Grace Juliussen is a 10-year-old student who attends Oakdale’s Fair Oaks Elementary school as a fifth grader. When she is not in school she spends her time in the pool as part of the Sonora-Oakdale Water Polo Club known as SOAK, a club that she has been involved with for two seasons. She is on the girls 10 and under team and also recently competed on the Davis Water Polo Club as part of the Junior Olympic Team, invited to come play for the elite squad as the Oakdale 10’s did not compete in the games.

The girls took first place after defeating eight other teams at Stanford University over the weekend of July 26-29. The girls were awarded gold medals for their winning efforts at the 2014 Junior Olympic Games.

“My favorite thing about going was making new friends and having fun. Second was playing at Stanford, the stadium is amazing,” said an excited Juliussen.

The local club is for both youngsters and young adults from the ages of five to 18. Representing SOAK at the Junior Olympics was the 16 and Under team, and they finished 23rd out of the 85 teams competing. The program is currently in summer and fall seasons but is hopeful of being a year-round program.

For more information or if you are interested in registration log onto oakdalewaterpolo.com.