Senior Weston Carballar’s nine-year journey with water polo has been his fun and competitive outlet. Now, his dedication to the sport will bring him to play Division I at Long Island University (LIU) in Brooklyn, New York, where he can explore the East Coast and eventually pursue his lifelong dream of firefighting after graduation.
“I’ve never been to New York, so it’s super cool,” Weston said. “There’s lots of different things to do.”
LIU’s water polo team’s closeness and new coach drew Weston to the school, and he’ll be joining a team with other Californian athletes next fall too.
“The coach is bringing in a lot of guys from California, the best water polo state in the country,” Weston said. “They’re kids I can connect with, and who know what they’re doing.”
At LIU Weston will continue playing as a goalkeeper — the position he played for Los Altos. He’s been a foundation of the team: getting pulled up to varsity in his freshman year, going undefeated his sophomore year, and becoming team captain his senior year. His goalkeeping that season led boys water polo to its first-ever CCS Championship, and first-ever NorCal finals appearance.
“Weston is a hard worker who leads by example,” Head Coach Seth Tasman said. “You can always count on him to give 110 percent, whether it’s a tough practice, a close game, or helping out a teammate. He brings the team together and ensures everyone feels valued and supported.”
“He’s always ready to go,” junior Ferran De Witt said. “He makes big blocks, and he’s always so energetic.”
Ever since starting in elementary school, he’s stuck with water polo, enjoying the competition and immersion the pool brings.
“Whenever I’m in the water, nothing else matters,” Weston said. “There’s a song by Metallica I always listen to before I get in, and when that chorus hits, I kill it. I’m super competitive. I always want to win.”
Throughout his journey, his family has stood by him, especially helping him through his recruitment process — which included “a lot of emails” and many tournaments.
“My youngest brother, he’s always screaming at games, always supporting me,” Weston said.
Across his entire competitive career, Weston’s hard work and love for the game have fueled him to his dream of playing for another four years.
“I’m happy for him to live out his dream,” Ferran said. “I’m not shocked about his recruitment at all. He’s worked hard for it.”
“Weston exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete,” Tasman said. “Beyond his athletic achievements, he’s the person who makes everyone around him better. His story proves that hard work and a positive attitude can take you far.”
