Cameron Cowan ‘18 has been playing water polo for five years, starting when he was nine years old. Cowan did not begin playing because he enjoyed the sport, but because he was jealous of his sister. His sister was on an LTHS club team, and was getting attention because she was playing a sport that was not very popular. Craving the spotlight, Cowan began playing on an LTHS club team as well. Cowan has continued to play water polo, embracing the fact that it is unpopular.

Cowan is currently in his third year of playing goalie for the U.S. Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP) team. ODP is a national program that identifies and develops younger players and gets them involved in a higher level of their sport. There are several different branches of ODP, each focusing on a different sport. ODP also feeds into the national team for international competitions.

Cowan hopes his skills have improved enough for him to make it on the national team.

“Now that Cameron is in high school, he will be challenged by facing stronger and smarter players,” Coach Adam Hoffer says. “He will need to learn to adjust to a fast paced game.”

Every year, ODP makes new selections. First, players try out for their zone teams. If they make it, they will go to the National Championships, a yearly tournament. The national coaches pick at least two players from each zone for national team tryouts. Only about 70 players are picked for the national team selection. At the national team selection, the coaches make cuts until there is an A and a B team (about 12-14 players per team). The national teams compete against other countries.

Last year, ODP players took place in an East-West Regional Championship from March 28 to March 30 in Dallas, Texas. Cowan, playing goalie for the Midwest zone team (compromised of players from Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio) was awarded the top goalie of the U.S. However, he did not make it onto the national team.

Mother Laurie Cowan, believes that he has a better chance of making it onto a national team this year.

“Cameron has made a focused effort to improve his strength and stamina through weightlifting and other activities outside of water polo and that has translated into success in the pool,” she said.

Because water polo is an underdeveloped sport in the Midwest, players from the Midwest do not have as many opportunities to practice. Cowan wants to work to grow the sport in the Midwest.

“I think people misunderstand water polo,” Cowan says. “If it became more popular more people would understand it and want to play it and not treat it like it’s nothing. I’m going to do everything I can to promote my sport. I’m not looking for fame, I’m looking for the joy I get from playing the sport I love.”