Athlete Spotlight: Ryan Kumar

By Staff Writers Joseph Miao & Aaqib Zishan

Ryan Kumar’s journey began in fourth grade when he first started swimming at just ten years old. By seventh grade, he had picked up water polo and developed an interest in the dual-sport career that would eventually make him stand out in MSJ’s athletic programs. Now, Varsity Water Polo Co-Captain Senior Ryan Kumar plays a vital role in MSJ’s aquatic sports teams. As a four-year varsity swimmer and starter on water polo, he has showcased his skills and importance to the team by being the MVP for swimming for two consecutive years and a three-time NCS qualifier. In the 2024-25 water polo season, Kumar was voted honorable mention in MVAL and even awarded MVP of the season. He also scored over 80 goals last season, putting him on track to break the record of most goals by a water polo player in MSJ history and earn himself the honor of first team all-league, an award given to the best players in the MVAL league that season. Overall, Kumar is known by his teammates for his dedication to helping the team win, competitive mindset, and prowess in the game. 

Despite his achievements and successes, Kumar has faced one core obstacle that he notes has held MSJ’s team back: Washington’s Water Polo team, their long-standing rival. “They have a lot of kids on their team who are in the same class as us. It’s kind of like a showdown every year to see, you know, who’s got the better class. We haven’t beaten them yet, but this year is the year,” Kumar said. Each game slowly leads to a buildup of tension as the rivalry gets more intense with every season. Though Washington has had the upper hand so far, this challenge has served as a motivating force that drives Kumar and the team to improve.

However, no matter how strong the opposing teams are, Kumar is always able to rely on his teammates to have his back and keep him afloat when morale is low. As co-captain, he has helped guide the team through victories and setbacks, keeping the team in check and ready to improve. Kumar leads by example, pushing himself in every drill, practice, and game, ensuring the team stays disciplined and focused. 

Throughout the years, on and off-season, his bond with his teammates has grown significantly, as their shared passion and love for the game bring them closer together. “Everyone enjoys being around each other and is pretty genuine. No one really has to try to act differently to fit in with the team,” Kumar said. With every strenuous conditioning set in practice and well-fought-out victories, the team has gradually transformed from mere teammates to loyal brothers. Being a part of this sport has helped him “be more of who I am, instead of just trying to fit in with what everyone else at school is,” Kumar said. Swimming and water polo have shaped his identity and allowed him to be more athletic, original, and proud of himself. 

Kumar plans to continue swimming at the college level, competing against the best in the nation in hopes of breaking records. However, he is considering playing water polo at the same level if swimming does not turn out the way he expects. Looking back on his journey, Kumar reflects on the importance of team camaraderie. “I would definitely tell my freshman self to be part of the team more, spend time with the upperclassmen, and do the activities that they plan outside of just going to practice,” Kumar said. He reminds himself to work hard and appreciate the journey of improvement. For Kumar, water polo and swimming have always been more than just sports –– they’ve been a family, a challenge, and a source of growth, bringing him friendships and lessons that will last a lifetime.