Written By: Gaurika Gupta
The official practice for the UIL season started on Aug. 1. But the water polo team had been working behind the scenes since December ended. Over the summer, UIL allows a specific time frame for sport specific skill instruction and conditioning per day, and the team took this opportunity to train off-season.
The boys and girls water polo team competed at their first game against George Ranch on Thursday, August 8, where the girls won their first game of the season.
“Water polo is a new sport, not only to the state but also to the country, especially on the woman’s side,” water polo coach Sean Brogan said. “It hasn’t even been thirty years since the sport was introduced in the Olympics for women, but American women have dominated ever since.”
With their recent win against Ridge Point with a score of 16-15, the girls’ team has been undefeated till now and aim to continue their winning streak.
“The team’s performance has been amazing,” right flatAvani Rohilla said. “We’re continuing to improve our game and are not stopping till we are district champions!”
With the ongoing tournament, the players and the coach look forward to their top players stepping up and leading their team to the final win.
“Junior Ozan Ozturk is number 3 on the boys team and he’s been putting in a lot of work off season,” coach Brogan said. “He is a very strong offensive player and led our team in golds last year. We’re expecting Oz to step up and dominate this season.”
Meanwhile on the girls’ team captain Kim Kulow has been setting the team up for victories.
“We’ve had great teamwork,” Rohilla said. “But one specific player, our captain Kim, has been leading us to the win.”
Besides their dedication, the players also credit a lot of their undefeated streak to coach Brogan and his constant support.
“Coach Brogan pushes us above our limits and works with us individually till we improve our game,” Rohilla said. “He’s the reason why we are undefeated.”
With an upcoming game against Elkins on Friday night, the team and the coach aim to make this the most successful season yet, while improving and having fun with the sport.
“This is a very young team, and we are all just learning, growing and having fun together,” coach Brogan said. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
Coach Brogan
