It’s an incredible pick-up for Stanford. I believe Chatzis was the top scorer in his age group in Europe last year. I saw him play in person in Greece and also at the U18 European Championship. He’s a natural 1/2-side shooter who can also drive in and post up, making him nearly impossible to guard. On the Greek team (which finished 3rd at U18s), the players were constantly looking for him and passing him the ball. He’s likely the best right-handed attacker in the class of ’26.
Wow, considering who Stanford already has in that class, that is saying something. Stanford quickly getting very scary.
I thought Chatzis has a contract with a professional team at 6 figures, so this is surprising, but hard to decline a Stanford offer that might be valued more if scholarship $ is involved. The kid can shoot through 3 players’ shot blocks like they are not even there. 8 goals against Serbia, 4 goals against Italy, 4 goals against Croatia…overall 31 goals in the U18.
And I missed the fact that he also played in the U20 squad and was one of the top 3 players on the team (14 goals w/ 44%). Youngest on the team (2008) when most of the team were 2005. It will be fun watching him play in ‘26.
I’m curious, is it possible to have too many players on the same side? Stanford seems to be overpopulating the 1-2 side. With the Ohl brothers, Botond, Chatzis (who naturally plays 1-2), Kaneko (who can also play 4 but Sabadell will likely lock that 4 position), and a few other rotating 1-2 side players, it’ll be tough to get playing time on that side. Some of the recruits might start to wonder if they made the right choice.
Right handed attackers are a dime a dozen. Some have to shift to the 4/5 side if they want playing time. Players graduate also
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I’ll also add having one righty one lefty on the 4/5 side has proven to be a system that works. Someone like Connor Ohl can learn to play the 4/5 side very well and will be able to shoot from just about anywhere in the pool. Add in his 6’6 build, he can develop into an elite defender who guards the opposing teams best player.
Final point I’ll add: More depth is never something to worry about. It promotes competition in practices and brings out the best in players. That’s why a team like UCLA is where they’re at.
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I wonder if he is trying to recruit any domestic left handed players from the 2026 class.
Does he have space? x. Seniors + 4 recruited = 24 roster
I understand the sentiment around right handed attackers being a dime a dozen, and have said the same thing myself. However, it is noticeable when a team has one that is dominant and takes over games, which is not as common. Each team has a right handed attacker, but there is an another level. And those seem to be the kids that can continue to grow or be diverse enough to be valuable in another spot.
Grant Christian, CDM => UCSB (source: instagram)
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Grant Christian had some injury issues during his junior campaign, but he had an outstanding summer and is one of the major sleepers in the Class of 2026. Glue-type that can shoot.
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This thread is the most read thread by seniors/juniors and their parents so I’m posting this here.
I am offering to sponsor the first 10 HS squads, I’m open to sponsor more, to join the new ‘polo fantasy.’ I think it will be cool and get HS kids excited and more connected to ncaa water polo.
Just DM @clark and I’ll pay for your HS squad.
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Bryan Shapirshteyn, CDM => UCSD
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Solid pick up for UCSD. Shapirshteyn can blitz on the counter and has a quick shot.
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Is Colman from J Serra a good pickup for UCLA?
Connor Colman is one of the top 3-5 US right-handed attackers in HS and in the class of 2026. I’m guessing by your handle, you’re from NorCal and might not see JSerra/Mission much. He’s fast and very mobile on offense. It was mentioned he scored 6 in last years’ CIF Regional victory over Newport. Also a very strong and mobile defender. Played on the Cadet team that got 5th in the U16 world championship in 2024, losing only to eventual Champion Spain. Looks like he led that team in assists and scored the eventual game-winner over Greece. That team also beat Serbia.
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Connor Coleman is one of the elite attackers in the Class of 2026. Superb speed, motor, and explosive off the drive. Is a quick-twitch athlete who can score in a variety of ways. He may not make an immediate impact (UCLA is stacked at the attacker position), but he does have a big upside.
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Connor Clougherty - Newport Harbor - Santa Clara
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I expected someone as good as him to go somewhere better, top 10 school at least. nonetheless its a good pickup for Santa Clara.
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Is that 9 commits for Newport Harbor so far? Are there any other schools that will have this many 2026 commits?
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