While many high school students were enjoying scorching temperatures of August during their summer vacation, Bellevue Wolverines sophomore water polo player AJ Rossman tested his skills against the highest caliber of water polo players the world has to offer.

Rossman, who plays the driver position for the Wolverines, played for the United States Cadet National team in late August in Serbia. Rossman was the only player from Washington on the roster.

“It was a really crazy experience. The culture was a lot different and was eye opening to me. It gave me a new perspective on life. It was really cool over there,” Rossman said of seeing the country.

Not only was Serbia eye opening in terms of architecture and way of life, the competition level was something Rossman had never experienced prior to his trip overseas.

“Serbia and Croatia have some of the best water polo teams in the world. It was really crazy going from playing here in Washington to going all the way over there and playing against the caliber of guys they have,” he said.

Rossman went through four or five different tryouts in December of 2014 and learned shortly thereafter that he had made the squad.

“It is a big honor and is humbling,” Rossman said of being selected.

Rossman, who was a starter in 2014 on the Wolverines state championship team, is looking forward to helping his squad defend their title this fall.

“There is a lot of pressure, but I feel like we’re going to be the underdogs this year because Curtis and Mercer Island have great programs,” he said. “It is going to be a great competition. We are looking forward to it.”

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