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By Amanda Scurlock, Sports writer
Published August 26, 2021
Max Irving found tremendous success in water polo. His skill and talent led him to UCLA and a pro career overseas. Being an African American in a predominantly white sport is a special honor for Irving as he gets a chance to represent the Black community when he competes. “If I can be an inspiration just to maybe one kid to try something new, or just to encourage them that they can do anything within or outside the realm of sports, then I think my playing career will have been an absolute success,” Irving said. Irving, a native of Long Beach, began swimming with the Seal Beach Swim Club at seven years old. He attended Long Beach Wilson High School and helped the boys’ water polo team win the CIF division II championship. After high school, Irving attended UCLA and majored in political science. In 2015, Irving came in second on the team in steals with 30. During his career at UCLA, Irving started in 78 of the 104 games he played in. Irving has been a member of Team USA Men’s water polo since 2017 and competed in several FINA Intercontinental tournaments and world championships. Irving also competed with Olympiacos in the A1 Ethniki League in Greece. He helped the team win the 2020 Greek Super Cup Championship.
Max Irving found tremendous success in water polo. His skill and talent led him to UCLA and a pro career overseas. Being an African American in a predominantly white sport is a special honor for Irving as he gets a chance to represent the Black community when he competes. “If I can be an inspiration just to maybe one kid to try something new, or just to encourage them that they can do anything within or outside the realm of sports, then I think my playing career will have been an absolute success,” Irving said. Irving, a native of Long Beach, began swimming with the Seal Beach Swim Club at seven years old. He attended Long Beach Wilson High School and helped the boys’ water polo team win the CIF division II championship. After high school, Irving attended UCLA and majored in political science. In 2015, Irving came in second on the team in steals with 30. During his career at UCLA, Irving started in 78 of the 104 games he played in. Irving has been a member of Team USA Men’s water polo since 2017 and competed in several FINA Intercontinental tournaments and world championships. Irving also competed with Olympiacos in the A1 Ethniki League in Greece. He helped the team win the 2020 Greek Super Cup Championship.
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