DeLong is a Texas native who graduated from Cypress Creek High School in 2007. Notable high school accolades include four appearances in the water polo state finals, winning twice; three-time selection to first team all-state; and winning state MVP his senior year. He later attended the University of the Pacific where he was a four-year starter, team captain as a senior, academic all-American, and led the team to an eventual top-five ranking during the 2010 season. His career collegiate statistics include 79 goals, 103 assists, 95 drawn ejections, and 227 combined steals and blocks. After graduating from Pacific he played professionally for the Nordek club team in Canberra, Australia, before moving back to the United States to pursue a non-aquatics career. Recognized as the most accomplished male player in Texas water polo history, DeLong now lives in San Francisco. He occasionally plays at the masters level of USWP.