Amador High School Water Polo Season Preview

As the new season approaches, the Amador High School boys' water polo team is gearing up to make it their best one yet. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Samantha Churcher about the team's expectations, strengths, and challenges for the upcoming season. Coach Churcher is back for her second year coaching the boys' team and her experience has brought positive changes to the team. Her coaching philosophy focuses not only on physical training but also on building team chemistry and mental strength. She understands the importance of a well-rounded approach to achieving success. One of the team's biggest strengths this season is their returning players, particularly Cater Cowan, Joaquin Porter, and Cole Porter. These three players have shown great improvement throughout the last season and have proven to be valuable assets to the team. Cowan, who was part of the starting lineup last year, has shown tremendous growth and is now one of the top players on the team. In addition to the returning players, there are also some new players who are expected to make a significant impact on the team. Gavin Mynderup is one newcomer who excels in shooting and is a strong swimmer. His quick release and skill in the water will add a new dimension to the team's gameplay. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Churcher looks for qualities such as trustworthiness, hard work, and willingness to help others without being asked. This year, Carter Cowan, and Cole and Joaquin Porter have been selected as team captains. However, Churcher also mentioned that she has a few other players who are vying for the role and everyone is expected to contribute to the team's success. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team. Coach Churcher understands the importance of creating a bond among her players outside of the pool. She plans to have team bonding activities at the beginning and middle of the season to strengthen the players' relationships. As she says, "They are just kids and need to let loose and strengthen those bonds out of the pool." Motivating players to push themselves and reach their full potential is another crucial aspect of a coach's role. For Churcher, it's about encouraging them during intense training sessions and providing reassurance during times when they might doubt their abilities. She also believes in making small changes in training and gameplay to keep the players motivated and focused. One of the biggest challenges of preparing for the season has been scheduling.