The Girls’ Water Polo Season this year kicks off Monday, Feb. 27, with their first game on March 7 versus Glenbrook North. They are all prepping for the season slowly but surely. Some of the girls on the team play for a club, which definitely helps them when it’s time for the high school season. 

All returning players to the program from last year are Paige Tomek (captain), Taryn Jordan (captain), Emma Ocharzak, Alex McCann, Jacque Wilson, Mary Claire Vlies, and Monica Panos. 

After the class of 2022 graduated, the team lost many valuable players. However, the team is optimistic about the season and hopeful that more people will consider joining the team, as a few new girls have shown interest in the sport this year. Even if someone wants to join the team but doesn’t actually understand or know how to play the sport, “we love teaching this sport to new people,” said Coach Anna Colletti. 

Colletti is hopeful that she’ll see some new faces this year on the team, ready to put in the work but also always be ready to have a good time and walk away with a new group of friends.

“The best part of water polo is being able to spend time with all my teammates,” said junior Alex McCann. 

With the team short a few players, the current players are really encouraging other students to join the team. 

“People should join water polo because it is a very unique sport, and it’s never too late to try a new sport. Our team is super friendly, and we’d love to have anyone join the team,” said junior Adra Clayton. 

Last season that team had a good amount of success with 19 wins and nine losses. Although some rebuilding with the team needs to be done, they hope to do everything they can to do even better than last season. 

Something the team does to ensure optimism and progress is keeping an open mind is have goal meetings throughout the season. They have a meeting for their initial goals, which is before even starting the season. Then they have meetings to discuss mid-season goals and goals for the future.