The Westmont girls’ water polo team is ready for a new start. With only three returning players and a new set of coaches, no one was quite sure what the season would look like, or if there would even be enough players for a team. Head Coach Jennifer Primmer joins the Westmont staff this year, following a request for a coach. Although she is a PE teacher at Prospect, she first started her teaching career at Westmont many years ago. Joining Coach Primmer is Assistant Coach Jeff Guyman (yes, my father), who brings extensive experience after playing water polo in college. Coach Guyman played for the Stanford Men’s Water Polo team from 2000 to 2003, helping them win two NCAA championships during his time playing.
After losing the majority of last year’s players, the team is lucky enough to receive nine incoming freshmen as well as one sophomore. Sophomore Kate Orr, a former synchronized swimmer, transitioned to club water polo this year and decided to come out for the Westmont team. Although the majority of the freshmen have never played water polo before, most have a background in swimming and are eager to try a new sport. The one exception is freshman Mikaela Pham, who plays club water polo for the Stanford 14U team. When asked about what she has enjoyed most about this season so far, Mikaela states, “I think the most enjoyable part of this season is definitely getting to know the team, becoming friends with people of different ages, and sharing fun moments with them.”
The team started the season with nine games in only ten days, posting a record of six wins and three losses. The team has its sights set high, hoping to win the Santa Teresa Water Polo Division this year. Already, the team has shown a great sense of communication and teamwork, and they look forward to improving throughout the season. Go Warriors!