At 18 years old, Brock Bliss has become one of the standout athletes in Lamorinda’s close-knit water polo community.

A senior at Miramonte High School and longtime Orinda resident, Brock has spent the past decade developing his game alongside close friends and teammates, building not only his competitive edge, but a deep connection to the sport and the community around it.

Brock’s journey began at age eight at Moraga Country Club, where he started playing with his best friends, Ellis Culleton and Will McGuy. What began as a shared childhood activity has come full circle, with all three now continuing their water polo careers at the collegiate level.

Along the way, Brock credits the coaches who helped shape him. His first coach, Steven Loomis, made an early impact. “I really think highly of him, he's the best” Brock says. At Miramonte, longtime coach James Lathrop built a culture rooted in discipline and accountability.  (Both coaches are now working together at SMC in the new Aquatics Division) 

These coaches instilled some lasting principles: 

“Everybody has a job on the team,” Brock explains. “And you get out what you put into it.”

That mindset carried Brock and his team through the years to a truly memorable senior season.

As co-team captain, he helped lead Miramonte to the 2025 NCS Championship, finishing with a decisive 15–7 victory over rival Campolindo. The win marked the program’s largest margin of victory in an NCS title game since ~1993, made even more meaningful after an earlier-season loss forced the team to regroup and refocus.

For Brock, success has always been about more than just the scoreboard.

“It’s about discipline, teamwork, and managing your time,” he says. He would tell others: “If you’re consistent, you’ll keep getting better.” 

That perspective played a major role in his decision to continue his athletic career at the U.S. Naval Academy.

“The coaches were some of the most genuine people I met,” Brock says. Their approach stood out, emphasizing that water polo is part of life, not the entirety of it. “They really care about you as a person,” he adds. “And I liked that there’s a bigger path after graduation.”

Outside of the pool, Brock brings that same energy to everything he does. Whether he’s surfing, backpacking through places like Big Sur or Point Reyes, or planning his next adventure - he approaches life with the same drive he brings to competition.

Growing up in Lamorinda, Brock has been part of a community that values both excellence and connection. As he prepares for the next chapter, that foundation will continue to guide him.