Girls’ water polo made a splash this season
As the ‘24-‘25 winter sport season comes to a close, the NPHS girls’ water polo team argues that they have finished off a great season. The team, led by coach Isabel de Souza, won eight out of the 16 games. Currently the team is ranked fourth in the Marmonte League.
In preparation for the season, Beatrice Macdonald, senior, worked day after day by practicing four times a week. Macdonald returned to water polo this year after playing for one season in elementary school. Macdonald believes that the uplifting coaching staff paired with the welcoming team made her transition back into playing water polo seamless. “Playing water polo has impacted my life in multiple ways. One is how I have made so many new friends and get to be part of this amazing team,” Macdonald said.
With the support of her teammates and coaching staff, Mimi Attiaa, sophomore, helped her team. Attia usually plays the guard position, where she has to protect the goal from the opposing team, but fluctuates depending on where the team needs her. Attiaa believes the most challenging aspect of playing water polo is being aware of the whole pool. “We have such a good program and we’re all super helpful to each other and just help everyone learn what they need, all the girls are super welcoming and supportive,” Attiaa said.
Beyond the pool, Zoe Hardwick, freshman, utilizes the skills that water polo has taught her as a multi-sport athlete. Hardwick started playing water polo in Sept. 2024. She views playing as a great outlet. Her favorite memory from this season was going out to eat with her teammates after a game against Carpinteria. This game was especially memorable as the players shared a pizza dinner in response to their bus not arriving. “More people should join water polo because it is super fun to play [and] it teaches you great skills that improve how you play in other sports. It’s amazing conditioning, creates a habit of always looking up at your teammates and develops your in game aggression,” Hardwick said.
Playing water polo has impacted the life of Macdonald, from her connections to teammates to the improvement in her athletic abilities. “My coaches have made me [enjoy] this sport so much. They are so patient and supportive no matter your skill level. They make water polo fun and they push you not only to be the best athlete you can be [but] the best person you can be, which I think is so important,” Macdonald said.
