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May Sport Club of the Month – Women’s Water Polo

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Water Polo began as a sport in England in the 19th century. Gaining popularity in the 1890s in the United States, the game picked up some inspiration from rugby. Water polo is known for both its intensity as referees are only able to make calls based off of what they see from above and the abundance of endurance and agility of its players. In fact, players cannot touch the bottom of the pool and can only hold the ball with one hand. Even though water polo is not one of the top ten most popular sports in the United States, Alexandra Crowley, Women’s Water Polo Club president, and the rest of the Women’s Water Polo team enjoys playing the sport weekly. Due to the club members’ commitment to the sport, the CRC would like to recognize the women’s water polo club as the May Sport Club of the Month!

Q: Can you tell me about the Women's Water Polo Club?

A: Women’s Water Polo is in its fourth year as a competitive team and is comprised of undergraduate and graduate women with a range of water polo experience. We are currently in our second season with the Collegiate Water Polo Association southeast division, and are looking to expand our membership! Our 15 girls practice twice a week in the CRC diving well from 8-10pm and compete in tournaments in Florida, Atlanta, and North Carolina.

Q: What are some reasons for joining the Women's Water Polo Club?

A: Our team is diverse in its water polo/swimming experience, which means that the team welcomes both beginner and advanced athletes.  Plus, joining the team is a great way to relieve stress with a silly, energetic, and loving group of women. We have team potlucks, dinners, scavenger hunts, and have a blast traveling to our tournaments! By joining the team, you will gain a group of amazing friends and be a part of a wonderful, supportive community [even as an alumnus!]

Q: What advice do you have for people interested in water polo?

A: If you’re interested in joining our team, please reach out (email below)! We’d love to have you join our family. As someone who joined the team with no knowledge of the sport, I found it to be a very welcoming environment regardless of my experience. Feel free to try us out and see what fun water polo can be!

Q: As a member of the Women's Water Polo Club, do you have a favorite memory or experience?

A: Our team’s spring scavenger hunt is a favorite event of mine! We drive around campus and Midtown to find funny objects, answer questions, and complete strange tasks. Every year, we meet after to determine a winner, but end up sharing stories about the day’s adventures. These always lead to new team traditions, jokes, and memories, and will be missed when I graduate.

Q: What was the greatest lesson you've learned from water polo that has helped you succeed in college?

A: Joining GTWWP has allowed me to explore a new sport but has also provided me with a devoted support network. I have been able to utilize water polo as an outlet for my stress and anxieties and find strength in my teammates when I am overwhelmed. This team has shown me that even when school has me feeling my worst, I am guaranteed to feel appreciated and fulfilled when I go to practice and am surrounded by my best friends.    

Q: What athlete do you admire the most and why?

A: Growing up without any local water polo programs, I was only able to watch the sport on TV. I was always in awe of the USA women’s national team and their tenacity and teamwork. They served as my introduction to the sport during the 2012 Olympics when they won gold, and have been exciting to follow ever since!

Q: How can students join the Women's Water Polo Club?

A: Anyone interested in joining our team should email us at gtwomenswaterpolo@gmail.com or come talk to us at the diving well during practice! Many of us started out with no polo experience, and have fallen in love with the sport, so we’d be happy to introduce some new players to it as well!

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  • Workflow Status:Published
  • Created By:Christine Kapurch
  • Created:05/15/2019
  • Modified By:Christine Kapurch
  • Modified:05/15/2019