Westminster Academy's Daniel Cercols is the Broward Water Polo Coach of the Year
Westminster Academy coach Daniel Cercols knew his boys' water polo team would have its best shot at a state championship this season.
The Lions faced a path that required them to navigate through the toughest region in the state, however.
But Cercols' squad never doubted it could be achieved.
'We knew on paper we had one of the strongest teams, but we were pretty even with the top seven teams in the state so anybody could win,' Cercols said. 'We were consistent especially considering we had some new kids… I'm so happy for the school.'
It was a banner year for the water polo programs at Westminster as its boys' squad secured its first ever state championship. Meanwhile its girls' team appears to be on a path toward similar success after a regional semifinals finish through a tough bracket featuring some of the best teams from the central Florida area.
In recognition of that success, Cercols, the coach for both squads, is this year's Miami Herald Broward County Boys' and Girls' Water Polo Coach of the Year.
Cercols led Westminster's boys to a 24-2 record, which culminated with back-to-back one-goal victories at the state final four against former champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Mater Lakes.
The Lions already had a formidable roster heading into the 2025 season, which got stronger with the arrival of transfer Matthew Troche - one of the top-rated players in the nation. Troche, the Miami Herald's Boys' Player of the Year, became a catalyst for Westminster's explosive attack in the pool.
'It's amazing. We knew we'd be a high-contesting team from the start. But from the way this team put it together, it's just amazing,' Troche said after a 10-9 win over Mater Lakes in the state championship match.
On the girls' side, Westminster went 18-8 with its season ending following a 12-10 loss to Orlando Dr. Phillips. The Lions, however, established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in Broward and statewide with a squad led by All-Broward first team selections, Marley Scott, Lynn-Rose Ruiz and goalie Megan Ruiz.
With most of its squad returning, the Lions' girls hope next season to reach the milestone their boys counterparts did this season.
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