When you think of Greater Houston’s premier water polo teams, Baytown Sterling is likely to come up in the conversation. The Ranger program has earned seven titles since the late 70s and the school’s wall is graced with several All-State and All-American plaques.

One of the names on the plaques is athlete Zayne Belal. After missing 90 percent of his junior season due to injury, Belal has a simple motto as he heads into his final high school year.

“Stay healthy and win state,” Belal said. “Last year I broke my arm, but this year we got to get to a state championship.”

Belal is one of many reasons for the success of the Ranger team. Despite missing most of last season, he still averaged 2.5 goals and 2 steals per game. When he is not playing for his school, he plays with his Dirty Bay club squad.

“We play year around, and I play with my teammates so that we can get better,” Belal said.

And all of those years of getting better have paid off. Belal has an opportunity to play water polo at one the premier schools on the West Coast.

“I talked with the coach at Stanford,” Belal said. “He told me once I get accepted into the school, there is a spot for me on the team. Stanford is definitely my No. 1 choice.”

When he not playing polo he swims quite frequently. He said this is the way he stays in shape. Belal, who has been swimming since he was seven, actually swims competitively as well.

Both sports are a 12-month commitment, but Belal has made his decision for his future.

“I compete in both sports, but I am more of a polo player,” Belal said.
 

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