Varsity water polo has become one of Marlborough’s most dynamic sports teams. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them in their floor-length purple parkas before games. The team’s strong chemistry and camaraderie bring pride and exhilaration to the pool deck constantly.
Led by Head Coach Adam Roth, the team has become more ambitious as they have achieved CIF playoff success over the past few years.
“Since we returned from COVID, our team has been increasingly committed and competitive,” Roth said. “Most of our players are playing year-round water polo now and starting to talk to college coaches about playing past high school as well. We have also increased the intensity of our season. We play a full 28 game season now, with most of those games against some of the top water polo teams in the country.”
More importantly, their tight bond and trust within the team makes them so strong, both in and out of the pool.
“I’ve always felt that close-knit teams perform the best,” Roth said. “There is an inherent trust, respect and honesty that comes out of those type of teams that lets them respond best to the challenges they face in tough competitions. The type of communication a team uses and the relationships it builds become a more significant and lasting measure of success than any game, tournament or season stat could ever supersede.”
The water polo team, or “wapo,” as they are otherwise known at Marlborough, typically has two matches per week or a tournament at the end of the week with a game at the beginning. The overall team morale is higher when they get to play in these matches. A second-year member of the Varsity water polo team member, Bridget ’27, always looks forward to the days when she has a game.
“I always have a better day when I have a tournament or a match because I get really excited to see everyone and play,” Bridget said.
The demanding and comprehensive training schedule has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie within the team.
“I love the water polo team because we are all so close and hang out with each other all the time,” Bridget said. “I still talk to them even when we’re not on the pool deck, which I think is really special.”
One way the team has fostered their cohesive chemistry is through their tradition of spirit sisters, where an underclassmen is paired with an upperclassmen for the entire season. This has allowed the team to foster a strong relationship, while also providing a mentor and leader for the younger players.
After beating Harvard-Westlake for the first time in program history on Jan. 25, the team’s commitment and hard work are translating into wins.
“After we beat Harvard-Westlake, it was clear our hard work had paid off,” Bridget said. “I am so excited to play water polo when I’m a junior and senior because the foundations we are laying down now are leading to a bright future for the sport at Marlborough.”
