The boys’ varsity water polo team is one of the many Woodbridge High teams with their eyes set on making school history this 2024-25 season.
The ambitious 12-person team emphasizes its main focus—placing first in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 3 championships.
“[Last season], we qualified for the CIF playoffs… and we are the first team in our program to [reach CIF finals],” senior co-captain Benjamin Chan said.
They are confident that this season will be as accomplished as the last, and their current progress has already proven it.
The team opened up this fall season with 11 consecutive wins, breaking multiple program and school records. By placing first at the Corona Invite and the La Habra tournament and third at the Don Lugo tournament, Woodbridge High water polo is making a name for itself across California.
The team practices for three hours five days a week to prepare for their big wins. A few of their routine drills involve wearing weight belts, passing, shooting and swimming training.
Fellow senior and co-captain Robin Koehler emphasizes how drills like these have built up their physicality and stamina.
“These drills help build [our] strength while also developing our shooting accuracy,” Koehler said.
Alongside Chan and Koehler, senior co-captain Caden Bolton shares how their team dynamic has impacted their success and allowed them to enjoy a highly competitive sport they all love.
“We [are] just having fun, and [playing] almost feels casual in a sense. It’s not as stressful and doesn’t build up as much pressure when you are [playing] with a team that you really enjoy,” Bolton said.
Senior goalkeeper Charlie Kruger highlights the benefit of practicing with players across all grades and skill levels. He adds how the structure of their practices has been a rewarding experience for all the players.
“We got a lot of new freshmen this year, and like me, they [started] very inexperienced,” Kruger said. “It’s cool to help them get better at the game…and see how they are improving over time.”
Like many other teams at Woodbridge High, boys’ water polo has more benefits than exercise and building school pride. Bolton highlights how water polo has allowed him to grow lifelong friendships while also allowing him to grow in himself.
“As a kid, I was extremely antisocial…but once I started playing water polo, I connected to a larger community and it really helped improve that for me,” Bolton said.
For Kruger and many other underclassmen, their favorite team experiences happen outside at the pool during weekly team lunches and dinners. Before and after games, the boys have meals together, whether at Chronic Tacos or at a player’s home. Like many players on the team, these experiences feel much more worthwhile because teammates have grown close.
“Because of our community, [playing water polo] is not just to train, but it is also fun because of them…it helps build our team friendship and strength,” Kruger said.
As five seniors play their last high school season, they hope their impact from the previous and current seasons will last beyond their time at Woodbridge High.
“I [want to] leave behind a team that will continue to be successful even when we graduate…one that still feels confident in their ability to do well,” Bolton said.
Regardless of how many wins the boys’ water polo team achieves, they are certain to turn a new leaf with their growing success and leave a lasting legacy.
