A 15-year-old Langley Otters coach is also part of a national championship team.
After qualifying for Water Polo Canada nationals earlier in May, and winning silver at the Western championships, the 16U girls team from the Fraser Valley Water Polo – which includes Langley-raised Deena Charles – travelled to Calgary recently to take on teams from eastern Canada, as well as the host Calgary squad.
After winning the semifinal match against a team from Quebec, Charles and with the rest of the Fraser Valley team faced off against the Calgary Renegades, who had beaten them earlier this year at Westerns.
Fraser Valley put on a strong performance on their way to a 14-12 victory in the national championship match.
After the game, the team attended a tournament awards gala where Fraser Valley team captain Brianna Utas was named the MVP, and coach Justin Mitchell captured the MVC (most valuable coach) award.
Charles is currently on Langley Otters Water Polo Club’s coaching staff, under the guidance of Kevin Mitchell .
Visit www.langleywaterpolo.com for information and opportunities to try water polo.
The Otters train at the Walnut Grove Community Centre's aquatic facility.