Indy Endless Summer Recap

 CWPC took on Indy's Endless Summer tourney this past weekend in Noblesville, Indiana. With a combined squad of 10 with players from 616 and Motor City, the "Cleveland & Friends" squad made a splash with a 2-2 record on the weekend. With win's over Cincy & ISU, the squad kept the losses to 1 point deficit's to Chicago Margaritas and Indy! 

Some thoughts from the team ...

"For my first tournament in years, I couldn't have asked for a better, more supportive and more fun squad! Everyone cheered each other on and made a chilly afternoon into a blast!"

"It was great to see everyone contributing how they did - it was a lot of fun playing with you all!"

"Super fun squad, super solid squad and I'm really glad it was a small pool." 

Individual Contributions ... 

For starters, Most Valuable Rookie goes to Mac and his insane ability to win 90% of his sprints. While Tyler made an incredible debut as a steamer with his first goal with the club! After this weekend, its been said that Aaron's eyes are made of steel and he kept those eyes on the prize with some incredible steals and steady defense. Speaking of defense, Annie lead the team in number of kick-outs and also best defense against big match-ups! She had strong leadership and clear communication that supported several solid stops. But no one had as many stops as the unstoppable force known as Kyle Tepe. Some incredible 1v1 stops helped the team get some needed breakaways and goals throughout the weekend. Shoutout Trish for your warm PBRs and a couple cool goals, some might say "girls play sports, too". As a veteran Endless Summer player, Diarmuid lead the team in steals, best outside defense and most goals from the 6 ... even as a righty. 

From our new & old friends - 616 came in hot, hot, hot sending 2 studs James & Evan. James gave us some great insights, solid 5M draws and necessary goals in our big games. While, Evan brought consistently great defense, passes and overall energy that kept the club alive this weekend. You can't talk about our friends without mentioning our newest pal, Bryan from Motor City. Despite ditching us for lunch, Bryan went into 2M more than anyone can count. Enduring the highs and lows that come in 2Ms, Bryan had great shots and provided opportunities for drives and plays that resulted in some fun polo.

BIG THANK YOU to all who joined and to Indianapolis Club for hosting us this weekend! 

September Practice Schedule, Fall Tournaments (So Far)

Fall Tournaments

Indianapolis -- coed tournament Saturday 9/7, women's tournament Sunday 9/8.  Sign Up Here if you committed earlier but haven't paid yet.  

Toronto -- We did not get enough interest for Toronto this year.  It's a great tournament so keep the end of September/beginning of October 2025 free.  

Washington DC -- We have registered for the Monumental Tournament hosted by DSeahorses on 10/5 and 10/6.  Stay tuned for official signup links in the coming weeks.

September Practice Schedule

August Practice Schedule, Quarry Signups, Fall Tournaments

August Practice Schedule

Sign up for the Quarry

Click here to sign up for the Quarry Scramble August 10th-11th.  Note that it's a two step process.  Registration closes August 1st.  

Fall Tournaments

Polls will be sent out soon for Tournaments in Indianapolis, Toronto, and DC in September/October.  Details to come.  

Congratulations, July Baller of the Month, Just Jen!

Name: Jen Donathan (aka Just Jen)

Hometown: Strongsville, OH

Family members?: I have my mom, dad, and brother Jimmy. I’m also married to my husband, Ryan, and have two little fur babies, Carly and Piper.

Where do you live now?: Strongsville – I couldn’t escape, despite my best efforts (it’s pretty great though). 

What is your occupation?: I own my own Project Management and Quality Improvement consulting business, primarily working in emergency medicine and academia!

What is one random fact about you or your job most people don’t know?: In another life, I went to school to be a dolphin trainer and study dolphin cognition. Animal behavior was wayyyy more interesting than people behavior at the time. Funny how things change, but I can still tell you a lot about dolphins.

Years/months playing polo?: Since December 2022, so about a year and a half or so.

Years w/CWPC?: See above.

Favorite CWPC memory: I think it’s a toss-up between Cinnamon Lake in 2023 and this year’s Lake Erie Classic.

Favorite post polo snack & beverage: a Donut Scene donut and a lot of water!

Favorite position to play: Goalie!

What did you think of your first polo tourney?: My first tourney was last year in Indiana. I felt like a total newb but it was so fun, the rush was incredible! And I loved that my teammates were always willing to help coach me throughout. Everyone has been so nice and helpful. We also got to stop at Uranus! Best fudge in the state. 

How many polo suits do you own?: 3 polo suits, and a plethora of other race suits.

What is your favorite part about water polo in general?: Definitely the community and always getting an awesome workout!

Fun fact about yourself: I love weightlifting and kettlebells and am also a theme park junkie. You can’t shut me up about Cedar Point, Disney World, or Universal Studios. #obsessed

How did you get involved with CWPC?: I got back into swimming and was like, this is great, but I need something more...what about water polo? So, I Googled “Cleveland water polo clubs” and the rest was history!

Why do you stick around?: This sport is amazing, and the people are just wonderful. I’ve never felt so welcomed in a sport. 

Favorite quote (just in general): “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe ~

Describe your ideal practice: Summertime, Foster Pool, perfect weather. Can’t beat it!

Favorite piece of water polo advice anyone has ever given you?: Keep your hands up, so you don’t get nailed in the face. 

 

Anything you want to share with the team? 

Fasten your swim caps....Baby Donathan will be joining us January 2025! Don’t tell Ryan, but I’m already plotting their water polo and/or swimming career. Baby Baller loading...

Congrats to the Donathan family! We can't wait to meet our new teammate!! Glad your "shoulder injury" is healing well.. lol

What Jen's teammates have to say about her ... 

"Jen is such a genuine person. She works hard, continues to learn and challenge herself and above all cares about her teammates!" 

"Best official female CWPC goalie!"

"WE LOVE YOU, JEN!"

"Jen just always brings a good attitude to the team. Happy, spunky, warm-hearted ..the kind of person you want to have on your squad and also get a drink with post-game."

"She's good people." 

"It took her a few months of playing, but she rightly realized that goalie is the most fun/important/cool position in water polo." 

"I'll never forget when she told me she wanted to focus on goalie only ... its the only time I was disappointed in Jen because I wanted her to stay in the field - she's got a killer shot!

"Jen's enthusiasm and positive attitude is contagious! I'm so glad she joined our team!"

Register for Detroit, Quarry is On, July Practice Schedule

*Cinnamon Lake Friendly Registration Ends Today*

Get your act together and sign up 

Signups Are Open for Detroit Tourney!

Sign up on the tournaments page.  Roster limit 15 players, first come first serve.  July 27th-28th in Birmingham, MI.

Quarry Save the Date

The Quarry Scramble is August 9th-11th.  Mark your calendar and follow the official Quarry channels for updates on when registration goes live.

July Practice Schedule