Oct 2026 - Tate’s Water Polo Training in Serbia

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Written By Digital Kraken

Written By:  Koa Baldwin

Koa plays for Team Orlando Water Polo on our Juniors team (12u / 14u). and is a rower, and competitive swimmer. Outside of sports, he enjoys gaming, coding, and spending time with friends.

This month we interviewed one of our own players, Tate Miller, about his water polo training in Serbia during the summer 2026. Tate is a fantastic asset to our team, and we're excited to share his story.

Q1: How were you introduced to water polo and how long have you been playing?

Tate: Initially starting out skeptical about the sport; I was first introduced to water polo from a friend of my mother and have been playing for 5 years since then.

Q2: Why did you decide to train in Serbia and how did you learn about this opportunity? 

Tate: This past summer I decided to train in Serbia to receive a perspective on the game that the USA could not give. The sport is a lifestyle in Serbia and that level of commitment and integration into day-to-day life was something I was hoping to get out of that experience to apply back in the states, which I did. I came upon this experience through a teammate of mine who referred me to MarkoPolo, the organizer of this trip.

Q3: What did you learn in Serbia that was different from your training in the U.S and describe your daily schedule? 

Tate: In Serbia I learned a different style and way to approach the position of a Goalkeeper through somewhat odd but effective drills/conditioning routines. This development has grown me into a more confident player adding to my “toolbox” of skills and choices to make in game situations. My daily schedule in Bečej, Serbia included early breakfasts followed by an intensely conditioning concentrated two hour water session, some downtime to recover and stretch before lunch and a late afternoon pool session scrimmaging and running plays for around 3 hours with various opponents ranging from local club teams, to the u20 Polish National Team, To 2x Montenegrin Olympic player Stefan Vidović. A later dinner would follow after this pool session and then all you wanted to do was sleep and prepare for the next day. During your downtime you had full access to a gym and running trail to workout, stretch and recover in any way you saw fit.

Q4: What was your favorite experience in Serbia?

Tate: Despite all of the amazing Water Polo in Serbia, some of my favorite and most memorable experiences came from the little things; like outings to major cities and castles in places like Belgrade or Novi-Sad as well as the nights where my friends and I (European and American) would just go out for Ice cream and debrief our thoughts on the trainings of that day.

Q5: What would you like to accomplish in the sport of water polo? 

Tate: My overarching goal with Water Polo has changed a countless number of times, starting from just wanting to get playing time in a 12u game to now having a desire to play in the highest collegiate level which is NCAA Division 1. Every day I want to go farther down the pipeline of success in this sport because I know that I can based on the work I do, in and out of the pool. I have no doubt that my goal will eventually exceed what I have it set at right now.

Learn from Marko:

How to Go to the Summer 2027 Water Polo Camp in Serbia

Q1: What inspired you to help organize water polo trips to Serbia?  

Marko: The inspiration came from wanting to give youth water polo players an opportunity to experience the sport at a high level while also exposing them to a different culture that is personal to me. Serbia has a unique playing style and a long, successful water polo tradition. These trips give athletes the opportunity to train in that environment and learn from experienced Serbian coaches. After learning to play water polo in Bečej, I later played at the collegiate level in the United States and now as I continue my career as a coach, I recognize how much the unique opportunities provided in Bečej equipped me to succeed at both playing and coaching at a high level. Thus, I decided to create a bridge between US and Serbian water polo. Beyond water polo, participants have the opportunity to experience Serbian culture, history, food, and traditions. The goal is to give young players a memorable international experience that helps them grow both in and out of the pool.

Q2: How have the trips improved player skills and understanding of the sport? 

Marko: The trips provide players with an intensive training environment that is difficult to replicate during a normal club season. Players participate in multiple training sessions with ample pool time and space, work with experienced Serbian coaches, and compete against local teams. Training in Serbia exposes players to different coaching techniques, strategies, and styles of play. They get to see how the game is approached in another water polo culture and then apply those lessons to their own game. The experience also provides additional opportunities for conditioning, game situations, video review, and competition. This year, that will include a trip to Budapest to watch part of the World Championship tournament. Players return home with more experience, greater confidence, and a better understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of water polo. Just as importantly, traveling internationally teaches players independence, teamwork, adaptability, and respect for different cultures. These are valuable lessons that extend beyond the pool.


Contact Marko for more information on the Summer 2027 Water Polo Camp in Serbia 

Website: https://www.markopolowaterpolo.com
Camp Information and Registration: https://www.markopolowaterpolo.com/camp
Email: markopolowaterpolo@gmail.com
Phone: 941-416-3558

Contact Marko for more information on the Summer 2027 Water Polo Camp in Serbia

Digital Kraken https://teamorlandowpc.com
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