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UCLA Taps into Mass. Pipeline With New 4-Star QB Offer

UCLA Men's Water Polo Bolsters Roster with Trio of Standout Commits from Tabor Academy

In a significant boost to the UCLA Bruins men's water polo program, three highly touted high school prospects from Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, have committed to join the team. Peter Bourque, Carter Gooden, and Marcus Almada, all seniors at the prestigious prep school, announced their decisions to continue their athletic and academic careers at UCLA, bringing a wealth of talent, leadership, and championship experience to Westwood. This recruiting coup underscores the Bruins' continued dominance in attracting top-tier talent from across the nation, particularly from the East Coast, where water polo is less ubiquitous but produces elite athletes through rigorous prep school programs like Tabor's.

Tabor Academy has long been a breeding ground for collegiate water polo stars, with its Seawolves program renowned for its disciplined training regimen, emphasis on team chemistry, and success in national competitions. The school's location on the shores of Buzzards Bay provides a unique aquatic environment that fosters skill development from an early age. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Wilson, Tabor has consistently produced Division I commits, and this year's class is no exception. Bourque, Gooden, and Almada have been instrumental in leading Tabor to back-to-back New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) championships, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and contribute to winning cultures—qualities that align perfectly with UCLA's storied tradition of excellence in water polo.

Peter Bourque, a versatile utility player standing at 6-foot-4, is perhaps the most heralded of the trio. Hailing from Greenwich, Connecticut, Bourque has been a standout since his freshman year at Tabor, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force in both offense and defense. His physicality in the water, combined with exceptional ball-handling skills and a powerful shot, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. During his junior season, Bourque led Tabor in goals scored, tallying an impressive 78 while also contributing 45 assists and 32 steals. His leadership was on full display in the NEPSAC tournament finals, where he scored a hat-trick in a thrilling overtime victory. Beyond the pool, Bourque is an academic standout, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and excelling in advanced placement courses in physics and calculus. His decision to commit to UCLA came after visits to several top programs, including Stanford and USC, but he cited the Bruins' coaching staff and the opportunity to compete for national titles as key factors. "UCLA has a legacy of developing players who go on to professional and Olympic levels," Bourque said in a recent interview with Tabor's athletic department. "I want to be part of that tradition and push myself against the best."

Carter Gooden, a speedy attacker from Newport, Rhode Island, complements Bourque's power with his agility and finesse. At 6-foot-1 and known for his explosive starts and precise passing, Gooden has been a catalyst for Tabor's fast-break offense. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities has drawn comparisons to former UCLA greats like Ryder Roberts. In his high school career, Gooden has amassed over 150 goals, with a standout performance at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, where he earned All-Tournament honors after leading his club team to a silver medal. Gooden's defensive prowess is equally notable; he's adept at drawing exclusions and disrupting opponents' rhythms, often turning turnovers into quick counters. Off the water, Gooden is involved in Tabor's marine biology program, reflecting his passion for ocean sciences, which he plans to pursue at UCLA's renowned environmental studies department. His commitment to the Bruins was influenced by the program's emphasis on holistic development. "Water polo at UCLA isn't just about winning games; it's about building character and preparing for life after sports," Gooden shared on social media following his announcement. He turned down offers from Harvard and Princeton, opting for the competitive edge and sunny California climate that UCLA offers.

Rounding out the trio is Marcus Almada, a tenacious goalkeeper from Boston, Massachusetts, whose shot-blocking abilities and vocal leadership have anchored Tabor's defense. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a wingspan that seems endless, Almada has a save percentage hovering around 65% in high school play, including several shutout performances in crucial matches. His quick reflexes and strategic positioning were pivotal in Tabor's undefeated regular season last year, where he made over 200 saves. Almada's journey to water polo is inspiring; originally a swimmer, he transitioned to the sport in middle school and rapidly rose through the ranks, earning a spot on the U.S. Youth National Team. At the international level, he's competed in tournaments in Europe, gaining exposure to diverse playing styles that have honed his adaptability. Academically, Almada is drawn to UCLA's engineering program, with interests in biomechanical engineering that could tie into sports science. "The resources at UCLA, from the coaching to the facilities, are unmatched," Almada noted in a press release from Tabor. "I'm excited to contribute to a team that's always in the hunt for championships." His choice of UCLA over programs like Cal and Michigan highlights the Bruins' reputation for goalkeeper development, having produced Olympians like Merrill Moses.

The commitments of Bourque, Gooden, and Almada come at an opportune time for UCLA men's water polo, which is looking to rebound from a challenging season and reclaim its position atop the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). Head coach Adam Wright, a former Bruin standout and Olympic gold medalist, has been vocal about the importance of recruiting players who embody the team's core values of resilience, teamwork, and innovation. In a statement to SI.com, Wright praised the Tabor trio: "These young men bring not just skill, but a winning mentality forged in one of the toughest prep leagues in the country. Peter, Carter, and Marcus have the potential to make an immediate impact, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the Bruin family." Wright's track record of developing talent is well-documented; under his leadership, UCLA has won multiple national championships and sent numerous players to the professional ranks and international competitions.

This recruiting class also reflects broader trends in collegiate water polo, where East Coast prep schools like Tabor are increasingly feeding talent to West Coast powerhouses. The geographical shift allows for diverse perspectives and playing styles, enriching team dynamics. For Tabor Academy, producing three Division I commits in one class is a testament to the program's strength and the dedication of its coaching staff. Alumni from Tabor have gone on to success at schools like Princeton and Navy, but this UCLA pipeline could signal a new era of collaboration between the institutions.

As these athletes prepare to graduate from Tabor and transition to college, their high school legacies are secure. Bourque, Gooden, and Almada have not only excelled individually but have fostered a culture of excellence that will benefit future Seawolves. At UCLA, they join a roster brimming with potential, including returning All-Americans and fellow freshmen recruits. The Bruins' fall schedule promises intense matchups against rivals like USC and Stanford, where the newcomers could see early playing time.

In the broader context of UCLA athletics, this infusion of talent aligns with the university's commitment to maintaining its status as a premier destination for student-athletes. The men's water polo program, with its history of 11 NCAA championships, continues to attract top prospects by offering a blend of athletic rigor and academic prestige. For Bourque, Gooden, and Almada, the move to UCLA represents the next chapter in their promising careers, one that could see them contributing to future titles and perhaps even representing the United States on the global stage.

The excitement surrounding these commitments has rippled through the water polo community, with analysts predicting that this trio could help UCLA contend for the national crown as early as their freshman year. Their stories of perseverance—from early morning practices in chilly New England waters to high-stakes tournament victories—serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere. As they pack their bags for Los Angeles, the future looks bright for both the players and the Bruins program, poised for a resurgence built on fresh talent and unyielding determination. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/ucla/bruins-peter-bourque-carter-gooden-marcus-almada-tabor-academy ]