What a whirlwind! After a long, sun-drenched weekend in San Diego, our Yolo athletes are back, and they didn’t just participate—they made a statement. We sent five teams down south, and every single one of them returned having solidified Yolo’s reputation as one of the premier youth water polo programs in the nation.
The most rewarding part? Watching the evolution. The growth from Game #1 to Game #5 was undeniable. Our athletes didn’t just play; they adapted, learned, and leveled up in real-time.
A Note to Our Polo Parents
First off, a massive thank you to our incredible parents. You didn’t just show up; you turned a high-stakes tournament into a mini-family vacation. Your energy on the sidelines makes all the difference, and we’re so grateful for the community you’ve built.
Strides in the 10u & 12u Programs
Our younger programs are taking massive leaps forward. Travel tournaments are notoriously unpredictable—you start with some uneven matchups, but eventually, you “find your people.” Watching our athletes navigate the highs and lows of competing against elite, similarly matched teams was pure joy.
The “Growth Moment” of the Weekend
If you want to see what technical development looks like, look no further than our 12u squad.
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Two years ago: We faced Commerce at the Junior Olympics and were shut out 13-0.
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This weekend: Our squad dug in, played smart, and walked away with a 6-3 victory.
That is the power of persistence and elite coaching in action!
Putting NorCal on the Map
The San Diego Cup is a gauntlet. Out of 21 total podium spots in the Platinum divisions, only three Northern California teams medaled. We are incredibly proud to be among that elite group:
| Team | Division | Result |
| Yolo 10u Mixed | Platinum | 2nd Place! 🥈 |
| Stanford 12u Boys | Platinum | 3rd Place |
| NorCal 14u Boys | Platinum | 3rd Place |
We often say it in practice: How do you cut a diamond? With another diamond. Seeing our athletes push each other, collaborate, and compete at home is exactly what prepares them to shine on the national stage.
Shout-Outs to the Staff
This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of our dedicated coaches. A huge high five for Izzy, Jack, Katie, and Momo. And a special shout out to DJ and Todd for keeping the kids inspired and focused when they returned to the bench for a quick breather.
Relive the Highlights
Want to see the “greatest hits” from the weekend? Thanks to the amazing work of Walter, Keith, and the crew, we have game footage available for you to watch back:
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10u Boys Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOgGL_VKaEzXl4O66RNxsyUieNXuiWuQL&si=fkrVdzKdcBXED88t
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10u Mixed Black Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOgGL_VKaEzV0_PfIzRw_YFkVO6qUA4xR
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12u Mixed Black Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOgGL_VKaEzUCmTXHwYwZEGPx-8vO7fdW
Congratulations to all our athletes! Now, let’s get back in the water and keep polishing those diamonds.