By: Nelson Kramer

Editor-in-Chief

It is September, and water polo season is back in full swing at Los Gatos High School. The boys’ varsity squad is already surpassing expectations, winning three of their first four matches. Meanwhile, the girls’ varsity team is showcasing impressive skills and teamwork during practice, which bodes well for their upcoming matches. This season, Los Gatos aims to do even better than last year, as each athlete sets goals and is ready to strive for even more.

LGHS has some standout players, including El Gato’s Player of the Month, senior and captain Mathijs Dirven on the Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team, and senior Marina Jackson, captain of the Girls’ Varsity Water Polo Team, to name a few. LG water polo boasts numerous talented and hardworking players this season, and it doesn’t just stop with the seniors. Freshman Tai Engelman brings impressive young talent to LGHS, having recently earned a silver medal at the US Pan American Water Polo Championships as a member of the USA National Cadet Team.

Even though LGHS has many talented upperclassmen players on both water polo teams, spectators should not discount the JV talent. The Girls’ JV Water Polo Team recently wrapped up their first game against Leigh, with a final score of 11-5.

For the players, water polo is more than just the scores; it is about being part of a strong community at LGHS, comprised of committed athletes. To gain a deeper understanding of being an individual in a sport built on teamwork,  upperclassmen players shared their experiences on the team.

In terms of how the team has shaped her overall development as a player, Jackson noted, “It’s like having another family, and I have gained so many more friendships from it. Many of my memories from freshman year are from having fun with my teammates, going to games, and the team sleepover.” Jackson added that she will miss the relationships formed over the years from water polo the most, as she reaches the end of her high school career.

On boys’ varsity, senior and goalie Nico Bianchi shared what he likes most about playing water polo:  “I enjoy the laughs and tears with my team while we try to maintain a high ranking in league and CCS.” He offered some entertaining scenes from past seasons:  “My favorite memory with the team is beating Los Altos and showering while listening to Party in the USA. Another was taking the vans and sleeping in the hotel in Sacramento.” Moments like these highlight how water polo is about more than just performance in the water. The experience players have also depends on the community that comes together after games and during team events; it’s all about finding that balance.

(Sources: Los Gatan, MaxPreps, USA Water Polo)