The Selma High girls’ water polo team has a current record of 2-6. They are working hard to push through their losses and come together to continue the season with their goal of having a good season. They have barely enough players for a team, including one sub, but aren’t letting that get to them. This difficult challenge is only making them stronger as a whole.
They defeated Sierra Pacific on Thursday, September 29 with a final score of 12-7. The girls had lost to them last month and wanted to come back stronger in their second game against them. They came back wanting to redeem themselves and bring back a victory.
“The team is building up to my expectations. They are slowly learning the game and trying to understand the game which is a good desire to have,” explained Coach Alvarez.
In order to be successful and succeed their coaches’ expectations, the girls have been working hard in practice and have shown that in the game. The team has the grit to improve on themselves in all aspects and share common goals with one another. They have the same determination to get better and achieve their goals.
“Some of my goals for this season is to teach the girls how to love the game and try to win as many games as possible,” stated senior Makaira Chavez, who has been playing since eighth grade.
The team is fairly new, but have conquered a great extent of difficulty together. They hope to better communicate with one another and overcome as many obstacles as possible. The newer players have many goals as they continue throughout the season as well. As scary as it is, the first time water polo player and starting goalie, Natalee Mares, has many personal goals in order to help lead the team to victory.
“I wish to improve on bettering my defense and blocking corner shots,” stated junior Natalee Mares.
The best part of being on the team that has been mostly talked about is the fun of the game and the relationships being made. They have seen each other at their best and worst moments, excitedly awaiting their end growth as a team.
“I’m most excited about the friendships I’ve made with the team and excited to get to know the girls that are my future swim team,” explained junior Nina Valdez.
Coach Alvarez explains that the key component of victory is communication, which will be the prominent aspect in having a good season. She believes that with efficient communication they can win games, one in particular being against Exeter High School.
This tide of obstacles of learning the game, dealing with the losses and wins together, and having the determination to push through such obstacles have only made the team stronger. These skills and learning experiences have made them not just better athletes but better team players and individuals.