Last week’s news about a move by Washington & Jefferson men’s water polo team from the staid Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) to the mighty Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) struck like a thunderbolt. How can a DIII program at a small, highly-selective private college in Pennsylvania stay afloat against
While Its Women Compete for Championships, MPSF Loads Up on Men’s Water Polo
Slipped into the hoopla surrounding the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) women’s water polo championship, won Sunday 11-9 by #2 Stanford over #1 USC, was an announcement notable for its potential ripple effect on often overlooked polo programs. [Stanford Claims Its First MPSF Crown Since 2014] In a statement last
A Perpetual Winner in the Water, Vavic Loses Varsity Blues Court Battle
In a surprising though not unexpected decision handed down last Friday, Jovan Vavic, the winningest water polo coach in NCAA history, was convicted by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of accepting bribes in conjunction with the massive college admissions fraud case commonly known as “Varsity Blues.” Sentencing for Vavic, now
After Highly Publicized Search, Flacks Named New Stanford Men’s Water Polo Coach
One of the most desirable—and visible—positions in American collegiate water polo is no longer vacant. Brian Flacks, currently the Harvard-Westlake High School boys coach as well as head coach of the U.S. 18U Youth team, has been named to lead the Stanford men. He replaces John Vargas, who unexpectedly resigned
Being John Vargas
In the movie “Being John Malkovich,” the titular character’s mind is inhabited by a rag-tag bunch of friends and lovers to hilarious effect. One takeaway is that Malkovich, playing a satirical version of himself, is unknowable because his mind and actions are always being directed by others. This cannot be
An Immigrants’ (Water Polo) Tale: Jovana & Matej Sekulic Land at Princeton
Admission into Princeton University, one of the “Ancient Eight” more commonly known as The Ivy League, is extremely difficult for any individual to master. Which makes the accomplishment of siblings Jovana and Matej Sekulic—currently matriculating at Princeton—impressive, almost as impressive as their efforts for the school’s water polo program. Born
Where’s Marko? Why are an Olympian and his Brother Left Off USC’s Roster?
In recent weeks, USC men’s basketball has climbed as high as fifth in national polls—the program’s highest ranking since being ranked #5 in 1974. Amid the hoopla around a program that has never won an NCAA title, a bit of perspective. What if Trojan Head Coach Andy Enfield, without prior
Bret Lathrope, Water Polo Traveler, Named to Lead New LIU Men’s Program
In a move that immediately impacts the fortunes of collegiate water polo in our country’s largest city, Long Island University (LIU) announced earlier today that Bret Lathrope—who has played for and worked at some of the country’s best collegiate programs—agreed to be the school’s inaugural men’s water polo coach. [Lathrope
Connecticut College’s Matt Anderson on Camel Water Polo, Life in Division III
If you want to gauge the state of collegiate water polo in America, just ask Matt Anderson. Currently the head coach of the Connecticut College men’s and women’s teams, for 12 years (2003-14) Anderson led the University of Michigan women’s program—piling up 332 wins, 10 CWPA titles, four NCAA berths
By Michael Randazzo Analysis/Commentary/Olympics/USA Men/USA Water Polo/USA Women/Varsity Men/Varsity WomenTop Five Stories from 2021: No 1—Hard Truths Require Tough Water Polo Leadership
Editor’s Note: The end is already here for the 2021 water polo season. TWp looks back on the five biggest story lines of the year. Today we focus on what challenges from the previous year will carry on into 2022. This year will be pivotal for American water polo for
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