent concussions by cushioning blows to the jaw.

Fresh Faces Shine on All-Freshman Team

The inaugural West Coast Conference men’s Water Polo All-Freshman Team recognized the league’s rising stars. Pacific dominated this list with three selections: Kiss Gergely, Apostolos Georgaras, and Boris Kasa-Gal. Joining them were Whitley beamon of California Baptist, Csanád Bella of Pepperdine, Samuel Keightley of San José State, and Imme van der Schaaf of Santa Clara.

Tournament Bound

The seven West Coast Conference teams