About Ian Supra

In early 2014, a boy named Ian Supra was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. At that time, Ian was the captain of the boys’ water polo team at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando. Before he began to play water polo, he had been playing baseball for Dr. Phillips High but was later cut from the team. After he was cut, his best friend convinced him to play water polo.  Once he began playing, Ian said, USA Water Polo Organization, “Water polo is absolutely the greatest sport.” ( USA Water Polo Organization) During his freshman year, he was named Rookie of the Year after scoring 36 goals, becoming one of the best players on the team. Ian stated that he wanted to score four times the number of goals he got his freshman year. He went from Rookie of the Year to All American in just three years! 

When his senior year came around, he was dedicated to winning States. Ian explained, “Everything was perfect; I had my best friends playing with me. Nik Lachinski in goal and Evan Staton in the field with me. But then one thing stopped me from my dream of winning a state championship, cancer.” ( USA Water Polo Organization)  Although he was in denial once he found out he had cancer, he kept a positive attitude and played until he could no longer.  During this time, he began undergoing treatments, receiving much love from his family and community. Ian shared that one of the emotions he felt the most was happiness throughout treatment up until his passing. Chris Supra, Ian’s father, explained “This [the Ian Supra Tournament] really exemplifies Ian’s spirit as far as never giving up, really fighting, and working through what he has to work through to get back to himself.”

STA Participates in the Tournament

On Friday, February 23, the boys’ and the girls’ water polo teams headed to Orlando. The teams played a total of four games; two on Friday and two on Saturday.  The girls started off by playing Lake Mary High School, and lost  3 – 16. The boys then played Lake Brantley High School and won 14 – 5. The girls then had their second game of the day against Bishop Moore Catholic High School. They made a comeback and won 18 – 7! For the last and final game of the day, the boys played Dr. Phillips High School and lost with a score of 6 – 16.

On Saturday, February 24, the boys started off by playing Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, and lost with a score of 8 – 7. The boys later played Boca Raton High school, and won with a score of 20 – 10. Then, the girls went up against Olympia High School and lost with a score of 8 – 12. The girls’ second game was filled with so much excitement. They played against St. Andrews School and won with a score of 15 – 2.

With the boys and the girls winning four out of eight games this weekend, they walked away with a triumphant victory supporting those with cancer!