Alameda High School Water Polo Season Preview

As the fall sports season approaches, all eyes are on the Alameda High School water polo team. After an impressive run last year, where they defended their league title and made a deep run in the NCS championship, the expectations are high for this talented group of athletes. But who are the players that will lead this team to success? What new additions will make an immediate impact? And what challenges lie ahead for the team? We sat down with Coach Marshall Dortch to get a preview of the Alameda High School water polo team this season. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Dortch mentioned the keys to success for this year: focus, discipline, and confidence. And these qualities can be seen in the team's returning players, who are determined to continue the team's success. Ray Martin Del Campo, Gabe Fluss, and Jack Thornton are all captains and are expected to provide leadership and depth to the team. They will be joined by Zach Dortch, Kaleo Concepcion, and Antonio Drioane, all of whom have shown significant improvement and are ready to make an immediate impact on the team this year. But what qualities does Coach Dortch look for in potential team captains? According to him, leadership, inclusiveness, follow-through, dependability, and accountability are essential. These qualities will not only help foster team chemistry and camaraderie but also motivate players to push themselves to their full potential. And with the mix of experienced and new players, the team's chemistry is expected to be a crucial aspect this season. Speaking of motivation, Coach Dortch believes that growth happens organically as the season progresses, and team activities and trips also play a role in building team camaraderie. But the biggest challenge this year has been dealing with the Alameda HS pool being under construction for the next year. The team has had to adapt to practicing and playing at a different location, but they are making the best of the situation with the help of other schools sharing their pools. When it comes to the team's schedule, Coach Dortch believes in learning from every game, regardless of the opponent's level. The WACC league schedule is especially exciting for the team, and they are looking forward to the challenges it brings. As for Coach Dortch's coaching style, there have been no significant changes, although he does stress the importance of mental preparedness for success at a high level. So what are the team's strengths and weaknesses?