Returning to the pools for his second season of coaching the Coronado High School boys varsity water polo team, five-time-Olympian and 2008 silver medalist Jesse Smith said he hopes to build off of the success from last season.
After the boys secured a Western City Conference Division 1 championship in the 2023-24 season, Smith is setting out with an even bigger goal for the Islanders this year: to place in the top four of the Open Division.
“I think that’s a good stretch goal for us that we’re trying to achieve,” said Smith. “They’re all hard working kids and that’s what we’re trying to bank on the most. We’re underdogs.”
Season kicked off with 2-1 record
So far, the Islanders have competed in three games – they lost their season opener against Valhalla High School on Aug. 23, followed by two wins against Oceanside High School and Helix High School.
“We started off a little slow against Valhalla but it was a good competitive game, and a good matchup for us,” said Smith. “Hopefully we’ll see them again.”
The 12-11 win against Helix High School on Aug. 30 came after two losses to them last year.
“I think it was our best game of the season yet,” said senior captain and driver Ryan Mondzelewski. “We beat them by one goal in the last couple minutes and we had some really strong outside shots. Our center presence, especially from Luca Morocco, was really strong too.”
A team working toward one goal
Four-time varsity player Mondzelewski, who is committed to play Division 1 water polo for the United States Naval Academy next year, is hoping to achieve the same goal Smith has set out with.
“We all want to make Open Division and I think we have the talent to do it,” said Mondzelewsi. “Last year was great, but we’re looking for more this year. We want to be top in San Diego.”
This year the roster is stacked with 21 athletes and four returning varsity players on the starting lineup – senior driver Zach Faley, Mondzelewski, junior utility Luca Morocco and senior utility Jack Elardo. Mondzelewsi plans to lead the large squad by setting an example – especially for his younger brother, freshman Carter Mondzelewsi, who is joining the team this year.
“Our team is really close this year, so I think that might give us an edge in the pool because I think when you really like the kids you’re playing with, you can mesh better,” said Mondzelewsi. “I just need to lead them through my actions and give them wise words when needed. For my brother Carter, I want to show him things that the seniors showed me when I was a freshman.”
What’s next for the Islanders
As for right now, Mondzelewski has his eyes set on a shot for redemption against The Bishop’s School and La Jolla High School after losing to them last season.
“They are the best in San Diego and we want to give them a good game,” said Mondzelewski.
The Islanders are set to face up against The Bishop’s School on Sept. 25 and La Jolla High School on Oct. 2. Their next home game will be on Sept. 13 against Santana High School at 4:30 p.m..
