Encinitas athlete Braxton Harp named MVP as Del Mar Water Polo 12U Blue team wins gold medal at USA Water Polo Junior Olympics

Braxton Harp, 12, representing Encinitas, was recently named Most Valuable Player in a thrilling championship showdown at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, where his team, Del Mar Water Polo 12U Blue, captured the gold medal, according to a news release.

On July 22, at the Junior Olympics’ Platinum Division four-day tournament in Orange County, the Del Mar 12U Blue squad faced off in an exhilarating final match against Newport Beach Water Polo Club that ended in a nail-biting 10-10 tie. The game was ultimately decided by a high-stakes five-man shootout.

Braxton, serving as goalkeeper, made a clutch contribution by blocking two of the first three shots in the shootout, setting a decisive tone.

With tension mounting, teammate Gavin Ormsby delivered the championship clincher—his final shot sailed past the defense, securing victory and gold for Del Mar.

Braxton’s remarkable saves earned him MVP honors. Braxton said in the news release: “I just really wanted to get those saves for my teammates and do my job. It was really exciting.”

Del Mar’s 12U Blue team wrapped up the tournament undefeated, showcasing a blend of stifling defense and disciplined offense. With this gold medal win, they continue a proud tradition of excellence at the Junior Olympics, previously securing 10U ,14U, 16U titles in recent years.

Braxton, who has been playing competitive water polo since age 8, attended Park Dale Lane Elementary School and will begin 7th grade at Diegueno Middle School in the fall.  Braxton also earned “Top Goalie” of the tournament in his age division in the 2025 Futures Super Finals which took place in San Jose, Calif., June 27-29, the news release stated.

Braxton’s siblings Grayson Harp, 14, and twin sister Ainsley Harp, 12, also play water polo for Del Mar Water Polo Club and finished the 2025 Junior Olympics in the top 10 nationally, according to the news release. Grayson plays for the Del Mar Water Polo 14U Blue team (7th place finish) and Ainsley plays for the Del Mar Water Polo 12U Girls Blue team (8th place finish).

Braxton’s mom Jerilyn Harp said in the news release that “Water polo isn’t just Braxton’s sport— it’s our family’s sport. It’s brought us closer, teaching us teamwork, resilience, and the joy of celebrating each other’s wins.”