On Monday, Sept. 22, The FHSAA will discuss and vote to potentially remove the sport of Water Polo from high school sanctioned sports events around the state of Florida. Just when the sport was beginning to catch on in Central Florida, including at Lake Minneola High School where the school had its first season, now the FHSAA wants to remove it after the current season, effectively ending its status as a sanctioned competition statewide.

If approved, the move would wipe away years of work by students, parents, and coaches who have built programs across Florida, including Lake County, which celebrated the launch of its first-ever high school water polo team last year. The program’s second season is already underway, but it may also be its last.

(Lake Minneola High School became the first Lake County program to have a boys and girls water polo team last year.)

“This isn’t just a team; it’s a milestone for our kids,” one Lake County parent says. “If water polo is cut now, these athletes will lose their chance to represent their schools and grow the sport in our community.”

According to an agenda sent out by Scott Jamison, the FHSAA states “Following the Sport Declaration period for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 seasons, 73 schools declared for the sport of Girl’s and Boy’s Water Polo, respectively. Policy 3.4.2 requires 20% of member Senior High Schools (773 FHSAA Senior High Schools currently). This puts Water Polo at just over 9% less than half of what is required by Policy.”

Water polo, one of the oldest Olympic team sports, has long been a pathway to college scholarships, leadership development, and lifelong fitness. Advocates say its value extends far beyond the pool: it builds teamwork, endurance, resilience, and communication skills, while offering a rare co-ed platform that often attracts strong female participation.

(Lake Minneola High’s first girls water polo team.)

In a state where water safety is critical, many former athletes have gone on to become lifeguards, first responders, and community leaders. Meanwhile, Florida’s youth water polo programs at the 10U, 12U, and 14U levels have been expanding, gaining national recognition for grassroots growth. In fact the Orlando Thunder Water Polo Team who trains in Clermont has been to multiple Junior Olympic events recently and have had much success.

We reached out to FHSAA Craig Damon who is the Executive Director along with Associate Executive Director Scott Jamison and Corey Sobers who is the Administrator of Athletics for Water Polo for even more info and a hopeful explanation other than what was provided but they were not immediately available for comment.

Many high school coaches are now reaching out and pleading with the Florida House of Representatives Office to get their help as well.

If this affects you, please reach out to the following and voice your concerns.

The outcome of Monday’s vote could determine whether Florida students continue to compete in a sport growing in popularity nationwide or whether water polo in the state is left adrift at least for now.