The Red Brick Wall & The Mortar: Building Biola Water Polo, One Friendship at a Time

When Biola University’s water polo program was launched four years ago, it began with a sense of uncertainty but also incredible potential. Two players who became the foundation of that potential were Mitchell Carpenter and Luke “Frank” Franklin, childhood friends from Yucaipa, California. Their bond, forged through years of playing water polo together, was the bedrock upon which Biola’s inaugural water polo team was built. Now, having just graduated last week, Mitchell and Frank reflect on their journey—a journey that not only shaped them as athletes but also as leaders, both in the pool and beyond.

Coach Rick Nordell remembers the first time he met Mitchell and Frank, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down campus recruitment efforts. “I specifically remember Matt and Amy Carpenter, Mitchell’s parents, telling me, ‘You are going to love Frank,’” Nordell said, recalling how the Carpenters spoke highly of Frank and his close relationship with Mitchell. The families’ deep bond was apparent from the start, and it only grew stronger as the two athletes embarked on their journey to Biola.

From the moment Mitchell and Frank stepped onto Biola’s campus as freshmen, they knew they were entering uncharted territory. Not only were they part of a new program, but they were also tasked with building something from the ground up. Their friendship, however, made the transition smoother. “Having grown up with Mitchell gave me a sense of comfort when approaching this new team dynamic,” said Frank. “I knew that when I was struggling with either a personal matter, polo troubles, or if something wasn’t sitting right, I could lean on my best friend, Mitchell.”

This sense of mutual support was crucial as they navigated the challenges of a new program. “It’s been an absolute blessing being part of the program from the very beginning,” Mitchell shared. “I also love that a lot of the traditions and characteristics of the team are things that I helped instill into the program.”

Both Mitchell and Frank played critical roles in shaping the culture of Biola water polo. Mitchell, known as the “Red Brick Wall” for his exceptional goalkeeping, quickly became a standout player. His dedication and performance set a standard for his teammates, earning him multiple “Player of the Week” honors and First Team All-Conference selections in his junior and senior years.

Frank, on the other hand, provided the intangibles that helped bind the team together. His leadership style was characterized by infectious enthusiasm and a vision that extended beyond the pool. As president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) during his junior and senior years, Frank worked to elevate student engagement and promote unity within the athletic community.

“Frank was the mortar that held the bricks of our team together,” Coach Nordell explained. “His personality, charisma, and character provided the foundation upon which our team was built.”

Both players played a pivotal role in not just developing the team’s athletic abilities but also in fostering a sense of community and belonging. “Our sense of brotherhood translated to being some of the early leaders on our team,” Frank said. “We already had phenomenal chemistry and demonstrated this in the team dynamic.”

The bond between Mitchell and Frank wasn’t just about shared experiences in the pool; it extended to their personal lives as well. Growing up in Christian households, both athletes leaned on their faith as a foundation for navigating the trials of collegiate life. The pair grew as believers through their involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and this shared faith strengthened their relationship both on and off the pool deck.

“The bond I share with Mitchell is my perfect example of Brotherhood,” Frank said. “Having him by my side through most of my life has truly been a blessing.” Mitchell echoed this sentiment, highlighting how their complementary personalities helped them succeed as teammates and leaders. “Frank is outgoing and social, and I am more reserved, so he helps me converse with new people,” Mitchell explained. “Frank is a big dreamer, and I am more of a realist, so we can achieve the best possible outcome when you put the two of us together.”

As they look toward the future, Mitchell and Frank are both focused on careers in education, having spent their time at Biola studying to become secondary educators. Their water polo experiences—particularly the lessons in leadership, patience, and perseverance—will undoubtedly shape their future careers. “Water polo taught me how to lead,” Mitchell shared. “I was a team captain for three years, and I was able to learn good leadership skills. I also learned patience, lots and lots of patience.”

For Frank, the lessons learned at Biola have translated into leadership both on the team and within the broader athletic community. He is particularly proud of his work as SAAC president, where he helped launch initiatives like the Holy Grail and the Biola Brigade to boost student engagement.

“We’ve learned how to handle adversity,” Frank reflected. “As athletes, we were constantly working—whether it was weightlifting, practice, games, or most importantly, classes; we were always working on something. The drive and motivation to keep moving forward is a skill that has been strengthened as an athlete through the Biola program.”

Graduating last week, the pair leave behind a legacy of leadership, brotherhood, and perseverance. Their journey at Biola has set the stage for the future of the program, and Coach Nordell believes their impact will be felt for years to come. “Mitchell and Frank have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation for our program,” Nordell said. “They’ve created and developed a strong culture that will carry this program well into the future.”

Biola water polo has come a long way in just four short years, and with the leadership of players like Mitchell and Frank, it is poised for continued success in the years ahead. Their bond, both as friends and teammates, will forever be a part of the program’s rich history, and their story will inspire future generations of Biola water polo players.

Looking back, the moments that stand out the most to Mitchell and Frank are the trips they took with the team. Whether it was racing across the National Mall in Washington, DC on electric scooters or engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations on long van rides, these experiences helped solidify the strong relationships that were built over the years.

As they move forward into their next chapter, Mitchell and Frank leave a lasting legacy at Biola. Their advice to younger players is simple but powerful: “Love your teammates as more than just teammates. Every player is worth so much more than their skill in the water,” Frank said. “Build those friendships because no one can go through the hard mornings, long hours, and lost games alone.”

Their friendship has been the glue that held the team together, and it is clear that Mitchell and Frank have not only shaped the future of Biola water polo but also the lives of those around them. Their journey is a testament to the power of friendship, hard work, and a shared commitment to excellence.