Waterpolo: where teamwork makes the dreamwork
Liana Nichik '25
Around Campus Editor
The 2023 water polo season was one of excitement, determination and energy. On February 2, the Louisville water polo team played against Notre Dame High School at Crespi, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. This game surely displayed the teamwork and dedication of this team, as they put up a strong fight.
The waterpolo team celebrating Senior night.
Water Polo includes muscle memory, stamina and full body strength. It can take days or weeks to fully understand these skills as well as all the positions and rules.
The crowd quickly filled up with families, teachers, friends and classmates. Some highlights from the varsity and junior varsity games include goals from Sara Greene ’23, Julia Glukhovsky ’24, Zaiya Aberin ’25, Zoe Gaynor ’25 and Megan Wolfe ’26 along with 2 blocks and 2 steals from Vivian Wasmund ’23.
As well as a wonderful game, the team honored their class of 2023 seniors and their dedication during their high school seasons. The game was followed by each senior receiving heartwarming speeches, a custom-made poster with decorations and special pictures that the seniors will cherish forever and many hugs from their teammates.
Chloe Luderer ’25 described Sara Greene ’23 as “the most real and genuine person I have ever met and I am so upset she will not be playing water polo with me any longer.”
Senior Greene has scored 54 goals this season and 101 in her career. Greene has been committed to the team since her freshman year.
“Lauryn Bulman is the definition of a natural born leader, strong, compassionate, kind and she always works hard to make sure she succeeds while at the same time making sure and promoting everyone around you to succeed too,” states Julia Glukhovsky ’24.
The super seniors and Coach Canfield.
Senior Bulman celebrated her senior night after being a member of the team for four years. This season she made 9 goals and 30 over the past 4 years.
Sophie Newton ’25 expresses how Lauren Cruz’s “smile and laugh fill up the pool.”
Senior Cruz has been dedicated to the team since her freshman year as well. Cruz ended her season with a total of 4 goals and 13 in her career.
“When someone is in need of a pep talk or just needs someone to listen to them, Katie is always there,” shares Grace McIntyre ’25.
Senior Katie Cogbill became an addition to the team in her junior year. Cogbill has worked extremely hard to receive her position as a varsity starter after only one season. She had 5 goals this season and 12 in her career.
I wrote Phoebe’s speech where I mentioned that I was “so happy Phoebe and I played together this season and watched each other get better daily.”
Senior Phoebe LaFrance decided to try something new this year and played her first season of water polo.
“Vivian is someone I can tell anything to and feel safe. She is like a big sister to me and I am so thankful she is a part of my life,” says Grace Arce ’25.
Lastly, senior Vivian Wasmund has been playing as a goalie during her entire high school career. She has blocked 97 goals this season as well as 293 during her career.
As Louisville’s water polo season began, they welcomed a new head coach, Daniel Parlato. Coach Parlato is a Crespi alumnus, former water polo player and swimmer.
“This year the Women’s Water Polo Team for Louisville High School showed some great development in many of our young players and some amazing records were set by some of our leaders. We had a strong start to the year with some very exciting games and we learned a lot about determination and teamwork as we grew into more mature players. I am very excited about the direction this team is moving in and I am looking forward to a competitive year next season,” summarizes Parlato.
Sadly, Louisville also had to say goodbye to our beloved assistant coach, Molly Canfield ’13. Coach Canfield has been a part of the coaching staff for six years.
“This is definitely not goodbye. I love this program with my whole heart…every person in the community, every tournament, and every win and loss has left such an incredible impact on me. To the team: watching you all grow and succeed in a sport I love so much was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever - thank you,” said Canfield.
When the team was asked about their favorite memories from this season they included team lunches on the senior lawn on game days, tournaments and supporting each other during games. This year, the team consists of 21 girls, many of whom have played water polo throughout their time at Louisville. However, there are many others who are trying it out for the first time!
The team is led by their hardworking captains Cogbill ’23, Greene ’23, Cruz ’23 and Bulman ’23. The title of captain also comes with fun and serious responsibilities such as leading the cheer before a game, helping pick out the perfect swimsuit design and planning all of the team gatherings and meetings.
“The older girls have taught me everything I know. I don't know who I would be without them,” states Valeria Ruiz ’25.
The evening ended with delicious food, desserts and tons of photos to remember this wonderful night. Congratulations on an incredible season Royals!