Boys Water Polo Season Preview

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Senior Julien Chow dribbles down the course during the 2021 league finals against Harker. Photo by Caleb Wong.

The boys water polo team is coming out of a league win last year, and look forward to coming in strong in their first game against Los Gatos on September 6. 

In 2021, the boys won league championships and were the runners-up at CCS. This year, they hope to secure both titles. 

Senior Will Rowell said, “we want to try and get back where we were last season. It was a bummer that we couldn’t get [the CCS win] last season, but I think that’s really motivated us to try and get back to that position.” 

 The team will face a myriad of tough opponents, as the De Anza League has a large number of very strong teams. 

According to Coach Bob Greene, Harker is the current league favorite. “On paper right now, they’re very good. They only lost one player from last year,” Greene said. 

The Vikings anticipate a tough season, but they are prepared for the challenges.

“This league is great, because I really believe that anybody can beat anybody in a given game. So that’s what keeps you focused. And that’s good motivation for us,” Coach Greene said. 

The Vikings have a strong team this year and a roster full of veteran players, including Senior Julien Chow, who won DeAnza league MVP in 2021.

“Our strength is our experience. Last year was kind of a magical year, but we returned about two thirds of our team, so they know what it takes to get from the start of the season to the end, how to be champions. So I think the experience is huge,” Greene said. 

In such a strong league, securing the victory will be difficult, but the Vikings know they are capable.

“We know [winning CCS] is gonna be a challenge, but I think if we all work together and work hard, I think we’re up for it,” Rowell said. 

Coach Greene’s main goal is to have a successful season.

“I don’t know if people know what that means, but for me, […] being successful means that we work hard in the pool, we’re gonna get a lot of wins, and we’re going to do well,” Greene said. 

Overall, the Vikings are looking forward to having a fun and positive season.

“We all enjoy being around each other and we have good relationships between most of the guys. It’s a family and we enjoy just hanging out,” Rowell said.