Vincent Bueno Class of 2026
My Journey in Water Polo
Water polo has shaped the way I think, train, and push myself — in and out of the water. What began as a curiosity at nine years old quickly became a central part of who I am.
From the first time I jumped in the pool, I was hooked by the intensity and nonstop challenge of the sport. Water polo demands more than strength or speed — it takes grit, awareness, and the ability to fight through fatigue when it matters most. That challenge is what keeps me coming back.
Over the years, I’ve committed myself to becoming stronger, faster, and smarter in the water. I joined swim teams to sharpen my endurance, added strength training to my weekly routine, and worked to be as coachable and dependable as possible. Early mornings, long weekends, and tough losses have tested me, but they’ve also made me tougher, more resilient, and focused on long-term growth.
Highlights of My Journey
• Competed at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics
• Earned Bronze medals while playing up in the 18U and 19U divisions
• Contributed as a key player for Palos Verdes High School and PV Water Polo Club
Beyond the Pool
Water polo is a big part of who I am, but it’s not the only thing that defines me.
When I was just nine years old, I helped co-found BLCO® (Bueno Leather Co.), our family business. Since then, I’ve spent my free time contributing to its growth and learning what it means to build something from the ground up. I’ve been present for key moments, like when we signed a contract with Singer Vehicle Design, which gave me an early look at what it takes to run a professional brand.
I also give back through service. I volunteer with the Luna Peak Foundation, inspired by my grandparents on my mom’s side, who both faced cancer in 2024. Thankfully, they are now in remission, but their fight left a lasting impression on me and gave me a personal connection to the foundation’s mission.
I am also proud to support the Beto Bueno Quimichis Foundation, established in memory of my paternal grandfather, who passed away in 2016, and later my grandmother, who we lost during the pandemic in 2020. Through BBQF, I have traveled to Quimichis, Nayarit, Mexico — the town where my father was born, where my grandparents lived, and where I still have family. There, I’ve worked to help underprivileged children and families as part of the foundation’s mission. Carrying forward their legacy has strengthened my connection to my roots and given me a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility.
At home, I’m a steady and caring older brother, someone my family can rely on. These roles outside of sports have shaped me into the person I am just as much as water polo has.
Looking Ahead
Water polo has taught me discipline, confidence, and how to stay calm under pressure — lessons I’ll carry into my education and into life. I’m motivated to keep improving, excited about the opportunity to play at the next level, and grateful for the journey that has brought me here.
