SD Prep Sports

SD Prep Sports: College Sports

College water polo: Where are they now?

Davidson looks to bolster Jaguars roster

By Phillip Brents
Posted Aug. 23, 2004

CHULA VISTA -- While he attended Hilltop High School, Nick Davidson was among the school’s most prized aquatic talents. He competed four years at the varsity level for the school’s water polo team and also swam during the spring sports season.

He generated a lot of interest, especially in water polo, and received invitation to Olympic-style training camps. But it was not necessarily the glory that he remembers the most from his high school days but the camaraderie.

“Being able to go to a lot of different places and learn a lot of different things and being able to share those with my teammates, that’s what means the most to me about everything,” said Davidson, a 2004 Hilltop graduate.

Davidson appeared headed toward a sports zenith before personal problems grounded him last year. But he never lost the natural talent nor the desire.

“I should have swam my senior year but things went wrong. I had some family issues. I regret not swimming last year,” he said.

Things appear more in order now. He has been working over the summer as an assistant coach for the South Bay Water Polo Club. He plans on playing water polo this fall for Southwestern College.
Davidson said he was flattered that Jaguars coach Jefi Harper was already apprised of his prep accomplishments.

“I’m looking forward to getting more recognition and hope to play for another college after I am finished at Southwestern,” he said.

The Jaguars open the season with a Sept. 9 home game against Grossmont.

In the meantime, Davidson has derived a lot of personal satisfaction while sharing his knowledge of the game with a new generation. A total of 54 players registered this summer with the South Bay club program — a sizable portion drawn from the city of Chula Vista’s rec swimming programs.

“It’s nice to see the young kids learn something new. They come from the rec program and this is all new to them. Seeing them do something new is exciting, even if it is just egg-beating. Seeing my high school guys develop and follow in my footsteps is also gratifying,” he said.