Santa Clara University Men’s Water Polo Welcomes Eight Talented New Players in 2025 Recruiting Class

Santa Clara University’s men’s water polo team is excited to welcome eight new student-athletes for the 2025 season. This diverse group brings a wealth of experience from high school, club teams, and international competitions.

Coach Keith Wilbur expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome this incoming class. They have a great mix of skills and backgrounds. Each player brings something unique, whether from strong high school programs or international play.”

Meet the New Players:

• Ashton Brown is a standout center from Sydney. Standing at 6’4", he’s known as one of Australia’s top young players. With three national championships under his belt, he’s represented Australia at the U16 and U18 World Championships and trained with the senior national team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

• Jamie de Zwart, a 6’7" utility player from Texas, led his high school team to an impressive 32-0-1 season and a state championship. He was named state MVP and has participated in the Junior Olympics. Academically, he shines with a 4.14 GPA, balancing athletics with AP courses.

• Beck Early comes from Newport Beach and has helped his high school team clinch three Trinity League titles. A talented attacker at 5’10", he earned honors in the All-Trinity League and was a Junior Olympics medalist.

• Dylan Hazen, a 6-foot attacker from Huntington Beach, received multiple honors for his play, including being a Junior Olympics champion and a member of the U20 Canadian National Team.

• Ryland Pierce, a goalie from Pleasant Hill, was named MVP in his league twice and helped his club team win a bronze medal at the Junior Olympics.

• Mikhail Popov, Ryland’s high school teammate, also excelled, breaking school records and earning numerous accolades, including a silver at the 2024 ODP National Championship.

• Imme van der Schaaf hails from the Netherlands, bringing international competition experience. He represented his country in several championships and was a top scorer in the U17 league.

• Hank Woodman, from Illinois, is a two-time state champion and has also shined academically, being a four-time USA Water Polo Academic All-American. He trained in Europe and contributed to his club’s success at the Junior Olympics.

Coach Wilbur believes this group will make an immediate impact. With their skills and work ethic, they are ready to compete and help the team aim for success in the West Coast Conference (WCC).

As the sport grows, especially among younger players, there’s a notable increase in participation. According to a recent report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, water polo is one of the fastest-growing sports among youth in the U.S. This trend highlights the importance of nurturing talent at the college level, as schools like Santa Clara continue to invest in their athletic programs.

For more information about NCAA water polo trends and data, check out the NCAA website here.

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