Montclair Makos Complete First Full Year as Competitive Water Polo Program

As the Montclair Makos approach the conclusion of their spring season at the end of June, the program is celebrating an important milestone: the completion of its first full year as a competitive youth water polo team.

Over the past year, the Makos have evolved from a developing local program into a competitive club team, participating in leagues and tournaments throughout the Northeast while introducing dozens of young athletes to one of the country's fastest-growing aquatic sports. The program's growth reflects increasing interest in water polo across the Montclair community and the dedication of the athletes and families who helped build the team from the ground up.

The season concluded with the team's annual end-of-season pool party, bringing players, coaches, and families together to celebrate a year marked by tremendous growth, new friendships, and competitive success. The festivities ended on a sweet note when the Scream Truck made a surprise appearance, treating players to ice cream and helping cap off a memorable season for the Makos.

"Our athletes have worked incredibly hard this year," said Head Coach Chris Kelsch. "We've seen significant development not only in their water polo skills, but also in their confidence, teamwork, and love for the sport. Completing our first full competitive year is a major accomplishment for everyone involved."

The success of the program has been supported by a dedicated coaching and leadership team. In addition to Coach Chris, the Makos coaching staff includes assistant coaches Sarah Carter, Daniel Arbelaez, Daniel Cardona, and Jeff Swerdlow. The program also recognizes Team Manager Khara Kelsch for her leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts supporting team operations, communications, tournament logistics, and program development throughout the year.

While the competitive season is winding down, the Makos will remain active this summer. The team will host a Summer Water Polo Clinic designed to introduce new athletes to the sport and provide a fun, supportive environment for learning the fundamentals of water polo ahead of the competitive fall season. The clinic is open to athletes interested in trying the sport for the first time and serves as a potential pathway into the Makos program: montclairymca.org/makos-water-polo-team/.

Separate from the clinic, the summer will also bring an exciting opportunity for several Makos athletes. Coach Chris will lead a combined Princeton Water Polo Club and Montclair Makos 12U travel team competing in the USA Water Polo Pennsylvania Cup and the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics in California. The roster will feature athletes from both programs, providing young players with the opportunity to compete against some of the top youth water polo talent in the country.

As the Makos prepare to enter their second year as a competitive program, the focus remains on growing the sport locally, developing young athletes, and creating opportunities for players to compete at increasingly high levels. For Montclair's newest generation of water polo players, the future is just getting started.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. We proudly serve Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.