Picture this: it’s 2020, quarantine is in full swing, and then-8th-grader August Tonthat’s advisory has been permitted back to school once a week for PE. They’ve been assigned pool time this cycle, but Tonthat is the only one interested in getting in. As he slowly enters the water, it seems almost foreign to him. But in the other lane, he finds Poly’s boys Varsity water polo Head Coach Sean Grab. What results is a one-on-one introduction to the sport that would ultimately mark the beginning of Tonthat’s successful water polo journey.
Growing up a soccer player, Tonthat knew little about water polo until he got into the pool that day. In fact, he admits that he had little skill at the start. But with Coach Grab’s encouragement, he signed up for water polo preseason workouts that summer and hasn’t looked back since.
Now a senior, Tonthat is the starting goalie for the boys water polo team. With swift leg movement and reaction speed, Tonthat’s presence has further contributed to the team’s victorious spirit.
“I think August’s success comes from his strong sense of accountability and calmness towards the game,” said freshman Ajani Durham, crediting Tonthat’s mental fortitude. “He reads the game at a super proficient level and is always the first one to own up to his own mistakes.”
Not only is Tonthat a standout player, but he is also an amazing teammate and mentor.
“August contributes to the team with his ability to liven the atmosphere at serious times, able to figure out information that is crucial for our success and for being a steadfast senior on the team,” shared senior William Kim.
This season, the boys Varsity water polo team had a remarkable outing, making it all the way to semi-finals in the CIF playoffs for the first time since 2012. It’s clear that Tonthat had a big contribution to the program’s success. He recorded an impressive block percentage of 50%-70% over the season — for reference, the average block percentage for a goalie is 45%- 58%.
“He is the anchor of our team, and has proven that late in seasons when it matters most,” said Grab.
For Tonthat, Poly water polo is special not just for its accomplished play, but for its sense of community and team culture as well. While his coaches and teammates are excited to see what Tonthat does next, it’s clear he will be missed in the Poly water polo program, having made a significant mark both in and out of the pool.