Claire Zhang

The girls water polo team smiles for a group photo at the open pool practice Feb. 8. During the school year, many players participated in club water polo, including the St. Louis Area Polo. “I have been preparing [for the high school season] by practicing with SLAP and playing water polo games,” Joanna Harkonen (12) said.

The girls and boys water polo team held an open pool practice Feb. 8. Open pool sessions are typically less structured and allow players to train and practice their skills before the start of the season.

“We did a short swim set, then we worked on some water polo specific movements,” Netraa Dixit (10) said. “We practiced passing and shooting.”

The high school water polo season officially starts Feb. 23. Practices will run from 3-5 p.m. every day after school. All levels of experience are welcome. This season, the girls water polo team seeks to continue to expand the sport by encouraging more girls to get involved. 

“For new players, play as hard as you can and keep trying and have fun with it,” Joanna Harkonen (12) said. “The game becomes fun when you play hard.”

Additionally, the girls team hopes to improve upon their rankings from previous seasons. The team only lost one graduated senior and is expected to welcome many freshmen with past water polo experience.

“I think the girls team will be stronger than it was last year with the incoming freshman,” Dixit said. “I’m looking forward to playing water polo with everyone.”