University High Schools’ water polo team has returned for this school year’s spring sports season. With a record this season of 0-9 they’ve had a rough start, but are persevering through the final stretch.
Their last game versus Winter Park ended with a loss of 22-0. The team has struggled in the water because of numbers and experience, but are dedicated to improving. “We had a bad start because our defense wasn’t the best and our captain and goalie weren’t able to play. After the 1st quarter we improved our defense so they started scoring less but another student had to drop out due to an altercation,” said junior Anthony Reyes.
Following multiple years of not having a team, water polo was brought back through the efforts of the varsity swimming team.“It’s been tough recruiting this year as we have just enough guys in the team to play. Next year we hope to double so we have more replacements throughout the game,” said Coach Ashley Steadman. With this being their first year back, they have been working on getting their footing and learning how to work together. “Our main weakness is lack of experience as this is a brand new team with only one player with previous experience playing,” stated junior Sebastian Bojan.
After each of their games they work hard to learn from their mistakes during practice and remain motivated for the next match. “Our defense should be more quick witted and we are working on it by doing things like running scrimmages during practice and trying to simulate the pressure we would have in game,” stated Reyes.
With students leading the comeback of the team to UHS has allowed the boys to become very close knit as not only teammates but friends. “One of my favorite parts about being on the team is the fact that I get to grow close and really bond with my teammates,” said Reyes.
