07/05/2026
Earlier this week we received the devastating news about the passing of one of our El Segundo Water Polo family’s own. Max Hale was an incredible person, player, teammate, and leader for our program. He died in training as a PFC in the C Co, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
One of five Hale siblings to have come through the ESHS water polo program to date, Max was a standout 4 year varsity letterman, winning multiple Team MVP awards, as well as yearly All-League MVP/MOP and All-CIF recognitions. Max was a captain of our 2023 Undefeated CIF Championship winning team. He currently holds the school records for most career goals, single game goals, career hat tricks, single season assists, and most career offensive points. He graduated ESHS in 2024 and played one high-performing season at El Camino College prior to enlisting in the United States Army, and continuing on to the elite Ranger Regiment.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Max was one of the most interesting and unique people you could ever meet. With a quick-witted sense of humor, he could find levity in every situation, yet had the ability to get into deep and meaningful conversations with ease. He was a natural leader, and his teammates looked up to him both in and out of the pool. People were drawn to Max’s energy- he had an effortless ability to bring people together. He was the kind of kid that would arrive at the vans for an overnight tournament without a suit, towel, or really anything needed for water polo games, but toting his cup of mate and his aunt’s pink sandals, would drop 8 goals a game in a borrowed Speedo, and help teach his teammates along the way. He was a natural athlete and so authentically himself, a combination that made him one of the most memorable kids to have come through our program.
Max was loved by so many people, and he will be greatly missed. Please send all of your love, support, and prayers to the Hale family in this difficult time. We will be sure to find meaningful ways to honor Max’s legacy for every season to follow.
We will love you forever, #11