Princeton University Athletics
Princeton Men's Water Polo Announces Class of 2019
April 16, 2015 | Men's Water Polo
PRINCETON, N.J. – Princeton University men's water polo head coach Luis Nicolao has announced the four student-athletes that will comprise the program's Class of 2019.
The Tigers' incoming freshmen will join a squad that will look to improve upon last season's 23-4 (7-1 CWPA Southern) record and CWPA championship game berth.
“We are very excited about our incoming class,” said Nicolao. “One of the best parts of my job is welcoming new players to our program and I am sure these four student-athletes will all make a significant impact right out of the gate.”
Here's a closer look at Princeton's Class of 2019:
Ryan Melosini, Goalie, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner at Santa Margarita Catholic… school's recordholder for career saves… helped to guide the Eagles to Steve Pal Tournament Championships (2012-14)… a three-time All-League second team selection (2011, 2012, 2014).
CLUB TEAM: Spent the last four years with the SoCAL Water Polo Club… Junior Olympic first team All-America selection in 2011… helped SoCAL to a second place finish in 2012, national championship in 2013 and fifth-place showing in 2014… also played for the SET Water Polo Club.
ODP/REGIONAL/NATIONAL EXPERIENCE: ODP National Team Selection Camp (2013)
ACADEMIC: Scholar-athlete honoree (2011-14)… also participated in mock trial, theater and choir at Santa Margarita Catholic.
Matt Payne, Driver, Laguna Beach, Calif., Mater Dei High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner at Mater Dei… helped Monarchs to 87-7 record in three varsity seasons, including a CIF-SS Championship in 2013 and a pair of runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2015… first-team All-America, All-CIF Division I, and All-Trinity selection (2014)… second-team All-Trinity League (2013)... Also a four-year letterwinner in swimming… owns school record in the 50-yard freestyle... two-time swimming All-America (2013, 2014).
CLUB TEAM: Spent the last five seasons with Regency Water Polo Club… helped squad to Junior Olympic championships in 2013 and 2014… Junior Olympic first-team All-America (2014)… also played with Laguna Beach Water Polo Club.
ACADEMIC: Two-time Academic All-America honoree (2013, 2014)… member of California Scholastic Federation.
Michael Swart, Driver, Atherton, Calif., Sacred Heart Prep
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner at Sacred Heart Prep… helped squad to four WCAL and CCS Championships… Named CCS Most Valuable Player and San Jose Mercury News Player of the Year in 2014… first-team WCAL All-League (2013, 2014)… second-team All-America… also lettered in swimming.
CLUB TEAM: Played for Stanford Water Polo Club… three-time Junior Olympic All-America selection (2009, 2012, 2013)… Silver medalist at 2013 Junior Olympics.
ACADEMIC: AP Scholar with distinction… USA Water Polo Outstanding Academic All-America honoree (2013, 2014).
Ryan Wilson, Utility, Pacific Palisades, Calif., Loyola High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner at Loyola High… served as team captain during junior and senior seasons… helped Cubs to CIF semifinal appearances from 2011-13 and a quarterfinal berth in 2014… All-CIF and All-America first team in 2014… second-team All-America and first-team All-CIF in 2013… All-Mission League second team (2012)… Coach's Award winner (2011)… Team MVP (2013, 2014)… also lettered in swimming… holds CIF records in 4x50-freestyle and 4x100-free.
CLUB TEAM: Played for Los Angeles Water Polo Club… All-America honorable mention selection (2013, 2014)… second-team All-America in 2012… helped squad to fifth-place finish in 2013 and 2014.
ODP/REGIONAL/NATIONAL EXPERIENCE: National Team Selection Camp (2011-14)… 2011 Cadet National Team… Youth National Team member (2013, 2014).
ACADEMIC: Charles Gagan Scholarship winner during freshman year… John C. Laugharn, Sr. '67 Memorial Scholarship as sophomore… Loyola Eugenie B. Hannon Scholarship for academic excellence as a senior… three-time Loyola Outstanding Underclassmen Award… three-time USA Water Polo Academic All-America selection.