University of the Pacific water polo had eight current and former players (six men, two women) represent their countries during the recent FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Only one other college program had as many men compete in the tournament.

“I really enjoyed watching these Tiger greats,” said James Graham, head coach of the Pacific men’s and women’s programs. “The world championships are one of those major events in which every water polo player dreams of competing. I like to watch our current and former Tigers play at the highest level and pursue their dreams.”

Ben Stevenson ’17 of Team USA continued the strong play he exhibited in the Tokyo Olympics last year. The three-time All-American had four goals in group play. After a loss in the quarterfinals, Stevenson scored three goals in a 16-15 win over Hungary, helping the United States to a sixth-place finish.

“This tournament was a good experience for us. It showed us that we can win big games but also that we need to keep getting experience in those big moments to be able to consistently win against anyone,” Stevenson said. “My confidence and the team’s confidence has been growing as we continue to get games against big competition.”

Water polo is a popular spectator sport in Hungary, and Stevenson said he was wowed by the passion from the sellout crowds.

“The crowd in Hungary was amazing. Being able to compete and win against Hungary at home, in one of the most historic pools in water polo was something I will never forget,” he said. 

Australia’s team included two former Tigers: goalie John Hedges and Luke Pavillard ’19. The duo helped Australia finish 11th. Pavillard, a first-team All-American and three-time Golden Coast Conference Player of the Year, had 11 goals in six games, including five in a 19-4 win over South Africa. He also scored twice in a 14-9 loss to USA. 

Hedges played in goal against Kazakhstan, Italy, Japan and South Africa and had 29 saves. 

Three current Tigers had their stay in Budapest cut short as Team Canada withdrew after one match on the advice of its medical team due to COVID protocols. Reuel D’Souza, who scored one goal in a loss to Spain, and fellow Tigers Jeremie Cote and Bogdan Djerkovic played for Canada.

In women’s play, current Tiger goalkeeper Clara Vulpisi ’23 and former All-American Kyra Christmas ’21 helped Canada finish ninth. Vulpisi and Christmas were both on the Canada squad that participated in the Tokyo Olympics. 

Christmas scored nine goals in six contests for Canada, including two in a 20-11 win over New Zealand. Christmas had three goals in a 22-2 win over Colombia. Vulpisi was in goal for that contest, picking up four saves without allowing a goal. She had 14 saves in three matches.

“It was such a unique and humbling experience. Not only was it my first world championships, but it was in Budapest, where the biggest sport is water polo,” Vulpisi said. “To have that kind of crowd during games and also experience it from the outside really put into perspective how the athletic world brings people together.

“The water polo community at Pacific is so tight-knit and that goes beyond our years in Stockton. It’s from a teammates’ perspective that I often see it … This tournament was so special—we had (Pacificans) come watch our games, whether it was alumni, current players or incoming ones.”

Many of the athletes will represent their countries in the FINA World League Super Final in France July 22-27.