Let’s catch up.
Roster Calls
We are not sending any teams to the Endless Summer Classic but will instead shift our focus to the Sun’s out Guns out Tournament in Pearland and Cypress, July 8-9. It is the last chance for us to compete prior to JOs so our 14u and 18u boys teams in particular are expected to play. As usual, our athletes can play on select Longhorn rosters if there is no AquaTex team for them this tournament. Read more details on SOGO here.
Longhorn Friday Scrimmages
Longhorn has invited our teams to scrimmage them at UT on the next two Fridays, June 23 and June 30. On the 23rd it’ll be for our 14u athletes. On the 30th it’ll be a high school-age scrimmage. Again, we’re doing what we can to get as much competitive experience before we head off to JOs. All athletes are required to have this form signed, printed, and presented to the people working the front desk on the day of the scrimmage. Don’t forget!
Junior Olympics
It’s just a couple weeks away, unbelievably. Some reminders and some new info:
14u Boys
Coaches Babs and Savvy will be traveling with the 14u boys team to California. The unofficial team hotel is the Delta Hotels Anaheim Garden Grove. Coach Babs may expect athletes to meet some time the afternoon/evening of Friday, July 14 to distribute bag tags and discuss expectations for the tournament. She’ll make that call via GroupMe. Regardless, athletes are expected to be at the first game of the day one hour prior. Expect games to begin early on Saturday, July 15 and will run all the way through Tuesday, July 18, so be sure to plan on it.
There is a JOs expo on the 14th where there will be a lot of booths, probably some colleges recruiting, and speakers. You can find the general agenda on USA Water Polo’s JOs site.
We’re also looking for a family or families who might be interested in opening up their home for a final carb-loading session (really an excuse to eat spaghetti) prior to both teams heading to JOs. Contact Coach James or Babs if you’d be willing (date TBD).
18u Boys
Coaches Alon and Matt are leading the charge with our 18s in Dallas. There will be a team dinner on Wednesday, July 26 at the Black Walnut Cafe in Coppell. All athletes and families should plan on attending as we prepare for the tournament and say so-long to Alon.
Gear
A reminder that our special 2023 JOs tee-shirt is available in our shop, including a youth size version. Order one of those and lots of other great stuff (those Arena backpacks look fantastic) to show off at competitions this summer.
New and Returning Athletes
Miriam, who’s 11, gave us a try last Sunday and plans to join us soon – very exciting. And Kyle has joined us permanently as well while Alex has returned after a hiatus. Welcome (back) to all of them!
Speaking of Alex, Happy Birthday! She’s our only athlete born in June.
May POM
Elliot Bronshteyn is the choice of AquaTex Waterpolo coaches for May Player of the Month. If you haven’t already check it out. Well done, Elliot.
CenTex Consolidated High School Team
A reminder that we’re going to attempt to field a team of high schoolers this fall who do not have a UIL team to play for. And, the good news is that Houston will also be fielding a consolidated team in addition to the one in Dallas. So there’s competition to be had for those who want it. If you haven’t already, fill out this form to show your interest, and please do share it with anyone you know who wants to play high school water polo this fall.
See you on the deck (soon).
