Torrey Pines High School Water Polo Boys Season Preview

As the summer winds down, excitement is building for the upcoming boys water polo season at Torrey Pines High School. After a successful season last year, the team has set their sights even higher for this year. Coach Brandon Carman is optimistic that this team is capable of achieving great things. One of the main reasons for Coach Carman's confidence is the strong group of returning players from last season. The top returners include senior captain Jack Mason, 2 meter guard Hayden Sykes, utility player Julian Breeze, and playmaker Darko Dresevic. Mason has been a captain for two seasons and has just committed to play college ball at the Naval Academy. His leadership and playmaking abilities make him a standout on the team. The other top returning players also bring their own unique skill sets and play an important role in the team's success. But it's not just the returning players who will make an impact this season. Freshman George Hodgkinson is already showing promise and will be a valuable addition to the team. Coach Carman sees him as a strong depth piece and believes he has the potential to contribute right away. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Carman has a specific set of qualities he looks for. Responsibility, strong communication, and leading by example are all essential traits. Currently, Mason holds the captain title, but others are also battling for the role. Ultimately, the captain is someone who will elevate and unite the team. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team, and Coach Carman has a plan in place to achieve this. He stresses the importance of each player wanting success for their teammates, rather than just for themselves. This mentality brings the team together and motivates them to work hard for each other. As with any new season, there are always challenges to overcome. However, Coach Carman is fortunate to have a motivated team that comes to the pool deck ready to give their all each day. He focuses on celebrating the small successes and staying present in the moment rather than solely focusing on the end goal. The team also faces a tough schedule this year, with strong teams from the Carlsbad, Poway, and Mt Carmel in their league and matches against talented schools like La Jolla and Coronado. The team will also be playing in tournaments in Orange County, competing against top teams from the Southern Section.