Occidental men’s water polo community turns team bonding into tournament success

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Water polo game at the De Mandel Aquatics Center at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Oct. 10, 2024. Lupin Nimberg/The Occidental

Occidental men’s water polo won three out of four games in the Gary Troyer tournament Oct. 4-5. According to Kevin Castellanos (first year), one of the team’s qualities that helped them reach their success in the tournament is their camaraderie and ability to deliver constructive criticism.

“There were some times when morale was low, but we know how to rebuild as a team and have positive talks with each other, saying ‘it’s good what you did here, but we would rather have you do this instead,’” Castellanos said.

According to head coach Lindsey Garcia, constructive criticism has been a primary focus for the team this season.

“I think one of the big switches that we’ve been discussing is self-accountability and making sure that we are supporting each other […] even if something didn’t go as well as we had wanted,” Garcia said.

Another focal point for the team this season has been strategic game planning and tailoring practices in accordance to the team that Occidental is competing against, according to Tate Miller (senior).

Miller said practice is essential when competing at the collegiate level.

“In high school, you’re used to having three seconds to make a decision, and now it’s one,” Miller said. “You’ve got to practice making the right passes, taking the right shots and knowing when to do stuff at that rate.”

Garcia said before game day, practices tend to consist of sprints and discussing which defensive strategies to employ.

“Yesterday, we also had a film, so we watched a film on Pomona-Pitzer so we could see how they play, what they do,” Garcia said. “We talked about the different hole sets we’re going to be guarding, the style of play we’re looking for, how we think we’re going to be successful against them.”

According to assistant coach Joe Cox ’22, there are 10 new recruits to men’s water polo this year. Cox said these players have been a valuable addition to the team.

“It’s really exciting that we have this awesome core returning group, and now we have these 10 new guys who only make us a better team and a better program,” Cox said. “A lot of them are showing, even as first years, a lot of potential. Some of them are playing in big games already.”

Water polo game at the De Mandel Aquatics Center at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Sept. 11, 2024. Lupin Nimberg/The Occidental

Cox said he attributes the number of new recruits to the camaraderie shared between the prospective recruits and the current student-athletes.

“[It’s] really a testament to our returning student-athletes, because we have 17 people who came here and had such a good time with our men’s and women’s water polo players that they said ‘yeah, this is where I want to be for four years,’” Cox said.

According to Castellanos, he chose Occidental’s water polo team because of the team’s close bond.

“One reason why I chose it is because of how close everyone is within the team. We are not just teammates, we are brothers,” Castellanos said.

According to Miller, these friendships continue after graduation.

“The guys I played with four years ago still show up to every game and a lot of them still live in LA and come hang out with us on weekends. We’ll go to see them and support them in what they’re doing,” Miller said. “The community that Oxy water polo fosters is incredible.”

Occidental lost to Loyola Marymount University (LMU) 8-16 in the Gary Troyer tournament. However, Garcia said it was a valuable learning experience.

“Playing a team like LMU, you can really learn a lot. We can grow a lot, it’s just about how we approach it,” Garcia said. “Looking back at it and thinking, ‘better is definitely what we want to achieve’ and I think we did a good job of that.”

Garcia said she looks forward to continuing the culture of care that makes the Occidental water polo team so special.

“They enjoy being together and I think that’s what helps us be such a successful team,” Garcia said. “We’re always together, not just at practice.”

Contact Zaru Shchleglov @shcheglov@oxy.edu

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