St. Pius X senior goalie Sam Beckwith is reaping the benefits of time well spent in the pool.

Beckwith had 14 saves en route to blocking 71 percent of the shots that came his way en route to leading the Golden Lions to victory over Collins Hill for the 2012 Georgia High School Water Polo Association championship.

“He’s clearly the best goalie in the state,” said St. Pius assistant coach Father Dan Rogaczewski. “He gives us a huge advantage every time we get in the pool.”

Opposing coaches agreed, voting Beckwith goalie of the year for the second consecutive season.

The 6 foot 3 senior with “extremely long arms — as his 6 foot 9-inch wingspan will attest — is the total package.

“He has an exceptional level of athleticism,” Rogaczewski said. “He makes very precise throws.

“Coaches often tell [the goalie] where to throw the ball … I don’t even tell him anymore — he sees the pool better than I do.”

Being extremely competitive is yet another of Beckwith’s traits.

“He’s not afraid to challenge the [opposing] shooter on their way in, go out and contest and steal the ball,” his coach said.

Beckwith is currently mulling where he’ll play at the collegiate level, with the University of Georgia and Villanova among his suitors.

Look for him to make a big splash wherever he lands.