With water polo training being in full swing, I was excited to interview some of these Royal athletes as they enter their competitive winter season.

After working hard throughout winter break and preparing for the start of games and tournaments, Chloe McNamara ’23 says that she is most looking forward to “really seeing major improvement and ultimately the success of [her] team.”

“We have worked so hard,” she continued, “and are already seeing the results, with hopes of making it to CIF this year.”

As fierce competitors of CIF Division 3, these ladies are determined to fight their way to the top; however, there’s more to water polo than competing. Lainey Goldstein ’24 loves “bonding with [her] teammates and growing not only as an individual player but also as a team.” She also loves the nature of the sport, saying that she chose to participate in water polo because she “saw how fun and intense it was for [her] classmates and wanted to be a part of it.”

Though the season has begun, it’s not too late to try something new and learn how to play. Newcomer Kit Hayward ’24 advises, “Give yourself a little grace if you don’t understand everything right away. Regardless of the sport, you’re going to experience trial and error, but if you put in a lot of effort and try your best, you’ll be rewarded in the long run.”

In fact, Kit also said that the team creates a friendly environment for new players like her: “They’re always eager to help explain drills and share a laugh.”

Water polo’s next games are this Friday, January 7, at Savanna High School at 3:20 and 6:40. Make sure to show your support and cheer on our Royal Water Polo Team as they continue to have an exciting and successful season.