The562’s reporting on Long Beach State athletics for the 2024-25 season is made possible by Marilyn Bohl. The562’s coverage of aquatic events in Long Beach is supported by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation. This weekend, for the second time in just four seasons, Long Beach State is set to compete in the NCAA Men’s Water Polo […]
The562’s reporting on Long Beach State athletics for the 2024-25 season is made possible by Marilyn Bohl.
The562’s coverage of aquatic events in Long Beach is supported by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
This weekend, for the second time in just four seasons, Long Beach State is set to compete in the NCAA Men’s Water Polo tournament at Stanford. The Beach’s first-round match is against undefeated Fordham, scheduled for today at 6 p.m.
This marks LBSU’s 14th appearance in the NCAA tournament (20-10), following their victory in the Big West Conference tournament last month. A key factor in the Beach’s achievements has been goalkeeper and Big West tournament MVP Aaron Wilson.
“When (Wilson) plays at a top level, we become a highly competitive team,” LBSU coach Gavin Arroyo stated. “His presence in goal is significant. He’s quite intimidating.”
A senior transfer from UC Davis, Wilson stands at 6’3” and chose to join LBSU because he believes Arroyo can assist him in achieving his ambition of playing professionally abroad. Arroyo has similar experiences and currently serves as an assistant coach with the USA Men’s Water Polo team.
“He didn’t push or coerce me,” Wilson recalled of Arroyo’s recruitment. “I just recognize him as the Olympic coach who has guided other athletes in their pursuits.”
“My parents made sure I was always engaged in sports just to keep me occupied,” Wilson remarked. “I was a bit of a difficult child, so sports were a great release for my energy.”
Wilson developed his defensive skills on the flag football field as a lineman and cornerback, but transitioned to water polo due to the influence of his brother.
“He was struggling with respiratory issues, and water-based workouts were beneficial,” Wilson explained. “I’d watch him play on weekends and thought it might be something worth trying… During my first practice, I was the least skilled field player, so they moved me to goal, and it felt fairly natural for me.”
Wilson moved from Damien High to UC Davis, where he accumulated 678 career saves, ranking fifth in the program’s history. As a graduate transfer at LBSU, he has shared goalkeeping responsibilities with senior Liam Ward. True to his plan, Wilson has worked diligently to regain his game shape in time for the postseason.
During the Big West tournament, Wilson recorded eight saves in a 10-8 championship win over UC San Diego.
“It was the culmination of everything I’ve learned as a goalie; it’s like five years of experience that led to my opportunity to play,” Wilson noted. “I strive to impact the game in ways beyond blocking shots. I aim to be vocal throughout.”
The proactive Wilson is also tied for fourth in the Big West with 29 steals this season and understands the need for his team to maintain confidence if they aim to win and progress this weekend.
“We have to play freely,” Wilson advised. “The main thing is to approach the game with a positive mindset. Our skills and physical abilities will come through.”
The semifinal match is set for Saturday, with the national championship game scheduled for Sunday.
Fordham (31-0) has gained recognition after claiming their fourth consecutive MAWPC (Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference) title and finishing the season undefeated. They currently hold the top position in the CWPA rankings, sharing it with UCLA and USC. Led by experienced seniors Jacopo Parella, Luca Silvestri, George Papanikolaou, and Thomas Lercari, alongside impactful freshmen Luca Provenziani and Andras Toth, Fordham secured their automatic berth by defeating Navy with an 18-11 score, and Parella was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
🏊♂️💦 Game on, Beach! Just when you thought water polo couldn’t get any more exciting, LBSU is diving into the NCAA tournament like a pro! Big shoutout to Aaron Wilson for turning the goal into his personal fortress. Can we talk about the intimidation factor? Just imagine staring down that 6’3″ wall of determination! 🏆 Let’s go make some waves! 🌊💪 #BeachPride #WaterPoloWarriors