Treading to the Top: John Hajdik

“We’re up!” a phrase that can be heard from senior and water polo captain, John Hajdik as he recently made both the All-Greater Houston Water Polo 2nd Team and the All-State Honorable Mention Team.

Athletes are voted by established coaches in the community and those votes then determine the teams; top six most voted make the 1st team, next six make the 2nd etc. Head Water Polo coach, Sally Woolweaver is thrilled for her boys’ captain and goalie, stating that Hajdik is very deserving of this spot.

“I’m so excited for him, it was one hundred percent deserved,” Woolweaver said. “I’ve had so many coaches come up to me throughout the year saying he’s the best goalie in the state, which I believe he is.”

Additionally, Hajdik also broke Lamar’s record for the number of career saves with 831, only proving his skills even more.

“I was surprised that I broke it,” Hajdik said. “Every year I’ve played for Lamar, I’ve had a backup goalie that I shared time with and who would play all the easier games so I didn’t think that I would play enough to get the record.” 

Hajdik broke Lamar’s record for number of career saves, with 831.

Although currently a goalie, when Hajdik initially started in middle school, he didn’t start out in this position. It was only when parents noticed that he remained blocking shots and stacking up saves. 

“I was introduced to water polo in 7th grade by watching a Lamar water polo game and that’s when I thought it looked fun and decided to try it,” Hajdik said. “However, the team I was on didn’t have a goalie, so we rotated. When I would go in, I did pretty well and some of the parents even mentioned to the coach that I should be the new goalie. I decided to stay because I thought it was where I had the most potential and where I was needed most.” 

Despite this being Hajdik’s last year, he is exhilarated to not only continue playing in college but make both new and reunite with old friends. 

“I’m both excited and a little sad about this being my last year of high school, however I’m really excited to play in college” Hajdik said. “I plan to go to A&M and I’m looking forward to seeing some people I haven’t seen in a while as well as meeting new ones.” 

Although this is exciting news, Hajdik wasn’t expecting it - he just genuinely enjoys playing. 

“Since the team didn’t make it very far this year, not many coaches saw me play, so I wasn’t expecting it. However, it feels really nice to be on the state honorable mention team,” Hajdik said. “Since joining water polo, I have built so many close relationships with my teammates, and I love hanging out and getting to play with them.”