Kyle Smith, head coach of the Norcross Blue Devils Water Polo team, started coaching kids in this club sport in 2017. The team has been around since 2013, but now, post-pandemic, there seems to be a renewed interest in team sports.
“It is definitely a growing sport. I’d almost call it the new lacrosse,” said Smith. “We see a surge in interest every four years with the Olympics. Most people don’t hear or know about it until it’s an Olympic year.”
He added that the success of the Norcross women’s team, and U.S. men’s water polo doing well in last year’s Olympics, have increased visibility.
“It’s definitely a growing presence, especially in the southeast,” he said. “It’s a huge sport out in California, it’s pretty big out in the Midwest, and I know the Texas League is just skyrocketing.”
Although he didn’t play water polo as a kid, Smith picked it up in college.
“I grew up in Roswell. We didn’t have a water polo team there, so I played in college and fell in love with the sport,” he said.
Once he returned to the area, he heard of an opportunity in Norcross.
“So I started coaching. It was a great group of kids and a great group of parents,” he added.
Players from different schools
The Norcross team has players from many local schools — middle schools, high schools, private schools and even home schools. Students from Norcross High, Duluth High, Paul Duke STEM, Greater Atlanta Christian and even as far away as Chestatee High are represented.
The youngest player is currently in sixth grade. Players that young participate in a developmental team that’s a mix of boys and girls. The “B” team is similar to a junior varsity status. The “A” team would be considered varsity players.
Children younger than that can participate in a different program — Splashball.
“Splashball is a developmental game for even younger players from any area that are not on a specific team,” said Barry Kryski, a parent volunteer and team photographer.
“They use a smaller ball and can float on noodles if they have trouble treading water. It is a blast to watch, and the kids have so much fun. All smiles.”
Challenges and long-term goals
Since it’s not officially a high school sport, the Norcross Water Polo team faces challenges like pool space and equipment costs, said Smith.
“It’s hard finding pools that are deep enough water,” he explained, adding that you’re not allowed to touch bottom. “And polo equipment can be a little pricey.”
He’s optimistic that the growing passion for the sport is helping to make things happen.
“I know there’s a bunch of people who are trying to push to make it an official high school sport,” he said. “There are quite a few hurdles, though. In doing so, it needs to be a sport widely available across the entire state. We would need teams in Savannah and Valdosta — not just metro Atlanta.”
Although that goal is on the distant horizon, there are more immediate objectives.
“Right now, we’re doing all we can to get people in the water and used to the sport,” said Smith.
They have partnered with USA Water Polo and have 30-35 members across various ages and skill levels.
“USA Water Polo is the pipeline into the Olympic team,” he said. “That has given some of my kids some pretty good exposure. I’ve had a couple of kids go out and play at the Junior Olympics.”
Recruiting, team structure and competition
Recruiting is often a family affair.
“We get a lot of families involved. So usually, if someone’s older sibling plays, they end up recruiting the younger ones,” said Smith. “But we’re trying to let more people know about us.”
The season runs from August through October, and games are played almost every weekend. Games are typically held at Dynamo Swim Club in Chamblee. That DeKalb County school has its own club team.
Cumming Aquatic Center, Cherokee County Aquatic Center and other Northern Arc venues are also part of the mix. And just like other team sports, spectators are allowed and encouraged.
With practices starting in June, Norcross is recruiting players. Summer registration is open now for students in grades 6–12. The team practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center.
Even if you’ve never played before, you probably possess some key skills like treading water and strong swimming.
“I also look for kids being able to throw a ball,” said Smith “I would say basketball players and baseball players are the two kinds of athletes that transition pretty well, who aren’t just swimmers.”
Smith explained that the setup is kind of like basketball except there’s no basket; it’s more like a floating soccer goal.
Public engagement, next steps
Currently, the team has four coaches, but Smith said there’s always room for community support and volunteers through the Georgia Water Polo League.
Kryski’s kids are no longer in the program, but he’s still a part of it.
“Both my boys went through and had the best time,” he said. “Both played (and still play) water polo for the Club Team at UGA. My oldest plays with a club team in France now to stay in shape.”
An attractive aspect to the sport is that you’re in the water and you’re having fun.
“I’ve played for Norcross for three years,” said 16-year-old Frankie Arendale, a rising junior at Chestatee High School. “I love this sport, and all the girls on my team are such a joy to be around. I play water polo because I just love being in the water, and it’s so much more exciting than swimming.”
The Norcross Water Polo team is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Since they must raise their own money, fundraisers are set for August 5 at Chipotle and September 18 at Cheeseburger Bobby’s. Team sponsorships are also available.
For more information, visit norcrosswaterpolo.teamtopia.com.
This article appears in the June/July issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine. A digital edition is available here.
Photos courtesy of Kryski Photography.
