Local Athlete Selected to Represent Team USA on the Youth National Water Polo Team in Budapest
But he needs your help to make this dream come true…
Jackson Sanders is an Albuquerque native passionate about the game of water polo. Jackson started playing water polo with the Albuquerque Water Polo Club at the age of 9. He knew he wanted to play the goalie position at his first practice. Since that time, he has been selected from athletes across the country to participate in the National Team Selection Camp four years in a row. Two years ago, he had the opportunity to represent Team USA in tournament play in Montenegro and Italy, as one of only two goalies chosen in his age group.
As water polo came to a halt amid the Covid-19 Pandemic, Jackson and his family made to tough decision for him to move away from home to train with the 6-8 Academy, led by past and current Olympians, in California. During this time, he completed his senior year of academics remotely and asynchronously, learned to live on his own, and worked in the pool on a daily basis to improve his skills. This resulted in his recruitment to play D-1 water polo at Long Beach State in the fall, graduating with honors, and being selected as the only goalie in his age group to again represent Team USA abroad. He is also the only male athlete from the Mountain Zone to be chosen for a National Team this year. This trip will take place in the water polo capital of the world, Budapest, Hungary, and will provide world-class competition for the athletes selected into the Olympic Pipeline.
Each athlete is responsible for raising $4000 towards their trip and training fees, with all of the proceeds directly benefitting the athletes and the National Team. Any and all funds raised in Jackson’s name will support his travel and training this year and next. There are two ways to support Jackson in this endeavor:
1.Scan the QR with your smartphone and donate/or
2. Donate on Jackson’s Fundraising Page here
Finally, please feel free to share this information with anyone who might be interested and willing to support Jackson. Thank you!