The Mater Dei Girls Water Polo Team has been widely regarded as an excellent program for up-and-coming athletes who wish to pursue water polo in the future. This team has had countless achievements in the last 20 years, as they have won eight Trinity League Championships and were finalists in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship. After winning three Southern California water polo tournaments in the last few months for the first time, the players are anticipating success in the remainder of their season.

With the help of former Olympian, Coach Chris Segesman and other coaching staff, the girls have worked diligently inside and outside of the pool. The players consistently practice in the pool almost daily and lift weights one to three times a week during the season. Mia Sullivan, a senior on the varsity team and University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) commit, gives her insight on the demanding schedule.

“On a regular school day, we usually have an hour of weights, 45 minutes to an hour of film, and then two hours in the water. It’s a lot [sometimes],” Sullivan said. 

Not only do they practice regularly each school day, but they also have a practice schedule for each season of the year, excluding major holidays and Sundays, out of respect for religious beliefs. Although their agenda can be busy, the girls enjoy practicing with their team and hope to win CIF for the first time. 

“We definitely want to go for a CIF championship this year, so it takes a lot of hard work [and] skill,” Sullivan said. “During breaks, when we don’t have school, we [would] have two practices a day, [one] two hour [practice], and a three hour [which includes] weights and film.”

The tryout for new and former athletes occurs during the summer camp. Each year, the team hosts a program over the summer for incoming and returning water polo players. The girls practice in the pool and utilize the weight room almost every day during the summer months. Freshman JV player Audraina Mars, speaks of her experience at the camp and the selection process for the no-cut sport. 

“[We didn’t] really [have a tryout] over the summer,” Mars said. “Our coach just looked at how hard we worked and [how] we played with each other and stuff like that. [He] chose our team based on [his evaluations over the summer].”

Just like during the school year, the players have a busy water polo schedule over the summer. These practices are very similar in duration and quantity to those during the actual water polo season. The camp is a great way for new players to get into the rhythm of the practice schedule, meet their teammates, and gain valuable experience with their future teammates. 

“We had practice almost every day [but] never on Sundays,” Mars said. “[We] practiced like five [to] six days a week. I liked the family and the connections [I] got to make.”

The girls practice regularly to prepare themselves for their games. During a water polo game, there are seven players from each team in the water. The six players defend the goal and also play offensively, while the goalie protects the home goal to ensure that no point is scored. Usually, experienced Mater Dei players specialize in a certain position that they continue to compete in throughout their high school career. A water polo attacker’s responsibility is to gain possession of the ball and attempt to score in the opposing team’s goal. Mars is a Mater Dei attacker and has great expertise in her position.

“I’ve played since I was seven [years old]. [My position is] an attacker,” Mars said. 

Although most players have competed in their sport for years, Mater Dei’s Girls Water Polo Team is a no-cut sport, allowing for new players to pursue a passion in this activity. The staff and other players are very supportive while empowering and encouraging the girls to play their best. Water polo allows players to have physical activity and a sense of community. 

“Water Polo is a no-cut sport, so anyone can join, and I think our JV team is super-duper welcoming,” Sullivan said. “And if you’re new to our pool, you’re automatically placed on JV, and I think that they have great coaches.”

Although their schedule is very busy, the program still allows the players to have valuable time to finish homework and participate in other activities. Players have the opportunity to utilize their time before and after practice to complete their school work. Their coaches understand the importance of academics and what it means to be a student athlete.  

“I like having time between school and practice to [finish] all my homework,” Mars said. “And then after practice, you can get your homework done [too]. There’s a lot of time commitment because you never know what time your games are, [but] it’s worth it.”

Many water polo players are involved in a lot of extracurriculars. Although being a water polo player is a large time commitment, they still have the opportunity to perform in other activities. The girls are well-versed in a variety of subjects and activities including honors classes and ASB. Water polo’s flexible schedule allows the athletes to become well-rounded. 

“I play for a [water polo] club team called Set [outside of school where] we won a national championship last year. I do swimming as well as water polo, and I’m [a member] of the Rising Above Disabilities (RAD) club,” Sullivan said.  

Most players can agree that their favorite part of the program is the other teammates they surround themselves with. The girls are kind, supportive, and push their teammates to play at their best. Through both their wins and losses, the girls share an unbreakable bond which allows the players to be a part of a unique community that is understanding and positive. 

“I like the family and the connections you get to make. You always have people supporting you. If you win, you win together. [I love] the [positive] energy too,” Mars said. 

These players recommend the program to everyone, regardless of their skill set. Whether the student is an incoming Monarch or current student, the team agrees that students should try water polo. Freshman JV player, Mae Price, agrees that the community is her favorite aspect of the Girls Water Polo Team which she recommends to students. 

“[I love] being part of a family and a good community,” Price said. “[I recommend the program because] it’s super fun all the girls are [really] nice.”

Ultimately, the program has allowed the girls to improve as individual players, pursue their passion, and be a part of a supportive community. Although water polo can be quite a time commitment, the Girls Water Polo Team teaches them important life skills and grit. The girls have experienced the biggest wins and losses together, while never failing to be a cohesive team. 

“I would say it’s teaching me perseverance, resilience, and to trust my teammates and my coaches. [It has taught] me a lot of discipline,” Sullivan said.