With graduation on the horizon, Arcadia High School (AHS) students have emerged as standout athletes. Senior Jaden Joemtree has made waves in the water polo scene, being recruited to University of California, Davis (UC Davis) for his skill and leadership.
Joemtree’s parents put him in the sport when he was eight. They recognized conventional land sports such as soccer or basketball would be extremely difficult due to his larger physique.
“When I first started, I hated it, I was confused and lost. But after a few weeks, I got a hold of it and fell in love with the sport,” said Joemtree.
Nearly a decade later, Joemtree’s dedication to the sport has led him to become the key player on the Boys Varsity Water Polo Team. In his four years of playing, he has finished as one of the top ten CIF goal scorers in history.
“Jaden is 100 percent the best player on our team, no questions asked,” said junior Nathanael Acker.
Joemtree’s love for water polo is highlighted by his high school career. Joining the varsity water polo team in freshman year, Joemtree and his teammates have transformed the team from a division four team into division one powerhouse. Along the way, Joemtree has stayed dedicated to his sport, despite any fatigue he might have.
“High school water polo helps me remember why I love the sport. Constantly pushing and training can be not only physically but mentally exhausting as well, but the friends that I have made along the way have truly made every second worth it. I am so lucky to be able to have teammates whom I can call brothers to play beside me for the past four years,” said Joemtree.
As Joemtree prepares to take his talent to the collegiate level at UC Davis, he carries with him the lessons learned and the dreams yet to be achieved. While visiting the various colleges he was scouted by, Joemtree was initially skeptical about a lot of them. However, when he visited UC Davis, he was amazed.
“It was as if they checked all the boxes for me,” Joemtree said. “It made me feel like I could picture the next four years of my life there.”
Looking ahead, Joemtree is eager to face the challenges of collegiate level water polo, with aspirations of excelling and dominating in the sport he loves.
“I understand the work and commitment it takes to play at such a high level, and I have aspirations to achieve my goals,” Joemtree said.
Congratulations to Jaden Joemtree on his Commitment, and we look forward to seeing his performance on the collegiate level!
