Beckman High School Water Polo Girls Season Preview

The Beckman High School water polo team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season under the guidance of head coach Duje Grubisic. With a mix of returning players and promising newcomers, Coach Grubisic is confident in the team's potential and has set high goals for the season. One of the top returning players for the Patriots is Brooke Knisley. As the top goal scorer from last season, Knisley has proven to be a valuable asset both defensively and offensively. According to Coach Grubisic, "Brooke can guard any best player on the opposite team making her a defensive force for us in any position and also she is very deadly in offense as a center as well as from the outside." Knisley's versatility and skill make her a player to watch out for this season. Along with Knisley, other top returning players include Leah Suh, Jayden Miyamoto, and Allyson Lu. Suh, who had a successful club season with the Patriots, is a left-hander who will bring depth to the team's attack. Miyamoto's speed and high IQ will also be a key factor in the team's success. Lu, a freshman, will be thrown into the varsity level right away as the team's starting goalkeeper. Coach Grubisic has high expectations for Lu and believes she will have a big impact on the team's defense. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Grubisic looks for players who are hardworking, lead by example, and have the respect of their teammates. "Someone who is capable of firing up the team," as Coach Grubisic puts it. Top candidates for captaincy this season are Knisley and Emma Simampo. To foster a strong team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Grubisic has planned a few team bonding activities outside of the pool. He also believes that having a mental performance coach will help the team not only as individuals but also as a team. Creating a positive team dynamic and ensuring that players are motivated and working towards a common goal are key factors in a successful season. Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is another crucial aspect of coaching. Coach Grubisic understands the importance of this and has planned extracurricular activities such as robotics and other school functions to engage and motivate the team.