2019 West Valley water polo standout Ben Fleming has accepted an athletic scholarship to UC Davis, Viking Aquatics Director Willo Rodriguez has announced. Fleming was an All-American in both water polo and swimming and was the 2020 West Valley College Male Athlete of the Year. Academically, he earned the 2020 WVC Grace Ostrus Scholarship.

Said Fleming of his decision to attend UC Davis, "For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to attend a Division 1 school for water polo. I am very excited about starting out on a new journey with Coach (Daniel) Leyson at Davis."  

The 6'4" attacker from Aukland, New Zealand posted a team-high 96 goals and 51 steals and was second on the Vikings with 22 assists during the 2019 season. Fleming was selected to the All-America, All-State, All-NorCal and All-Coast Conference First Teams. He was the Coast MVP after leading WVC to its fourth-consecutive conference title under Rodriguez. As a swimmer in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Fleming was an All-American in the 50 and 100 Freestyle after defeating the defending state champion in both events in regional competition.

"He is, without a doubt, one of the best athletes I've had the pleasure of coaching," Rodriguez said. "As a water polo player, Ben was the best one-on-one player in the region and in the top three in the state. His potential is unlimited." 

While Rodriguez is sorry to lose Fleming after only a single year in Saratoga, he is looking forward to watching him prosper at the next level. "Ben is the kind of person who finds success at everything he pursues. His determination in the classroom, in the pool and in the game of life is only surpassed by his desire to excel."

Fleming will look back on his year as a Viking fondly. "West Valley has been the best place for me! I am incredibly lucky to have the people around me be so supportive of my dreams. Without Coach Willo and (WVC women's water polo coach) Erika (Vargas) helping me, none of this would be possible."

Fleming is the third 2019-2020 Viking aquatics athlete to sign with an NCAA D1 program, joining women's water polo players Raquel de Pinho (San Diego St.) and Nadja Novakovic (Long Beach).