Park City 16U boys make historic run to state water polo final

Park City Water Polo’s 16U boys team finished second at the Utah State Club Championships after a dramatic playoff run that included a comeback semifinal win over Murray. Photo courtesy of Park City Water Polo. Photo: Park City Water Polo

The team hosted the state championship tournament for the first time and finished runner-up after a dramatic semifinal comeback.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Water Polo’s 16U boys team capped its season with a historic run to the Utah State Club Championship game, finishing as runner-up after battling through the playoffs and hosting the state tournament for the first time.

The team entered the postseason after a 12-3 league campaign and opened the playoffs with an 11-7 win over Skyline. Park City then advanced to the title game with a dramatic 14-13 semifinal win over Murray.

Trailing by two goals with less than three minutes left, Park City scored four times in the closing minutes to complete the comeback. Team captain Gavin Ziesler netted the game-winner to send the squad to the finals.

“Our goal all season was to make it to the championship game,” head coach Heather Flynn said. “The team showed heart and never gave up, scoring four goals in those remaining minutes to secure the win.”

Flynn said the victory carried added weight because Park City hosted the state championship for the first time.

“To play in front of the home crowd was incredible,” she said.

Park City faced undefeated Kearns in the final. Kearns reached the title game after lopsided playoff wins over South Davis, 21-2, and Olympus, 17-2. Park City fell 20-9, but the 11-goal margin was the closest any team had come to Kearns all season, according to the club.

Flynn said the runner-up finish reflects both the team’s resilience and the growth of the Park City program.

“The future is bright,” Flynn said. “Only three athletes on our 16U roster are actually 16 years old, with the majority of the team made up of 15-, 14-, and even 13-year-old players. Every athlete contributed to the success of our run this season.”

Park City Water Polo offers programs for multiple age groups and skill levels, including learn-to-play opportunities for children ages 5 to 11, youth development programs, and competitive high school teams.