Girls’ Water Polo Captures First State Championship Since 2013 with Thrilling Comeback Victory
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Gulliver Prep Raiders Girls’ Water Polo team triumphed over Seminole High School, 8-5, to claim the 2025 Florida High School Sports Association (FHSAA) State Championship. This marks the Raiders’ first girls’ water polo state title since 2013, and their determination in securing this victory was nothing short of extraordinary.
After falling behind 4-1 in the first half, the Raiders made a stunning comeback, sparked by a crucial goal from Isabella Ten Have ’27 just before halftime. Ten Have’s confidence continued to shine through as she netted another goal early in the second half to tie the game. The Raiders didn’t look back, as Kathleen Serig ’25 and Emma Preston ’28 followed with key goals, with Preston’s securing the lead for good with 3:45 left in the fourth quarter.
Goalie Sofia Beltran ’28 was a standout, making multiple game-saving stops in the second half, including a pivotal save with just under two minutes remaining, denying Seminole’s counterattack. Ten Have sealed the win with 35 seconds left, scoring into an empty net after Seminole pulled its goalie.
Head coach Carroll Vaughan praised the team’s resilience, stating, “We had been preparing for this for years. Our mental strength was key, and we trusted each other to get the job done.” This victory also avenged the Raiders’ only loss of the season, a narrow 8-7 defeat to Seminole back in March.
With a 27-1 record this season, the Raiders have truly proven their championship caliber. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and everyone who helped make this historic achievement possible!
