"Ben is the embodiment of the perfect athlete. As a water polo player, he was the best one-on-one player in the region, and in the top three in the state."

Those are the words West Valley Director of Aquatics and men's water polo coach Willo Rodriguez uses to describe Ben Fleming, who was selected this week the West Valley College 2020 Male Athlete of the Year. 

Fleming was, as a freshman in 2019-2020, an All-American in two sports: water polo and swimming. In polo, the 6-4 attacker recorded 96 goals, 51 steals and 22 assists on his way to being selected to the All-America, All-State, All-NorCal and All-Coast Conference 1st Teams. He was the Coast MVP as he led the Vikings to their fourth-consective conference title under Rodriguez. As a swimmer, Fleming was an All-American in the 50 and 100 Freestyle after defeating the defending state champion in both events in regional competition.

Rodriguez, upon hearing of Fleming's selection, said, "He is, without a doubt, one of the best athletes I've had the pleasure of coaching. His potential is unlimited." Fleming is mulling over the numerous NCAA Division 1 offers he's received or, with a year of eligibilty remaining, a return to West Valley for another year with the Vikings.