This week, we are diving into the pool (literally) to celebrate our boys’ water polo programs — two powerhouse teams that have made huge splashes this fall. Peninsula captured the Division 2 - West Conference title, while Gig Harbor is making school history, currently ranked 3rd in the state. Both teams have shown that success is not just measured by the scoreboard; it is built on culture, commitment, and camaraderie.

As championship season heats up across all our fall sports, we are also taking a step back to talk about what really matters: the growth, grit, and character our athletes build along the way. Whether your team is chasing a title or wrapping up the year, this week’s theme is all about the real win.

Water polo is not for the faint of heart. It is a sport that demands endurance, toughness, and teamwork in one of the most physically challenging environments imaginable. Players are constantly swimming, wrestling for position, and thinking two steps ahead; all while trying to launch a ball past a goalie who is reading every move. It is equal parts strategy, stamina, and controlled chaos. This season, both our Seahawks and Tides have shown what it means to rise above the surface. Check it out below!

Head Coach: Alana Ponce

Assistant Coaches: Michael Marr and David Carson

"The Gig Harbor Boys Water Polo team is making history this season — currently ranked 3rd in the state, just behind Curtis and Roosevelt. After a hard-fought season of growth and grit, the boys capped off their final home game with an incredible 17–9 win over Bainbridge, a team that had previously bested them earlier this year. Their transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

This group plays with unmatched resilience, confidence, and heart — a true reflection of their love for the game and their team. Their energy in and out of the pool has fueled one of the program’s strongest seasons yet, and they’re now in serious contention for a top-three finish at State.

These boys are unreal — I’m so lucky to coach them."

Head Coach: Ben Douglas

Assistant Coach: James Isom

"The Peninsula Boys' Water Polo team went 11-1 and took 1st in the Division 2- West Conference this year! Wins and losses aside, the culture on the water polo team is extremely special. The guys have tons of fun and learn competitiveness, leadership, accountability, and pride while being a part of this team. Water Polo is a great way to become a proficient swimmer and to learn how to tread water, which are great skills for life! Wish us luck as we head into the Division 2 championships and the road to State Finals."

As we head into championship competitions for both Peninsula and Gig Harbor High Schools, the energy is electric. Our athletes have worked all season for this moment — the practices, the conditioning, the sacrifices, the setbacks, the growth. Now it’s time to compete at the highest level.

But here’s something worth remembering as we cheer from the stands, send encouraging texts, and hold our breath during those nail-biter moments: the scoreboard does not tell the whole story.

No matter what happens in the next few weeks, we are proud of every athlete, coach, and family who has poured their heart into this season. Let’s fill the stands, bring the noise, and show our teams what Peninsula School District is made of.

And when it is all over — win or lose — let’s make sure our student-athletes know we are proud of who they have become, not just what they achieved.

We have had several community members reach out recently asking how they can get involved and support our student-athletes. We love that! Volunteer coaches play a vital role in our programs, bringing expertise, mentorship, and passion to our teams. If you have been thinking about volunteering, here is what you need to know about the process.

Every volunteer coach begins by connecting with the athletic director at the school where they'd like to coach:

Your building AD will gather the necessary information and guide you through the approval process with our Educational Support Services (ESS) department and Athletics & Activities Specialist.

Once submitted, you will go through a background check and fingerprinting process. This is a standard requirement for anyone working with students in Peninsula School District. We take the safety of our student-athletes seriously, and this process ensures everyone working with our kids has been properly vetted.

Once your background check clears, you will receive access to FinalForms, our coaching certification platform. Here is what you will need to complete before you can start coaching:

These trainings aren't just boxes to check, they equip you with the knowledge and skills to keep our athletes safe, handle emergencies, and create positive, educational experiences.

Once all trainings are complete and your FinalForms account shows "green (cleared)," you are officially ready to start working with student-athletes. Your building AD will connect you with the head coach, and your season begins!

⚠️ Reminder: Postseason matchups and times may vary depending on results, locations, and tournament brackets.