AUSTIN, Texas — A five-time Olympian is speaking out against Austin ISD’s proposal to eliminate its water polo program.

Tony Azevedo, a silver medalist and CEO of 68 Sports, said Texas has become the fastest-growing state for water polo and is on the verge of producing its first Olympic-level players from the region.

“For the first time, you have 30 to 40 players playing Division I,II, III college water polo across the board,” Azevedo said. “And for the first time, you have multiple players on national teams, where probably in this or maybe the next Olympics, you will have your first Texas Olympic water polo player.”

Austin ISD is weighing whether to cut its water polo program as part of a broader effort to close a $181 million budget deficit. The proposal, which would save $89,000, is set for a final board vote June 18. Students and parents have pushed back, arguing the district is unfairly targeting the sport.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Austin ISD athletes ask district to reconsider cutting water polo teams

Azevedo said eliminating the program would effectively bar athletes from ever competing at higher levels, arguing water polo cannot simply be picked up outside of an organized team setting the way other sports can.

“If you take water polo from these athletes, every single athlete you’re taking the sport away from doesn’t have a chance to succeed in our sport,” he said. “And that’s the bottom line.”

He also raised concerns about equity, warning that eliminating the high school program would leave club sports as the only option.

“Only the rich can play this sport,” Azevedo said of a club-only model. “Only the ones who have the money to go and pay for the club to travel.”

Azevedo said the sport carries benefits that extend beyond athletics, including water safety and mental health. He argued cutting it sends the wrong message to young athletes whose sports don’t generate revenue.

“Our kids should all be given the opportunity and equality to play whatever sport they want,” he said.

He urged parents across Texas to speak up before the board’s vote.

“Talk about how important the sport is to you and why it’s important to your kids,” Azevedo said.

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal June 18.

AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.

Image caption: Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The new location replaces Velocity’s former Southwest Austin branch at 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704, as part of the credit union’s continued investment in serving members where they live, work, and thrive.

To mark the opening, Velocity Credit Union hosted a grand opening celebration featuring special product offers, including loan and mortgage discounts, promotional certificate rates, exclusive sweepstakes giveaways, and opportunities for members and community partners to tour the new branch.

Designed with Members in Mind:

The new Southwest Austin location reflects Velocity’s continued commitment to delivering convenient, modern financial services in a welcoming and flexible environment.

Members will enjoy:

• Two ITM drive-thru lanes offering 24/7 ATM access or live teller service during business hours
• A spacious, comfortable branch layout designed for flexibility and a stress-free experience
• Private offices for confidential conversations about loans, accounts, or financial planning
• Expanded services to support everything from everyday transactions to complex financial needs

“This new location represents an important investment in our members and our community,” said Debbie Mitchell, President & CEO. “As Central Texas continues to grow, we are committed to growing with it—providing innovative solutions, expanded access, and personalized service every step of the way.”

The new branch will also offer expanded hours for greater convenience:

Lobby Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Drive-Thru Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Velocity Credit Union looks forward to welcoming members to this modern facility and continuing help them manage their financial lives with the trusted, personalized service they expect.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocitycu.com/.

About Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union has served Central Texans for more than 75 years with a mission to provide exceptional financial products, personal service, and support for the communities it serves. Membership is open to those who live or work in the five-county Austin area. Velocity Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Equal Housing Lender.

Photo 300dpi: https://www.velocitycu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Velocity-Southwest-Austin-Branch-4×6-1.jpg

Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

News Source: Velocity Credit Union

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both directions of U.S. Highway 290 at Fitzhugh Road are closed due to a crash, according to TxDOT.

Details about the crash and any injuries were not immediately available.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the roadway.