Jon Carcarey

For Jon, the transition from a hesitant swimmer to a powerhouse defender was fueled by a desire for a challenge that only the "physicality and grit" of water polo could provide.

Jon's rise was accelerated by his involvement with 6-8 Sports, where he refined the high-level IQ and defensive prowess that have become his trademarks. By engaging with the 6-8 ecosystem, including the clinics and data-tracking platforms, Jon was able to bridge the gap between being a high school standout at Orange Lutheran and a world-class competitor. The 6-8 platform provided the metrics to validate his growth, while the environment helped prepare him for the mental demands of the international stage.

The "proof" of Jon's development came in June 2025, when he helped make history as part of the U.S. Junior National Team. Representing the USA at the U20 World Championships in Croatia, Jon played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal, which was the best finish ever for a U.S. junior squad. This experience transformed him not just as a player, but as a leader.

Now a Junior and team captain at Pepperdine, Jon is eyeing the 2028 Olympics and a professional career. He carries the lessons of the 6-8 family with him into every match, using intense visualization and the technical foundation built through years of training to lead the Waves.

"Ever since coming back [from the World Championships], I feel like a different player and person in the water. It helps me a lot with leading because I was able to be around such high-level athletes."