Seminole’s Adam Walker is boys water polo Player of the Year

Adam Walker went from being a secondary option for Seminole High to becoming the primary offensive playmaker for a team that reached the boys water polo state semifinals for a second straight season.

The junior had 96 goals — a 33 percent increase over his sophomore season — including a pair of 8-goal games. Walker scored eight in a regular season win over Oviedo and repeated that feat against Lake Mary in the District 2 final.

“Adam is the player we cannot lose in a match,” said Seminoles coach Ryan Ackerson.

Walker earned the 2025 Sentinel Varsity Boys Water Polo Player of the Year honor.

In addition to his goal scoring, Walker had 52 assists, 47 steals and 36 ejections drawn.

“He’s so well-rounded in comparison to the rest of the team,” Ackerson said. “He’s the one guy who can do everything in the pool. His defense is just as good as his offense.”

Walker also made a concerted effort to be more of a leader, but still humble.

“It wasn’t just the work I put into being better, it was the effort from the team that allowed me to perform to the best of my ability,” he said. “I try to make sure my teammates and I do what it takes to win every time we are in the pool.”

Walker had one more year to get even better as he contemplates his future after high school.

“Not sure if I will play water polo in college, but my mind is open,” he said. “I would like to stay in Florida.”

Seminole High junior Adam Walker (right) wound up to score 96 goals and did a lot more for the ‘Noles. (Scott A. Miller, Seminole High)

Sentinel Standouts

Brody Banks, Winter Park, Sr.

Buzz: Had a state-high 89 assists to go along with 103 goals for 23-4 region runner-up team. Also had 96 steals and 27 ejections drawn.

Gage Buttice, Lake Brantley, Sr.

Buzz: Top offensive player in the area with a state-high 114 goals and 87 assists (second in the state). Also 141 steals and 46 ejections drawn.

Nate Deiley, Boone, Sr.

Buzz: He led the Braves with team highs in goals (76) and assists (23) to go with 52 steals and 29 ejections drawn.

Emanuel Pardo, Dr. Phillips, Jr.

Buzz: He was an all-around contributor for the Panthers with 85 goals, 24 assists, 47 steals and 36 elections drawn.

Ethan Stumpf, Lake Mary, Sr.

Buzz: State-high 319 saves as goalkeeper voted Seminole Athletic Conference player of the year. Also had 74 steals, 31 assists.

Players of the year and Sentinel standouts are selected by the Sentinel staff with input from area coaches. Athletes represent schools eligible for the FHSAA state series from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and southwest Volusia counties.

Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com. 

Originally Published: June 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM EDT