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By Miriam RafteryMarch 31, 2024 (Santee) – Alex Bowen of Santee, former captain of the Santana High School water polo team, is heading to the Paris Olympics with Team USA’s water polo team. His father, Rod Bowen, coaches Santana’s water polo team. Now a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Coach Bowen and his wife, Barb, travel to watch their son at the summer Olympics.
The effort was launched by Melissa Harmon, whose three sons have all been mentored by Coach Bowen.
“Coach Bowen's love for the game, and the way he inspires young men to be the best they can be makes him a favorite of players and parents,” Harmon says. “He immensely cares about his players, both in and out of the water. Now is our chance to give back to Coach and Barb. Let's give them the opportunity to watch their son play the game we all love to watch ours play. If your able to do so, please help by donating. Thank you.”
Alex Bowen (photo, right) is considered one of the best shooters on Team USA, according to the USA water polo team’s website. He scored over 200 goals while at Stanford and was named a 1st Team All-American all four years. Currently, he plays professionally in France. He captained Santana’s water polo team as a junior and senior, helping to lead Santana to Grossmont North League titles in 2007 and 2008, and to Grossmont Valley League titles in 2009 and 2010. He holds CIF San Diego Section career goals scored record with 547. He was named to All-American and All-California teams.
Later he played club water polo for the San Diego Shores, and after participating in the Junior Olympics, he was named Junior Olympics All-American from 2008 through 2011. At Stanford University, he scored over 200 goals and was named to the NCAA 1st Team and multiple All-American teams. He has competed in numerous international competitions and currently plays for Noisy-le-Sec in France.
“I’ve always wanted to get the most out of the sport I love,” he says, according to the Team USA site. “I would like to thank my mom for being there and supporting me through the stressful times. I would like to thank my dad for getting me started in the sport and helping me become who I am today,” he says, also thanking his brother, Eric, as well as sports colleagues along the way who helped push him to be a success. “I’m also thankful for all the friendships I’ve made along the way through the sport,” he adds.
If you would like to donate to help Coach Bowen and his wife afford a trip to Paris to watch their son compete in the 2024 summer Olympics, you can give at GoFundMe.
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