Redwood girls’ water polo team shares how they feel about this last season, what preparations they are going to do to secure wins, and what really happens after a long and soaked practice.
By: Ahbram Marquez
As the season comes to a close, the players reflect on their experiences, the hard work they’ve put in, and the bond they’ve built along the way. These athletes share what it truly takes to compete and improve in one of the toughest sports around.
A starter on the team, Catie Taylor, ‘28, says, “Summer practice helped me a lot with my endurance during games. I usually am gassed at the end of the 2nd quarter, but now, thanks to the training, I am able to last longer during games.”
Water polo games usually last about 30-40 minutes, which is why building your endurance is vital for the team’s flow in the game, and everyone’s contributions are essential to secure a win.
Photo Nick Miller/Visalia Stage & Field
Gabby Vasquez, ‘28, plays for Redwood on the water polo team. She overall loves the sport. She says, “Water polo is a very complex sport that has a combination of basketball and soccer in the water.”
Like Vasquez, other players are new to the sport and are beginning to love it. The teamwork has brought everyone together and will continue to blossom in the upcoming leagues.
Brenna Long, ’28, says, “Water polo is a challenging sport for many people, as endurance is one of the key components. I am a dancer, so it helped me to have more energy and get stronger as a person.”
Water polo is widely regarded as one of the most challenging sports. It has been ranked as the toughest Olympic sport by some analyses because players must constantly stay afloat, battle opponents underwater, and execute a variety of movements, all with little rest between quarters, and while avoiding forceful shots to the face.
Coach Brett said, “During the game, we’ll do a little pre-talk, a little motivational speech, do a quick prayer, but the key thing is having them put their headphones on and listen to whatever music gets them hyped.”
He says, “I am very proud of the work they have put in. I mean, we’re going to sweep the rest of the competition, Go Rangers!”
Ahbram Marquez
Tags: rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood sports, rhs, waterpolo
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