Kraken Kommunity News

Written by Joanna Mazewski

Our high school winter season has just kicked off this week. As a reminder, Team Orlando Water Polo Club is open to all high school water polo players from the Central Florida area. Our program accepts athletes at any experience level, provided that they can meet a basic swimming and treading standard.

Come join our high school athletes every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5pm and Wednesday from 2-4pm at the Rosen Aquatic Center.

Battle of the Bay Recap:

Our 12u team won 2nd place at the Battle of the Bay tournament while our 15u team went an impressive 2-2 during their weekend in Tampa. Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches and a huge thank you to our parents who provided snacks and refreshments and most importantly, all of their support.

Beast of the East Tournament:

Our next tournament will be the Beast of the East at the National Training Center in Clermont December 13-15th.

The entry fee for this tournament will be $65 per athlete.

Currently, we have the following teams:

• 18u boys
• 18u girls
• 15u boys
• 13u boys (coed)

Pending

• 15u girls
• 13u girls

Holiday Schedule:

Please mark your calendars for our holiday schedule. Both our Juniors and High School will have a modified schedule. Also, please note that our Splashball hours will remain  the same.

Our practices will be from 8–10am on the following dates: 

• November 25th, 26th and 27th
• December 23rd, 26th, 30th, 31st
• January 2nd

ODP Zone camps in Clermont:

As many athletes and parents know by now, the 2024/2025 ODP tryouts for water polo in Florida will take place at various locations across the state. These camps are open to ALL USAWP Silver or Gold athletes.

The boys zone camp will take place on Saturday, November 16th at the National Training Center while the girls camp will be on Sunday, November 17th at the same location.

Athlete Highlight:

Mete Gunduz is a senior at Dr. Phillips High School and a standout goalie for our club. When asked about why local athletes should join our club, Mete said:

“Team Orlando's team dynamic is unmatched. We're not just teammates or regular friends but we become a family, a loyal and fun family that keeps everyone motivated and excited for each and every practice and game, to a point where we forget that waterpolo is actually the toughest sport you can play.”

Looking Ahead:

• High School water polo season runs now through January 9th.
• Team Orlando car wash fundraiser in the works. More details to come.
• December 13-15, 2024: Beast of The East - 
  • National Training Center, in Clermont, FL
• January 3 - 5, 2025: Patriot Water Polo Winter Invitational

Written by Joanna Mazewski

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Team Orlando Water Polo Newsletter. We're thrilled to bring you the latest updates and important information regarding our Kraken Kommunity. Whether you're a parent, player, or fan, dive into our pages to stay connected and celebrate the journey of our athletes, both in and out of the water.

Nightmare on I-Drive Recap

Team Orlando's largest polo tournament to date, the 2nd Annual Nightmare on I-Drive, was a tremendous learning experience for our organization. We're excited to enhance future tournaments.

A Note from Coach Leo

Our recent 110-game tournament was a great success. Some of you clocked in over 30 hours of work across the 3 days, and we at Team Orlando are incredibly grateful for your dedication. We'll continue working with our staff to ensure even smoother operations in the future. Once again, THANK YOU

By the Numbers

• 2371 Points
• 110 Games
• 53 Teams
• 22 Clubs
• 4 Pools
• 3 Days
• Bonus: 1 Chicken Wing Truck SOLD OUT

MVP Award

A huge congratulations to our own 18u’s Dora Chen (Dr. Phillips High School)  for winning the MVP award.

Announcement

We're excited to announce the formation of the inaugural Team Orlando Board of Directors. Our dedicated initial board members have already stepped up to help guide and enhance our community:

• President: Novica Petrusic
• VP Website: Tobey Gossen
• Secretary: Joanna Mazewski
• Treasurer: Carla Morales
• Operations: Roxanna O’Neil
• Player Agent: Leo Leon Ramirez
• Coach Coordinator: Reggie Rivera

Our aim is to provide a fun, safe, and enjoyable sporting environment that encourages all members to reach their full potential. We strive to promote and foster individual and team excellence and develop lifelong bonds through our strong community spirit.  We are excited to see what we accomplish together.

Battle of the Bay Registration

Registration is OPEN for Battle of the Bay tournament in Tampa through our website. The registration fee covers entry, coaches' fees, and coach transportation and accommodation.   If you register after Nov 1, the price goes up. Get your registration now.

Currently, our 12u and 15u teams are scheduled to participate. We've secured a block of rooms at the SpringHill Suites Clearwater Beach Hotel. For additional details, please contact Coach Ori.

Looking Ahead:

• November 11, 2024: High School water polo season
  •  Be on the lookout for more information soon.
• December 13-15, 2024: Beast of The East - 
  • National Training Center, in Clermont, FL
• January 3 - 5, 2025: Patriot Water Polo Winter Invitational