University of Redlands
Dear University Community,
I write today to heartily congratulate our University of Redlands Men’s Water Polo team for winning the Division III National Championship yesterday! A national championship is the highest possible achievement for our student-athletes, and our hearts swell with pride in recognizing all the players, coaches, athletics staff, parents, and alumni of our Men’s Water Polo team and for the entire University of Redlands athletics program. Go Bulldogs!
And what a game it was! Played at the home of our opponents, California Lutheran University, our student-athletes played with passion, incredible teamwork, and amazing skill throughout the hard-fought game. The rain did not put a damper on our Bulldog spirit, and it was fabulous to see so many U of R supporters on the standing room-only pool deck. When we won the game, I was filled with so much excitement for our Bulldog athletes that I couldn’t resist joining them in celebration – literally.
I want to congratulate each of our talented Bulldog athletes: Liam Murphy ’23, Brandon Khalil ’23, Curren McCarthy ’24, Alec Abrahamian ’24, Michael Driscoll ’23, Andrew Higginson ’24, Ron Gvishi ’25, Ethan Beaty ’23, Emerson Kropp ’24, Eamon Greathouse ’26, Drake Moody ’23, Dan Bajda ’24, Michael Maher ’23, Thomas Byrne ’25, Spencer Sellwood ’24, Callum Norman ’25, Austin Galanski ’25, Reed Caron ’23, Jake Rose ’24, Owen Nishimura ’25, Jack Ryan ’25, Andrew Sorenson ’25, Max Wagener ’25, Tanner Whitson ’25, Owen DeCourcy ’26, Jack Everett ’25, Nathaniel Rucker-Jensen ’23, and Spencer Clinton ’25.
Our coaches also did a magnificent job and should receive much of the credit, including Head Coach Ryan Hall, Assistant Coaches Chris Gielen and John Anderson, and Head Athletic Trainer Justin Porta. Athletics Director Jeff Martinez also supported this team every step of the way.
Like all Bulldog student-athletes, each of you has brought honor to the Maroon and Grey. Our Men’s Water Polo team has had a long and very distinguished history, and their win marks the first time they have been crowned National Champs.
We will be having a celebration of our Men’s Polo Team this week and details will be forthcoming. Keep an eye out for details.
Again, congratulations!
Sincerely,
Krista L. Newkirk
President
