I wanted to write about my two big brothers for participating in the USA Waterpolo’s 43rd Annual 2012 Junior Olympic National Championships at Stanford University and San Jose State.
My brother, PJ and his team played in the 14 Under Silver Division. Isaac and his team were in the 12 and Under platinum division. My brothers were able to be a part of four very challenging days of tough competition with teams all over the country. Teams from as far away as Connecticut, New Jersey, Texas and Florida came to participate. There were more than 8,000 athletes and 500 teams in the largest water polo tournament in the United States.
My brothers traveled by car beginning at 5 a.m. on Friday from Seal Beach, stopping for breakfast in Santa Barbara and lunch in Monterey at Fisherman’s Wharf. They were able to see otters and grey seals playing and sunning themselves on the beach.
They arrived in downtown San Jose at about 4:30 p.m. and caught up with the rest of their teammates and their competitors This began their long journey of four days and evenings filled with water polo.
Both of my brothers’ United Water Polo teams made it to the finals. The 12 and Under team final was between United Blue and So Cal Black and was played at Stanford’s Aquatic stadium.
This was an exciting game that ended with a 13-12 loss to So Cal. I am so proud of Isaac and his team.
PJ’s team was the 14 and Under white and they played at San Jose State, and it too was a nail biter. They played a very good Long Beach Shore team and were able to beat them 15-14. What a game.
The whole team jumped into the pool with their coach and celebrated the hard-fought for victory. The team received their medals, said their goodbyes and started home.
PJ said this was the sad part because they all had to say goodbye and had really had a lot of fun being together as a United Water Polo team.
My brothers, dad and papa all left for home in my mom’s mini van, feeling tired but happy. I am so glad that they could be a part of such a cool event and share this experience with each other and their United Water Polo team.
I just wanted to write this to let them know how proud of them I am and share with my friends in Seal Beach.
Hannah DeSoto is 9 years old and attends McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach.
Parents: If your child or youth would like to be a guest sports columnist for Kids on Sports, send inquiries to:
Dennis@sunnews.org
