New Coach and New Plans for Boys’ Water Polo

KAYIU WONG
Staff Writer

With the fall season quickly approaching, the varsity boys’ water polo team is undergoing constructive practices every afternoon. Under the leadership of new Head Coach Adrian Lopez and varsity captain Daniel Lindley, assembling new offensive tactics and strengthening endurance are two main preseason goals.

“We are going to focus a lot on drive plays. Just being a little quicker on knowing how to read the ball [and executing] much more precise passes so we can get a shot up quicker,” Lopez says.

Before becoming head coach, he was the team’s previous lifeguard at Granada Park and a former AHS water polo athlete a few years prior.

The team feels that the changing of staff has been a good asset.

“I think that [Lopez] has been a good role model for us. […] He’s been in our shoes [and] works with us [based on] how his water polo life was when he was in high school,” Lindley said.

According to varsity goalie Jeffrey Huynh, this year’s varsity team will consist nine or ten players, eight of whom are returners from last year.

To prepare diligently, the team’s daily conditioning comprises of high intensity swimming, endurance building, cardio exercises and ultimately arranging new game plays.

“We plan on using those plays when we are playing in real games,” Huynh said.

Another fresh plan for the team includes implementing new offensive plays. Lopez aims to replace the normal three-on-three offense they used before with quicker drive plays. He feels that working on more precise passing, shooting more swiftly, and developing more focal set players will be the keys to success.

From transitioning to a new coaching system and adding new season plays, it seems that boys’ water polo has been very productive during their preseason.

“This year, it’s just going to be all out. Hardcore offense and defense, and scoring goals.” Lindley said .