An overlooked varsity sport is facing the loss of its varsity status, as it was quietly announced by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) early this year. For decades, FHSAA has provided a volleyball swim-based activity for hundreds of student-athletes across South Florida. However, a new policy is unraveling, leaving water polo players without the chance to participate. 

Water polo has been a part of FHSAA for many years and has been especially popular in South Florida, where schools compete fiercely each spring for district, regional, and state titles. 

Multiple students dedicate significant hours after school to attend practice and balance their academics with the commitment that is required to be a student-athlete. However, despite the popularity among players, the FHSAA had considered removing the sport from the varsity list. The committee claimed that there was low statewide participation and a lack of financial support to keep the game going. 

Senior Caitlin Capiro was nothing short of concerned, and stated that “the day [she was] told water polo might have its varsity status removed was scary [to her].” She added that the possible loss of the sport struck her emotionally. The team had established a clear family dynamic, and the potential removal threatened that bond. 

Capiro emphasized, “This is the sport that I love”, illustrating that the removal would not only threaten her team but also a sport she showed much passion for.

One major part of the issue is that water polo is not as widespread as football, basketball, or soccer. According to FHSAA data, only a small percentage of schools across Florida sponsor a water polo team. As some schools have traveled long distances to participate in these games, this has created challenges in funding, scheduling, and recognition.

Coaches and parents have highlighted the academic benefits, with many athletes advancing to play at the collegiate level. PPCHS Water Polo Coach Janet Calero comments, “Water polo has been a cornerstone of our program for so many years, and hearing that its varsity status might be reconsidered immediately made me think about how it could impact our athletes.”

The FHSAA eventually agreed to reconsider after receiving the feedback from high school water polo students. For now, water polo will remain on the list of varsity sports. They explained that they will monitor participation numbers and make another decision in the coming years.

For athletes like senior David Hernandez, the announcement carried weight. “When I noticed it would be shut down, I was pretty disappointed,” he adds. For athletes like him, water polo served as both a sport and an impactful outlet. In the varsity team, he made friends he “[never would’ve met]” if he had not joined. 

Calero mentioned that the community’s response made a critical difference. “Thousands of parents, coaches, current and former athletes united to create a petition that received thousands of signatures statewide,” she comments. 

It is through Calero that Water Polo continues to live on: The team still plans to play, and tryouts for new players are underway. However, its place in Florida high school athletics remains under review. If it truly is over, there’s no telling the extent its passionate players will go to get it back.