Whiz Kid of The Week: Joe Rodgers

Name, Age: Joe Rodgers, 17.

School: Coronado High School, senior. 

Accomplishments: Joe maintains a rigorous academic schedule while serving as the heralded water polo team's starting goalie, a slot he waited three years to fill, as older more seasoned players took their turns. He's also co-captain of the team.

Key to Awesomeness: Coach Randy Burgess credits Joe, who once played baseball and basketball for Coronado High, for giving up the sports to focus on water polo. “He felt he needed to be stronger in the water,” Burgess said. 

It worked. The team is 6-3 and Joe has contributed by blocking 73 shots, an average of 8.11 per game, and making 28 steals, or 3.11 per game. The team is top ranked in the school's CIF Division.

Joe's family settled in the community after his father, Anthony, left the Navy. He played water polo as a youngster, but gave it up for several years until friends persuaded him to return. He's been on the school's team since his freshman year.

It's a major commitment, with morning and late afternoon practices. Some friends wonder why he does it. “I'm not a morning person, but I've never really questioned it or wanted to quit,” Joe said. “It's a blast. I think it's worth it.”

In his free time, Joe enjoys playing guitar in an alternative rock band with and playing hoops or catch with brother Andy, 10, who also loves water polo. His first choice for college is the Naval Academy, which his father attended. 

Aside from his skills in the pool, Burgess said Joe is “just a good citizen.” The teen, who points to former Islanders (and current collegiate water polo players) Justin Parsons and Garrett Sabesky as mentors, now fills that role, despite being quiet by nature.

“It's hard for him to be angry with a teammate, but it's his job in the water,” Burgess said.

Next up: Joe plays Wednesday when Coronado takes on Cathedral Catholic High; the team will play in a tournament in Irvine Friday and Saturday.

Youngsters and teens selected as Whiz Kids receive a prize package from , including a luncheon and an afternoon at the resort. To nominate a Whiz Kid, send the student's name, age, grade and a list of accomplishments to coronado@patch.com. Only Coronado residents are eligible.