PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Felix Mercado, Brown University Director of Water Polo and head men’s water polo coach, announced his program’s 2028 class of recruits.
Set to compete in the pool for the Bears next season and beyond are Dominik Balla, William Griswold, Dimitris Kratimenos and William Vranesh.
“I am extremely excited about this group as they will add much needed depth to our team,” said Mercado. “[Dominiki] Balla’s and [William] Griswold’s ability to play multiple positions will allow us to use different lineups and Vranesh can play either attach side with his vision and ability to score. Bringing in another quality goalie like Kratimenos will continue to provide this team with competition at all positions. This should be a fun season.”
Dominik Balla
6-1 | Utility | Szolnok, Hungary | Varga Katalin Gimnazium
WHY BROWN: I chose Brown because here I can manage to play water polo at a high level as well as to learn as much as I can in the classrooms
William Griswold
6-1 | Center Defender | Santa Ana, Calif. | Foothill High School
Was named First Team All-America, First Team CIF D1 and First Team Crestview League as both a junior and a senior. Was Team Captain as both a junior and a senior. Was Knight of the Year at Foothill High School for both water polo and swim as a senior. Finished his career ninth in both goals scored and assists in Foothill High School history. Four-time medalist at Junior Olympics (2016, 2021, 2022 and 2023), two-time runner up at Junior Olympics (2022, 2023), and three time Junior Olympics All-America (2016, 2018, 2022).
WHY BROWN: Highly prestigious academic school and great water polo team, along with a appealing atmosphere and environment. Also like the Open Curriculum.
Dimitris Kratimenos
6-1 | Goalkeeper | Athens, Greece | Costeas Geitonas School
Two-time best goalkeeper in European Championships (U15, U17) and best goalkeeper at U16 World Championships. Won the U17 European Championships and was third in u15 European Championships, was second in the U16 World Championships with Greece. Three-time National Greek Champion in U13, U15 and U17 and second place in seniors Greek Cup.
Why Brown?: Because it is the best place to grow academically and athletically.
William Vranesh
5-11 | Attacker | Moraga, Calif. | Campolindo High School
Was named 2023 DAL First Team All-League. Was a member of the 2023 Division 2 CIF NorCal Champions and 2021 & 2023 North Coast Section Semifinalist teams. Competed on the National Junior Olympics 16U and 18U “A” Teams in the Platinum Division. Was named a USA Water Polo Outstanding All-Academic and a NCS Scholar Athlete four times.
Why Brown?: At Brown, I have the flexibility to explore the concentration of Economics, but also my wide range of interests. Brown allows me to be in control of learning, approaching it in a creative and action-oriented way. Brown offers a combination of world-class athletics and rigorous academics to support student success.
Information courtesy Brown University Athletics Communications
