Sophomore Juliet Benedix knows just how to brighten a room. Whether that be with a quick joke or just a smile, you’ll never be able to tell if the team won or lost a game. Juliet holds her head high and focuses on the team dynamic. “It keeps the team in high spirits. When everyone has a good attitude, it reflects how we play,” she said. Juliet plays an important role as a field player who takes shots on the net. She could certainly go Division 1 in being a good teammate and an even better friend.
A key achievement Juliet described was a tough game against Upper Dublin. They hadn’t scored any goals until she was passed the ball and took the shot. “I tricked the goalie and hit it right into the corner,” she explained. Juliet said she feels best when she hugs her teammates after a tough game.
Outside the pool, Juliet enjoys kicking her feet back and enjoying a good movie or TV show. She likes to cook and try new foods. “The best thing I’ve ever cooked was my Halloween cookies.” Juliet loves inviting her friends for dinner, sleepovers, and holiday celebrations. “My Christmas sleepover has to happen. It’s an annual tradition now,” she said to her mom trying to convince her it was worth the time and effort. Since joining the Pennridge Water Polo Team as a Freshman, Juliet has created lifelong friendships and has carried them into other aspects of the sport. These good relationships create an environment where players can learn and grow together. Most players join the Pennridge Aquatics Club and compete in swim competitions, furthering both their athleticism and their relationships with each other. “We spend so much time together during the summer. Some of us have known each other for years because of PAC. PAC is also an opportunity to recruit more players for the Water Polo team.” Juliet explained. Juliet’s favorite memory from Water Polo is meeting her best friends Myla and Honora.
A challenge Juliet has had to overcome is her strength “I used to struggle with throwing the ball far enough to reach the goal.” she said. She overcame this by listening to her coaches and learning from the upperclassmen. She focused on her strength training and has improved tremendously since the beginning of her Freshman year.
Juliet’s quick-witted personality has given her the upper hand in maintaining such good relationships with her friends and teammates. She will find anything to make
anyone laugh, and she’ll do it fast. Juliet also makes large efforts to stay out of drama and sometimes subconsciously creates an atmosphere where the drama and tension will lift in her presence. “Drama is never necessary. We are all friends here,” she said. The Pennridge Water Polo Team has a rigorous athletic schedule. On some occasions, the team must arrive at school before the sun rises for practice. Then, they’ll be right back in the pool after the fourth block bell rings. Along with this, Juliet will go late into the night, making sure her assignments are completed. “I’m just putting the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete,’” she’ll say with the bright computer screen in her face. Undoubtedly, Juliet works long and hard to achieve her abilities and success.
Juliet’s contribution to Pennridge Water Polo is mainly how she changes the atmosphere and creates an environment where her friends and teammates can have fun while working hard. “Family and friends come before everything,” she stated. Juliet’s personality has brought “a comedic relief,” as she states, explaining her lasting impact on the team. “My goal truly is to become good enough to play a club in college, preferably the Penn State team,” Juliet explained. She also hopes to become a teacher and start a family.
