Water Polo
Louisville's water polo team starts the season off strong
Leanna Flexo '24
Arts and Entertainment and Features Editor
Water polo is one of the most difficult sports to play, as it involves careful strategy, a bonded team and intense athleticism. The game is played in a big pool with seven players on each team, including the goalkeeper. Each side has offensive and defensive players that toss a ball back and forth across the water and into the goal in order to score points.
It sounds easy, right? Well, it is actually quite the opposite, as players have to try to keep their upper bodies above water for the entire game. Not only do they need to tread water, but all the players have to communicate with one another to get the ball to the net and score as fast and efficiently as possible.
Sophie Newton '25 in action during their second game
Louisville has its own water polo team that consists of girls across many different grade levels. Since women’s water polo is set in the winter, the team is currently starting out their season, playing games every week against various schools within the area. In addition to games, the girls have practice several times a week at the Crespi aquatic center, which is also their home pool. Here, they run various drills and scrimmages to train the team to reach their ultimate potential.
Water polo is a tough sport, as each player cannot be afraid to get physical with their opponents so they can steal the ball and help their team. Super Senior Julia Glukhovsky has been a part of the team since her sophomore year at Louisville and reported that the team is incredibly close with each other, more than any other sports team on campus, despite the grade difference.
“You are changing with each other, getting physical, fighting with girls to win and ultimately making your teammates better players,” Glukhovsky stated.
Due to the amount of athleticism and competitiveness involved in water polo, having a strong bond between teammates is vital to maximize performance and ultimately win. They not only encourage each other to do better, but they also work together to improve everyone’s individual skills.
The team’s first game of the season was on November 21 against Moorpark High School. The Louisville Water Polo team started their season off strong, beating Moorpark 21-5. In fact, Glukovsky ’24 broke the scoring record as she scored 12 total points herself, which is more points than any other girl has ever scored in a single game.
Also, within their first game, Ferylnn Alvarenga ’26 made a total of five saves and Chloe Luderer ’25 also made four goals. Many of the other girls on the team, such as Grace Mclyntre ’25, Megan Wolfe ’26 and Zaiya Aberin ’25 contributed to scoring points and defending their team, leading Louisville to victory.
Overall, Louisville has an excellent water polo team, and they seem hopeful for a successful season. If you want to check out Louisville’s water polo team in action, come to their games at Crespi on January 4, 9, 19 and 23. Varsity games are at 3 and Junior Varsity starts at 4. Come support your fellow Louisville sisters at these games to promote Louisville spirit and unity!