Travis Hughes
Men’s water polo captain and attacker Travis Hughes (senior) was an integral part of Occidental’s offensive performance in the Inland Empire Classic Sept. 5–6. Hughes scored seven goals over four games, helping the Tigers secure a 12–11 victory over Biola University Sept. 6.
Hughes said that as captain of the team, constant involvement is important.
“Setting a good example in the pool, making sure you’re a good example to follow and doing things the right way is really important,” Hughes said.
Hughes’ mother, Amy Hughes, said Travis started swimming before he could walk.
“By the time we moved back to Marin in Northern California, he never strayed far from water,” A. Hughes said. “From the swim team to surfing the cold waters at Bolinas, he has always been a fish.”
A. Hughes said that after his first time playing splash ball, a youth version of water polo, Travis was hooked.
“While most of his friends were playing sports on dry land, Travis was practicing happily at the crack of dawn, playing and traveling with his club,” A. Hughes said. “As a left-handed player, he used that to his advantage. Because he lacked in size, he learned to play a very analytical game. He cared more for the overall success of his team, always leading in assists rather than chasing the rock-star shots that brought occasional glory.”
Hughes’ teammate and utility player Atticus Hollis (sophomore) said Hughes has done an excellent job as team captain and is one of the best teammates he has ever had.
Center Noah Emmitt (sophomore) said that Hughes is always a consistent scorer on the team.
“He played incredibly this weekend. He had a bunch of goals against some really tough opponents,” Emmitt said.
Utility player Danny Miller (junior) said Hughes embodies his leadership role in the water.
“He doesn’t make stupid decisions. We can always rely on him to make things happen,” Miller said.
Anna Curtis-Revelle
Middle blocker Anna Curtis-Revelle (sophomore) was instrumental in the Tigers’ volleyball game against Whittier Sept. 6, recording six kills on seven attempts.
Curtis-Revelle said she has always had a passion for volleyball.
“I started playing volleyball in sixth grade because my sister started playing,” she said. “I liked playing around with her in the backyard, and I wanted to be exactly like her.”
Curtis-Revelle said her pregame routine is a major contributor to her success.
“I have a notebook that I write a focus in before every game, [like] something I’ve been working on or something I think will help me be successful,” she said. “Then I reflect on that after the game and see if I was successful [with] those things.”
Head coach Emily Foster said Curtis-Revelle changed positions last spring.
“Anna is one of the hardest workers on the team,” Foster said. “This position is very suited to her skill set. She’s flourishing in it, and I think she will continue to do so.”
Foster also said that Curtis-Revelle has a unique pregame routine.
“I make fun of her because she stands alone in the corner and hits the ball against the wall, but it’s because she’s trying to focus,” Foster said. “She’s really determined.”
Middle blocker Abby Werbel (sophomore) said that Curtis-Revelle always plays with passion.
“I love being on the court with her,” Werbel said.
Outside hitter Elizabeth Hulett (junior) said that Curtis-Revelle brings a lot of energy and encouragement to the team.
“She really holds it down on the court and she’s a big scorer for us,” Hulett said. “We love her.”
Contact Caden Slater at cslater@oxy.edu
