Stanchi selected to Men’s Youth National Team

Over Memorial Day weekend, rising senior co-captain Marco Stanchi was selected to a USA Water Polo National Team for the second straight year. Last year, Stanchi earned a spot on the US Cadet Team, comprised of the country’s top 30 players in grades 10 and under. This year, Stanchi was selected to the US Youth Team, comprised of the country’s top 30 players in grades 12 and under. USA Water Polo’s National Teams represent the United States in international tournaments and serve as the pipeline for the Olympic Team.

Stanchi is the first Wolverine in program history to earn two selections to a USA Water Polo National Team. Huston Middlesworth (’09) is the only other Wolverine to be selected.

This week, Stanchi will join fellow National Team members in California for a four-day training camp. At the camp’s conclusion, thirteen players will be chosen to represent the United States at the FINA World Men’s Youth Water Polo Championships in Istanbul, Turkey in early August.

Despite not starting water polo until his sophomore year, Stanchi has quickly become one of the most decorated players in program history. As a sophomore, he helped the Wolverines defend its state title, earning First-Team All-State honors in the process. As a junior, he led the Wolverines to a three-peat state title, earning Offensive MVP and First-Team All-State honors. The powerful 6’2″, 210-lb center is one of two captains for the upcoming 2014 season.

Stanchi was one of three boys and two girls from the state of Washington to be selected to a USA Water Polo National Team. He is also one of five centers on the Youth Team. Click here to read a press release about USA Water Polo’s National Team selections.