New Coaches, Familiar Faces, and Maximum Splash

The Bellevue Wolverines Boys Water Polo team is jumping into the 2026 season with numerous returning players, plenty of varsity experience, and a large incoming freshman group ready to discover that “just one more lap” is rarely just one more lap. The veterans bring leadership, game awareness, and chemistry; the freshmen bring enthusiasm!

There are new coaches on the pool deck, too. Head Coach JT Dugan and Assistant Coach Elliot Goldstein are both University of Washington water polo players with years of water polo and swimming experience. In other words, they know the game, they know the water, and they will definitely notice if anyone tries to skip a swim set.

Team captains Sol Edwards (Sr.), Jackson Franck (Sr.), and Kaleb Thomson (Jr.) bring experience, energy, and the important leadership skill of knowing when to focus, to provide an inspirational quote, and a good laugh. They are excited to build strong rapport across the roster, welcome the all the new players, and make this season one the team remembers for more than chlorine hair.

Bellevue dives into Washington State Division 1 play on September 12 at the Varsity Curtis Jamboree, where the returning and incoming players, and new coaching staff will get their first chance to put everything together against strong competition. It is part early season test, part team building exercise, and part opportunity to remember which teammate packed the extra snacks.

With experienced players setting the pace, a large freshman group bringing fresh energy, captains committed to competition and fun, and Coaches JT Dugan and Elliot Goldstein calling the shots, and hopefully making them on weekend for UW, the Wolverines are ready for a memorable fall. Bring on the goals, the saves, the close games, and the unmistakable aroma of chlorine. The 2026 season is here.