The summer of 2014 was unforgettable for Bellevue Wolverines water polo player Marco Stanchi.

Stanchi, who was on the United States youth national water polo team that competed in games in Turkey and Italy during the summer months, is the heart and soul of the Wolverines water polo program. The experience overseas had a huge impact on Stanchi.

“It was an amazing experience and definitely eye opening culturally. It was also great water-polo-wise. I got to meet the best players in the country and pick up (skills, habits) what I could from them,” Stanchi said.

The Wolverines return just four starters off of last year’s team but don’t expect a drop-off in performance. Bellevue has won three consecutive Class 3A state water polo titles from 2011 through 2013.

“I think this is going to be our toughest year so far,” Stanchi said of the task of winning a state crown. “We have a group of guys who will all step up to the challenge. We’re pretty excited about it.”

Stanchi said he doesn’t stay in one customary position in the pool for the Wolverines. He enjoys being a jack of all trades kind of player.

“I move around quite a lot. Whatever we need as a team I’m willing to do,” he said.

Stanchi is undecided on what his plans are for next year but knows his future is undoubtedly ingrained in water polo.

“I’m either going to take a gap year (year away from sport in the United States) and play in Italy or I will play in college (in United States),” he said.

Recently the Reporter had an opportunity to ask Stanchi a few questions about his life away from the pool.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Marco Stanchi: It is “Lone Survivor.” It was probably the most inspiring movie I’ve ever seen.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MS: When people chew with their mouth open. I get afraid the little food bits are going to go everywhere.

BR: What artist are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

MS: It is probably “Oasis” It’s an English 1990s rock band.

BR: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl in February of 2015?

MS: I’m going with the Seattle Seahawks. They have Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas and are the best team.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

MS: Gianluigi Buffon. He is an Italian soccer player. He has been my hero since I was four or five years old.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

MS: I don’t text that much. I probably send between 20 to 30 text messages a day.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

MS: I really like to clean. I’m kind of a neat freak.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com