To do something 200 times is a difficult feat to achieve: to ride a bike 200 miles, to bake 200 muffins— which is why it is impressive for the AGHS Girls Water Polo team to have won their last 200 straight league matches.
“[The girl’s water polo team is] an enjoyable program to be a part of. We’ve had a lot of success, but that comes from a lot of work in spring and in the summer that results in the fun times we have in the fall,” girls water polo coach Russel Peterson said.
“I think getting more and more experience over the years during games, and making decisions, staying composed, and I’ve found planning and preparing helps, and doing it a couple of years helps. Hopefully, we will still be better over the next ten years.” Peterson said.
The coaches are confident that if the girls keep showing up for practice and putting in the work, the 200-win record will stand.
“I think there’s a great chance that that record can keep rolling for a while. Our group is pretty young and they put the work in,” Peterson said.
Chloe Schultz (‘26), a member of the girls water polo team, appreciates Coach Allen’s approach.
“Really encourages the girls to do their best. I think he led them to their success,” Schultz said.
Schultz also believes the team environment has contributed to their success.
“It’s fun, you get to swim around, and the people are nice. It’s a really good experience,” Schultz said.
Despite pressure to perform well, going to practice and playing in games is still enjoyable.
“There is pressure, [and] you do get irritated when you don’t do your best in the game, but other than that, it is always fun,” Schultz said.
Sienna Lowry (‘24), a varsity girls water polo player, [transfered from Paso High School] has been on the team for two years.
“We practice ‘W’ every single day, we have lifts in the morning and then 2-hour practice after school, one or two league games a week, and tournaments on the weekends,” Lowry said.
Despite her stressful schedule Lowry still enjoys the sport very much, even considering doing it in college.
Lowry and her team know each other’s abilities very well, which she believes contributed to their success. The girls on the team aren’t the only thing that makes them successful.
“Our team captains keep us in line and motivate us. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Lowry said.
The girls water polo team’s success isn’t due to just one person but instead a team full of positivity, grit, and determination. They aren’t satisfied with only 200 wins, instead, they continue to work for more.
