Former player Skylar Ford returns to Redwood as a coach, wanting to share her knowledge and passion with the next generation of players.
Photo A.Ceballos/Gigantea
By: Ariana Lopez and Sophia Rodriguez
Lauren Smith, ’27, a second-year water polo player says, “Coach Skyler makes us feel connected, and doesn’t leave anyone out. She’s been really good with teaching us the rules and the positions we need to be in.”
The team’s chemistry has improved since Coach Ford entered. Fewer girls hesitate to make plays and more players are comfortable to pass. The expectations for the girls from Coach Ford have set a new standard, that pushes the team to develop and become comfortable and confident enough to make tough plays and get out of their comfort zone.
Photo A.Ceballos/Gigantea
Alexis Diaz De Leon, ’27, says Coach Ford tends to focus on individual practices with the team to strengthen their skills by themselves, and then together as a team.
Diaz De Leon says a goal under Ford’s guidance is to have improvement under her name. “To try our best and put in the effort for the entire game instead of some of the game and to push through being energetic the whole game instead of half. She wants us to put in one hundred percent of our effort throughout the game and do our best the entire time.”
Skylar Ford, ‘20, is a RHS alumnus and the coach for JV Girls Waterpolo here at Redwood High School. She is thrilled to be the rock of the team to help players grow into stars. Loving her experience when attending Redwood, she decided to return.
At Azusa Pacific University, Ford started almost every game for four years, earned the All Golden Coast Academic Team and Academic All-American for four years, and was All Golden Coast Conference Freshman Second Team.
As an athlete, Ford says she has experienced “physical and mental difficulties.” She had to play through injuries like a torn shoulder and a broken thumb, as well as having to overcome stress to perform and uncertainty about herself.
“However, a lot of athletes deal with these challenges. It is just a matter of being resilient and [overcoming] these obstacles to become even stronger.”
Going further, Ford says “I plan to continue coaching because I really enjoy seeing the constant personal growth and learning that goes on with each player.”
Ford has set goals for the JV water polo team and she wants the team ”to develop a good knowledge and base of water polo rules and skills. I also hope to teach them the importance of teamwork and hard work. Ultimately, I hope that they have fun and develop a passion for the sport too!”
The environment Ford says she wants to set up for her team is one that “promotes positivity, growth, and respect. I also want them to feel open to asking questions and motivated to improve. It is important to teach individual growth first because a strong team comes from building up individual strengths and techniques, in order to benefit the team as a whole.”
“I hope that each member of the team feels a sense of belonging and enjoys being a part of something. I hope my coaching teaches them how to be successful not only in the pool but in their everyday life and future as well.”
Her biggest inspiration and support system to continue her passion for water polo and swim “would have to be [her] parents.” She says, “They taught me the importance of working hard, never giving up, and always giving 100% effort. These traits have shaped me into the person that I am today.”
Growing to build an inseparable team, Ford fosters a supportive environment for her players. Skylar aims to encourage her athletes to thrive and grow. She says, “The school spirit and culture [here] is awesome. The teachers and coaches also contributed to the great high school experience that I had, that I hope to pass on.”
“I also wanted to help create a good environment so that my players could have a great experience in Redwood Aquatics as well, just like I did.”
Coach, Skylar Ford’s Timeline
Starting aquatics from a young age, Skylar Ford continued her journey and decided to swim competitively and do other sports until about 7th grade. “Around that time is when I found water polo and I don’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t participating in sports,” Ford says, “by my first practice, I knew that I loved water polo!”
Ford’s early ages
Ford started swimming at around 2 years old, and continued by joining a swim team at 6. This is when she fell in love with the sport.
Photo Courtesy of Skylar Ford
Excelling in water polo and swim, during Redwood High School water polo, Ford was a part of the winning, Division 2 Valley Championship team. Individually, she was a 2x First Team All-Valley, 3x West Yosemite League MVP, and 3x First Team All-League. During swim season she was a part of the undefeated, 3x West Yosemite League Championship teams. Ford was also a CIF State Swim Meet participant and a member of 2 RHS record-breaking relays.
Waterpolo as Student-Athlete at RHS
Making a significant impact during her time at RHS, showcasing her dedication for her sport.
Photo Courtesy of Skylar Ford
She says “I chose to major in kinesiology because I have always loved learning about human movement, health, and fitness. I chose to minor in psychology because I felt that it was also important to learn about, not only the physical aspect of people, but their mental health and behavior as well.”
The Journey at Azuza Pacific
Ford graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a bachelor’s in kinesiology and a minor in psychology, while also participating on the water polo team.
Photo Courtesy of Skylar Ford
Prior to coaching at Redwood, Ford had taught 8 years of private swim and water polo lessons. Ford says “I decided to come back to coach at Redwood because I wanted to share my love and knowledge for the game, with the new players.
Plans beyond APU
Implementing values of teamwork, reliance and individuality. Coach Ford hopes to empower her players to pursue their individual and team goals. Photo Courtesy of Skylar Ford
Ariana Lopez
Ariana Lopez-Salguero, '27, is an avid participant in cross country at Redwood High School. With a passion for sports and entertainment, Ariana aspires to write and share stories, aiming to increase awareness and understanding of individuals on the triumphs of fellow Ranger athletes.
Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez, class of 2027, is a first-year journalism student who dedicates her time in writing for sports entertainment.
Tags: coach, jvwaterpolo, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, swim, visalia ca, waterpolo
