PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Head coach Felix Mercado has announced eight additions to the Brown University men’s water polo program for the Class of 2027.
The Class of 2027 is made up of MacGregor Berry, Isaac Fernandez-Lopez, Ramzi Megalli, Ryan Miele, Goran Narancic, Theo Pliner, Jaxson Tierney and Mate Tymcyna.
“I’m very excited for this incoming class for the men’s team,” said Mercado. “I feel like we’ve added needed depth on the perimeter and also a great goalie. I expect them to come in and compete immediately.”
MacGregor Berry
Attacker | 6’1″ | San Anselmo, Calif. | Archie Williams High School
- Member of SHAP and San Francisco Water Polo Club
- ODP Cadet National Team Selection Cap in 2020 and 2021
- First Team All-League in 2021 and 2022
- MCAL Champions from 2019-2021 and third place in the NCS Division I Championship in 2021
- USA Water Polo All-Academic (2019-22)
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of the Open Curriculum and the progressive teaching style. I am a much better student when I am taking classes that I am interested in and Brown allows me to navigate my own education. I can’t wait to see where this takes me.”
Isaac Fernandez-Lopez
Attacker | 5’10” | Pearland, Texas | Glenda Dawson High School
- Member of Southside Water Polo Club
- UIL Water Polo All-District First Team, TISCA All-Region Honorable Mention
- Runner up in Texas State Championship as a junior and runner up at Regionals as a senior
- Most Improved Player as a junior
- Four-time USA Water Polo All-Academic
Why Brown: “I chose Brown for its Open Curriculum, diverse community and competitive water polo team. The academic freedom, supportive environment and captivating Providence vibe made it the perfect choice for my college experience.”
Ramzi Megalli
Center | 6’8″ | Seattle, Wash. | Seattle Academy
- Member of Northwest Water Polo Club
- Selected to USA Academy Team in 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23
- Selected for USA National Team in 2019 and 2022
- Outstanding All-Academic as a sophomore and junior
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of the opportunity to excel in all of my interests surrounded by others who are also passionate about those things and who want to positively contribute to my success. At Brown, I will not only be pushed to my limit in the pool, but academically and intellectually.”
Ryan Miele
Goalkeeper | 6’2″ | Greenwich, Conn. | Brunswick School
- Member of Greenwich Aquatics Club
- Four-time NEPSAC Champion and NEPSAC Boys Water Polo Outstanding Goalie in 2021 and 2022
- All-American in 2021 and 2022
- Academic High Honor Roll 2020-23 and High School Water Polo All-Academic (2022, 2023)
Why Brown: “I wanted a school where I had the freedom to study only what I was interested in, this can be accomplished through Brown’s unique Open Curriculum, and I saw no team culture better than the Brown Men’s Water Polo Team. From what I can see, everybody wants to support and help all of their teammates in all aspect of college life.”
Goran Narancic
Center | 6’2″ | Zagreb, Croatia | XV Gymnasium Zagreb
- Played for the U-17 Croatian National Team (2021) and HAVK Mladost junior and senior teams
- Won third place at the 2022 Croatian National Championships
- Fourth in the Croatian National Junior Championships
- Best scorer at the Zagreb Youth Cup in 2018
- Won Maribor International Tournament and was third in Mali Medo Zagreb International Tournament in 2018
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of its unique Open Curriculum which enables me to pursue all of my academic interests, all while having the opportunity to play Division I water polo on a very high level.”
Theo Pliner
Attacker | 5’9″ | London, England | Highgate School
- Member of Great Britain U17 National Team at LEN U17 Junior Men European Championship Qualification
- Bronze Medalist at 21st Maccabiah Games in Israel for USA Junior Men
- Youngest Member of West London Penguin Senior Men’s Team competing and finishing second in the First Division of the British Water Polo League in 2022-23
Why Brown: “I chose Brown as its Open Curriculum will allow me to pursue my wide range of academic interests, from Latin and Classics to Economics, whilst playing high level water polo at the same time.”
Jaxson Tierney
Attacker | 6’2″ | Pasadena, Calif. | Harvard Westlake High School
- Member of Los Angeles Premier Water Polo Club
- CIF Southern Section Open Division Third Team in 2021 and 2022
- Mission League First Team in 2021 and 2022
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because it has a competitive team while still allowing me to focus on my education, interests and future after graduation.”
Mate Tymcyna
Utility | 6’4″ | Eger, Heves, Hungary | Neumann Janos Gimnazium
- Hungarian Youth National Team from 2018-present
- 2019 European Champion with the U15 team – 35 games on the senior, first team of Tigre Zf Eger
- Third place in the European Youth Tournament in 2015
- City of Eger’s excellent athlete award winner in 2019
Why Brown: “Brown has a strong and challenging water polo program as well as a reputational that goes years back. My goal is to improve this reputation and be a leader in this community.”
Release courtesy Brown University Athletics Communications
