What’s the only sport that combines wrestling, swimming and volleyball into one? Water polo. Coached by Mr. Walsh, Water Polo has been available at LM since 2017, but it seems that many people are still unaware of it. With not enough people, LM’s Water Polo teams have been co-ed, but this year, LM Water Polo entered a new era. With more students joining, the Water Polo community at LM has been able to expand into three teams: JV boys, Varsity boys, and Varsity Girls.
During their second year as a competitive team, The girls’ varsity has experienced some ups and downs, yet the team is optimistic to improve. With three wins and around fifteen losses, the girls team has done exceptionally well for a second year team. Composed of mainly freshmen, there has been a lot of learning throughout the season, but everyone has stepped up and adapted quickly. Despite differences in age, every teammate supports one another and always looks on the bright side, even if a match might not be going so well. Teammates do not judge each other based on skill and always try to encourage each other.
Every sports team has its ups and downs. When the team was asked about disadvantages and advantages, it was made clear that it is hard to be a second year team. First off, the team has little knowledge of its new competition, which offers its own variety of challenges. Along with this, teammates have to learn to navigate a team dynamic previously unknown. Learning how to play with different people, finding out what it means to be a team and what it means to work together is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, it is always important to persevere.
Navigating new positions is also a challenge for the team. With such a small team, many people had to learn how to play a brand-new position that may have been foreign to them. Along with shifting position changes, with only 10 players, many girls have little time to rest. This lack of rest leads to little esurance that players can perform at their very best. Many players are left in the game for too long, become tired, and end up not performing their best. There are a few things that need work, the team also has its strengths. LM has a very strong offense that works together really well. Teammates know how to communicate with each other, and that helps them in the pool when they otherwise do not have much time to think.
Nevertheless, out of all things the team has offered for people, the biggest is the sense of community. Although the team may be small, everyone has become friends. Many teammates now have what they might consider a second home. Medha Steingard ’27 said that she is “grateful to have been involved in such a great community and team.” These newcomers have said that it has given them something to look forward to after school each day. The team’s ability to fight through tough games, small roster, and brutal tournaments proves one theme: LM Girls Water Polo should not be overlooked.
