The Pennridge Girls Water Polo Team had their best season this past year and made Pennridge history. Water polo is a more recent sport at Pennridge. It was established 13 years ago, in March of 2005. Water polo received approval from the Pennridge School Board in September of that year and has since come a long way at the school. The girls played incredibly this season; some have even committed to play division one water polo in college.

The team couldn’t have made it this far without their hard work and dedication. The girls had two-hour practices on days they didn’t have games and would practice in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, depending on the week. Lots of preparation goes into the season. Tess Mclaughlin, a senior on the Pennridge Girls Water Polo Team, said, “many girls joined different club teams and different clinics to improve their strength and endurance.” The girls also practiced during the summer and had a pre-season two weeks before the official season started. Mclaughlin explained that the team’s captains go over different plays during practice. The coaches often called time outs to discuss what was happening in the game so the team could work together and play the best they could throughout the season.

Motivation was also crucial to the success of the team this past season. It is important for the girls to stay positive even after losses and continue playing as hard as they can. Mclaughlin said, “A huge way we stayed motivated this year after a loss was knowing our homecoming was on the line.” If the girls didn’t finish first or second in their division, they would’ve had a tournament during homecoming, and they didn’t want to sacrifice homecoming. After losses, the team would discuss what happened and what they could do to improve and keep the season going.

Fans can play a role in the success of teams throughout the season. Many students at Pennridge enjoy going to various sporting events, and many students get very into the game. It can motivate players when they hear their peers cheering them on. Lia Mott, a Pennridge High School senior, described the Pennridge Girls Water Polo games’ atmosphere as “full of people cheering and supporting. Fans watching were very observant and watched their every move.” Encouragement and approval from fans can keep a team motivated to perform to the best of their ability.
Lots of factors go into a team having a great season. The Pennridge Water Polo Team girls had dedication, preparation, and communication during practice and games and “overall had each other’s back,” as Mott said. The girls made history in Pennridge Girls Water Polo this past year; there is more to come next season.

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