As this year’s 2025 Oregon High School Water Polo championships approach, spirits are high among the South girls, but still a sense of anxiety clouds above even the strongest players.
After interviewing the seven starters the same three feelings are apparent among all of them; excitement, nervousness, and hopefulness.
“This year is the first time we’ve ever been seeded first going into state,” senior captain Reena Zhao said.
The team is eager about their hard earned opportunity at hand and are hopeful to capitalize on it this weekend.
“We have a great opportunity to do something we’ve never done before this year,” said senior Nara Halvorsen.
This season the team has been especially driven knowing that five seniors will be graduating. The knowledge that this is the last chance for them to win state and bring the trophy home weighs heavy as they approach the post season.
“I think our team has been super focussed the whole season but especially in these past couple weeks, I’m excited to play my best one more time,” said senior captain Nola Cox.
Cox isn’t alone in her thoughts as many fellow players echo these excited jitters. “It’s a huge opportunity for us. We’ve worked extremely hard all season. We are as prepared as we can be to go out and put our all into those games and hopefully come out with the win.” said senior captain Amelia Sydes.
This is a huge challenge that the team will face but the team is excited to see their hard work being paid off.
“I am very excited to take on this challenge,” said junior Audrey Brokaw. “We’ve made so much progress looking back. There’s definitely a lot of nerves going into it, especially being so new to goalie but I feel very supported by my team and definitely proud of everyone whatever the outcome is.” said junior Nora Alkire.
This thrilling sense of determination will lead the team through the state weekend pushing them through their games in Tualatin. “We are all super thrilled to have this opportunity,” junior Marie Stapleton said.
Article by Sofia Bell
The Axe 