Girls’ water polo treads over their opponents
Starting their new season, Newbury Park High School [NPHS] girls’ varsity water polo does not tread lightly on the preparation and practice required to have success in the upcoming season. The teams’ regular-season games started Dec. 11 against Oaks Christian.
Having only started playing water polo freshman year, Madilyn Davis, junior, has quickly developed a passion for the sport and the community around it. The NPHS girls’ varsity water polo team is composed of many new players this year, which Davis feels creates a challenge for the team to mesh and work as a unit. “Our team is very new this year, so a big goal of mine is just to make sure that the game is a learning experience for all the new girls and that I can help them learn from every play that happens during a game,” Davis said.
First-year water polo player, Olivia Healy, senior, looks to improve her skill and understanding of the game as the season goes on by learning from practices and mistakes. Healy believes that being a part of the NPHS girls’ water polo team allows girls to be in a community of people supporting each other and helping everyone get better and learn. The players strive to support one another and encourage each other throughout the season. “My friends on the team keep me motivated [for games]. My team grows closer every time we play and can get the chance to bond before and after games,” Healy said.
For Audrey Walsh, senior, this is also her first year playing water polo. Walsh feels the team has been a way for her to play a sport with her friends and meet new people. Although the season has only just started for the team, Walsh believes that traveling to different schools and the time spent on the bus have really brought the team closer together. Walsh aims to continue getting closer to the team throughout the season and continue having fun playing a new sport. “My biggest goal this season is just to have fun playing with my friends and make the most of my senior year,” Walsh said.
Davis believes the importance of success for the team heavily relies on working together and the ability to incorporate the experienced players with the new players. Building their communication and skills in practice helps the girls’ team build a strong foundation, setting them up for success throughout the season. “The importance of teamwork in water polo is very important because the entire sport just falls apart without teamwork, because every goal or counter-attack depends on everyone being on the same team,” Davis said.
