Lions On International Stage
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The Oaks Christian water polo program is developing the next generation of the sport, domestically and internationally.
While the Lions are known for producing 2020 Olympic gold medalist Amanda Longan, Class of 2015, and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Adrian Weinberg, Class of 2019, the present crop of talent suggests that the future is bright.
Under the direction of 12-year Head Coach Jack Kocur, the program sent 10 athletes this summer to compete on the international stage.
“The success these players are having comes from them taking advantage of the culture we’ve been able to cultivate here,” Kocur said. “It’s not just what they do in the pool. It’s a lifestyle and standard of excellence that they’ve built for themselves.”
Wyatt Williamson, Class of 2026, won a silver medal at the World Aquatics Men’s U18 Water Polo Championships competing for USA Water Polo’s U18 team. Darion Wang, Class of 2026, and senior Joshua Coxford competed for Water Polo Canada. Junior Kaan Avcibasioglu competed for the Türkiye U18 team.
Sophomore Hunter Loo finished fourth with the USA Water Polo Cadet National Team in Croatia.
Mia Fabros, Class of 2026, and senior Makena Bygrave came home with bronze medals at the World Aquatics U18 World Championships in Spain while representing the USA Water Polo Youth Women’s National Team. Alex Stoddard represented Canada in the same tournament. Stoddard and Nicole O’Neill, class of 2026, participated in the Canadian Senior Team Training Camp over the summer.
Junior Siena Doble finished fifth while representing the USA Water Polo Women’s Cadet National Team in Croatia. Junior Dasha Khramtsova represented Canada at both the U16 and U18 level.
“It’s extremely gratifying when you get to watch your athletes become successful on the international stage,” said Kocur, who has over 20 years of coaching experience with USA Water Polo.
“We train harder than most at Oaks Christian, and we do that to prepare them for water polo at the highest level, but also for life. The most gratifying thing is when these athletes want to keep coming back and train with us over the summer.”