BALTIMORE, Md. — Johns Hopkins University water polo coach Ted Bresnahan announced his incoming class that will compete for spots on the 2018 team. The all-time coaching career wins leader in program history, Bresnahan begins his 28th season this Fall.
Coming to Homewood this fall are Jayden Kunwar, Jake Pearson, Emerson Sullivan and Jacob Whitaker. The quartet joins a squad that returns 14 letter-winners, including All-America selections Finn Banks, Giorgio Cico and Josh Kurtz. The Blue Jays are set to open the season on September 1 at the annual Navy Labor Day Open on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy.
Complete bios for all four student-athletes are below:
Jayden Kunwar
5’11” • 175
Menlo HS
Stanford Water Polo Club
Led Stanford Water Polo Club team to three straight Junior Olympic gold medals (platinum division) in 2015, 2016 and 2017 • Named Junior Olympic MVP in 2015 • led club team to silver medal (2013) and bronze (2014) at Junior Olympics • Named Second Team Junior Olympic All-American in 2013 and 2017 • Led Menlo HS to PAL league championship as a sophomore, junior and senior • Led Menlo to CCS runner-up as a sophomore (Division II), junior (Division II) and senior (Open Division) • Named first team all-league as a sophomore, junior and senior • Named CCS Second Team as a sophomore, junior and senior • A member of the Pacific Zone Olympic Development Team from 2013 to 2016 • Selected to National Team Selection Camp in 2016 • Received Nick Johnston Inspirational Award in 2015 (for Effort, Respect, Leadership, and embodying the values of the Olympic Development Program) • Selected to NCS/CCS Senior All Star Game • Two time USA Water Polo Outstanding All-Academic • AP Scholar with Distinction.
Jake Pearson
6’5” • 220
Ransom Everglades
Raider Water Polo Club
Four-year letter-winner and co-captain as a senior at Ransom Everglades • Named All-Dade County in 2016, 2017 and 2018 • Led team to undefeated season and state championship in 2017 • Two-time winner of Coaches’ Award • Member of Olympic Development Program (ODP) Southeast Zone Team from 2015 to 2017 • Selected for USA National Team Selection Camp in 2016 and 2017 • Selected for ODP Futures Camp in 2016 • Also a four-year letter-winner and co-captain as a senior for the swim team • Earned USA Water Polo All-Academic honors and high honors • National Merit Commended Scholar.
Emerson Sullivan
6’1” • 175
Sir Frances Drake
Sleepy Hollow Aquatics Club
Four-year starter • Led team to NCS Championship and Northern California Championship as a senior • Led team to MCAL Championship as a sophomore, junior and senior • Named Fifth Team All-American (California-Hawaii) as a senior • Named All-NorCal Second Team as a senior • Earned NCS All-League Second Team honors as a junior and First Team as a senior • Named MCAL All-League First Team as a junior and senior • Earned USA Water Polo Outstanding All-Academic honors in 2016 and 2017 • Led club team to runner-up finish at Junior Olympics (Platinum Division) in 2014 and 2016 and third place in 2015 • Named Junior Olympic Second Team All-American in 2014 • also swam at Sir Frances Drake and was named team MVP as a freshman, sophomore and junior • Earned NISCA/Speedo All-America honors in 100 Back • NCS Swimming Championship finalist as a sophomore and junior • Holds school records in 100 Back and 200 IM • Named USA Swimming Scholastic All-America in 2016 and 2017 • Swam for North Bay Aquatics Club.
Jacob Whitaker
6’1” • 175
Broadneck
Navy Academy Aquatic Club
Team captain of club team • Selected to National Team Selection Camp in eighth grade • MVP Tristate Area League • also swam for three years and was named captain as a senior • State qualifier in swimming as a senior • Member of National Honor Society • Two-time USA Water Polo Outstanding All-Academic • AP Scholar with Distinction • National Merit Commended Scholar • Coached Youth Water Polo Team • Also a lifeguard • Tutors in calculus, computer science and physics.
