By Ashley Salter, Lake Minneola High School
Lake Minneola High School freshman goalie Jackson Salter (Class of 2029) recently competed in the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program Boys National Championship, held this past weekend in San Diego. This marks Jackson’s second consecutive year being selected to participate in the prestigious championship, part of the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program—widely recognized as the primary pipeline for identifying future USA Water Polonational team athletes.
During the off-season, Jackson trains with his club team, Orlando Thunder Water Polo, which practices locally in Lake County at the National Training Center in Clermont.
While Jackson’s selection highlights an impressive individual accomplishment, it also reflects the rapid growth of the Lake Minneola High School water polo program, which is currently in only its second year. Both the boys and girls teams are already exceeding expectations and setting early program milestones this season.
According to the latest rankings from the Florida High School Athletic Association:
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The Lake Minneola girls’ team is ranked No. 15 out of 54 teams statewide and currently sits in first place in the district, which includes Apopka and Gainesville.
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The boys’ team is ranked No. 26 out of 61 teams in Florida and currently holds second place in the district.
Both teams have improved significantly since last season, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and families who have helped build the program in such a short time.
With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the teams continue to build momentum as they prepare for postseason play.
