Breathing in the familiar scent of chlorine, boys water polo attacker Dane Johnson’s eyes follow the ball as it darts between his teammates. He sees everything: the opposing team’s player marking him, an open player to his far side and a small space in the back of the net.

The yellow ball goes from player to player and then into his right hand. Reaching up his arm, he quickly turns and shoots.

He scores.

Dane is ranked No. 5 in the nation for the number of goals and points scored this season. He has scored 127 goals and earned 166 points. Alongside his ranking, he has been selected for state and national teams and won multiple awards for his performance.

“Water polo keeps me both physically and mentally strong,” Dane said. “I continue playing to further develop myself as a person.”

When Dane was in sixth grade, his mother asked if he wanted to try something new. Dane started playing on a recreational club team as a goalie, but quickly transitioned into playing field. He said the change was difficult at first because he lacked the stamina and physical strength needed for the field.

“There were many times in the beginning [of my water polo career] where I felt like quitting,” Dane said. “I was tired, and my [improvement] was stale. Showing up to practice was and still is the hardest part [of playing water polo].”

Head water polo coach Donzie Lilly first met Dane when he was 11 years old and playing for the Mavericks Water Polo Club. Lilly said Dane picked up on the fundamentals quickly, was coachable and adapted to his teammates well.

“He has worked hard on the things no one wanted to do,” Lilly said. “Dane leads by example. He’s never been very outspoken, but he gets in [the water,] works hard and reaps the rewards.”

In eighth grade, Dane, alongside several other players, was given the opportunity to play on the JV team as middle schoolers. Lilly said this was to build for the future and create opportunities for incoming players to play with varsity players.

“He’s always had good fundamental skills,” Lilly said. “But [what sets him apart] is his creativity and craftiness in the water. He doesn’t try the same thing over and over again expecting the same result.”

During Dane’s freshman year, he was selected for the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and has been selected every year since. Players get chosen at a development camp and join a team that consists of the top 12 players in the state.

“I wasn’t expecting to be selected for the team,” Dane said. “I had just gone to the camp to develop my skills. When [I found out] I had been selected, I was very excited because it meant I was going to Utah and California [to compete].”

In games, Dane primarily plays center, but plays other positions when needed. During district season, morning practice consists of dry lands, scrimmages, swimming and weight lifting.

“[Dane is] talented enough to where I can put him anywhere in the pool,” Lilly said. “Whenever I need to sub a player, [Dane] can be placed in a spot and succeed. He’s a dynamic player.”

In their second district game against Marcus Sep. 10, who is ranked first in the district, Dane scored seven goals. In the boys team’s game against Marcus Sep. 27, Dane said Marcus’ defense came into the game more aggressively, making it harder for him to predict their players’ moves and score.

“[Opposing teams] know that the center is where they’re the most vulnerable to get scored on,” Dane said. “[In the game against Marcus,] they were more aware of my ranking and put a big emphasis on defending against me and protecting the two-meter line.”

After school, Dane works as a lifeguard at the Eastside Aquatic Center three days a week. This year, he is taking both AP and dual credit courses.

“It’s hard [to balance] everything with water polo,” Dane said. “I have to spend days not filled with water polo, working or exclusively studying. I’ve also had to sacrifice social [opportunities] like family dinners and [hangouts] with friends.”

Dane met center defender Bogdan Slavu at a swim camp in eighth grade. Slavu said that  despite Dane being quiet, he’s always someone to go to for support both in and out of the water.

“He’s always been someone I can look up to,” Slavu said. “I always think to myself, ‘if [Dane] can do it, then it’s [attainable] for me.’ It helps to have someone to look up to who’s the same age.”

Lilly has met with Dane to speak about his future regarding water polo. Lilly said, while he doesn’t know where he plans to study, or whether he will continue water polo after high school, he thinks he has opportunities to make Division 1 teams.

“He’s tall, strong and very coachable,” Lilly said. “He can play many positions, so his options are limitless. He’s smart, hardworking, helpful and is in the top five in the state. Whatever future he wants, I’m certain he can achieve it.”