With the fall season ending and winter sports starting, it means the end of Patriot Boy's Water Polo and the beginning of the girls’ season. The boy's team made CIF this year and the girl's team has begun their conditioning practices, with their official tryout date set for Monday, November 4th at The Cove.
What is Water Polo?
Water polo is a sport that some people might not know about; I know I didn’t when I first joined. Everyone describes it as a mix of sports like soccer and volleyball but in the water. However, it’s a little bit more than that. Here are some of the basics:
There are 2 teams. Each team has 7 players in the game per team, 1 goalie, and 6 field players.
The objective is to score more points than the opposing team.
Field players can only use one hand, while the goalie can use two.
Everyone switches off from offense and defense depending on who has the ball.
There are 7 minutes in each quarter with 4 quarters in each game.
Why Do Students Join?
There are various reasons why students join water polo. Some join because of their friends, like Zoe Ortiz. “I was convinced by my friends. I did 6th period swim at the time, and I was convinced to try out -- after tryouts, I’ve been playing ever since.” Some join because they’ve had siblings in the same sport or similar sports, “My older sister played, and I always thought it was really cool to watch, and I thought it would be a nice experience to actually be in the pool,” says Sarah Ortiz. Others join simply because of their parents, like Max Chacon. “My parents made me join.” As for me, I was convinced by my senior friend Marly. She was so determined to get me to come to practice and while my first day was rough I got the hang of things, kept practicing, and it got better every day.
Why Should You Join?
People might be hesitant when it comes to joining a sport, especially water polo, but becoming a part of any team gives you experiences that you will take with you.
For us, some of the best times are not just at practices, but during travel, our food stops, and just spending time with each other, outside of the classroom. Also, the environment in water polo is very supportive. “We know each other's strengths and how to make them shine," says Sarah. Sometimes it can get a little chaotic between teammates, but part of working on a team is learning to deal with conflict. "Of course, we might have a little bit of drama, but we always put our differences aside in the pool," states Zoe. While a competitive sport, it is also fun and goofy, according to Max, “It's a very chill environment."
Through sports, you learn to become a team, and water polo is no exception. You have to work on your social skills while developing new friendships and accepting all personalities throughout the season. In my own experience, I have gained many new friends. We are each other’s support systems and are constantly encouraging each other to do better in all things, including academics. Sometimes it can feel intimidating or nerve-racking to ask for help, but that’s what you get to practice when you are a part of a team. As Zoe reminds us, when we are transparent with each other, we become a more successful team.
"Of course, we might have a little bit of drama, but we always put our differences aside in the pool." - Zoe Ortiz
Coaches play a big part in our lives. Each coach understands what it takes, as they were once in the same position. They know it takes hard work and discipline and they use their knowledge and experience to better each athlete. All of the water polo coaches have experience as former players in high school and even went on to play in college. Some are former Patriot athletes, like Katie Brown, who played for PHS from 2016 to 2019. Diego Santos, another one of our coaches, played from 2018 to 2022. Coach Amy Medina, a former PHS teacher and current coach for our team, played at Centennial High School and California Baptist University. “The coaches are really nice, they aren’t the type of coaches to put you down, but they try to do the best for each of us but also what’s right for the team," says Zoe.
Coach Amy Medina is always looking for new recruits. “This is a sport most people have never played in their life, and usually hear about it when they get to high school...it’s a sport that I can teach you from ground zero.” That was definitely my experience. As a new player with no experience, there were nerves, expectations, and unknowns, but it became clear to me that I was here to stay. I had found a home.
Combining academics and sports or clubs can be difficult to juggle, however, a sport/club can sometimes be exactly what you need. I used to procrastinate a lot with different assignments, but there is no time to procrastinate now that I have to balance my practice and game schedules with homework. Being a part of a sport or club can motivate you to do well in school and become part of something. “It keeps you on track, keeps you disciplined and responsible," says Diego Santos.
If you have any questions, come to The Cove to check it out or join the Remind app for dates, times, and any other updates.
Comentarios