Arlington-based Capital Water Polo is celebrating after its 14 and Under (14U) Boys team earned silver in its age group in the Water Polo Junior Olympics (JO’s) Classic Bronze Division, held in and around San Jose, California from July 21st-24th.
The Capital team played competitors from Texas, California, and Nevada winning 5 of its 9 games. This JO’s marks the third year of participation for several Capital players who previously competed in the 12 and Under and 14U age groups. The team was the only metro area club to earn an east coast spot in the 14U Classic division. Capital’s 18 and under Girls (18U) team will compete later this week at the JO’s second session.
The 14U Boys team was coached by Capital Head Coach Miras Jelic, a former Serbian professional water polo player and long-time coach, and Karl Miller, one of seven former Capital players who just finished their freshman year playing for college water polo teams.
“The Junior Olympics is a great opportunity to show that Capital plays competitive water polo and continues to excel, taking home its first Junior Olympics medal,” said Capital Head Coach Jelic. “We are optimistic about our 18U Girls competing in the coming days and continuing to show Capital’s strength at the 2018 Junior Olympics.”
Capital Water Polo, founded in 2011 by several Arlington families, serves youth from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Club members practice at Arlington’s high school pools and regularly compete in regional, national, and international events, and have even scrimmaged in Serbia. Since 2012, Capital’s teams have qualified every summer to compete in the prestigious Junior Olympics National Championships.
The club is open to girls and boys ages 8 through 18 and is currently accepting new players in all age groups. Capital also offers “Splash Ball,” a learn-to-play program for children ages 6 and up, at Arlington’s high school pools.
