Castro Valley High School Water Polo Season Preview

Castro Valley High School's girls water polo team is gearing up for another exciting season. With their eyes set on becoming WACC League Champs, Coach Bailey Barlow and her team are ready to put in the hard work and dedication needed to achieve their goal. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Barlow and get an inside look at the team's preparations for the upcoming season. Leading the team this year are the top returning players from last season, Isabelle Nicole and Peyton Sklut. As both seniors, these two players are not only talented in the water but also serve as important leaders both on and off the pool deck. Their experience and skill will be crucial to the team's success this year. But it's not just about individual talent for the Castro Valley Trojans. Coach Barlow recognizes the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie in achieving their goals. She has selected team captains who are not only charismatic but also responsible. Their ability to rally the team and hold their teammates accountable will be key to creating a cohesive and successful team. One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been ensuring that each player understands their role and value on the team. Coach Barlow stresses the importance of communication in building trust and allowing the team to work together seamlessly. By encouraging her players to communicate with each other and trust her as their coach, she believes they can achieve great things. This will be Coach Barlow's second season with the team, and she plans on challenging her players even more this year. With a competitive game schedule, and facing tough teams in and out of their league, she wants her team to push themselves to their full potential. Mentally and physically, they are ready to take on any challenge. In terms of training and conditioning, the team has made changes and improvements to their program. Coach Barlow recognizes that for girls in water polo, the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. They focus on the logistics of the game, rather than just trying to out-strengthen their opponents. This mental training is crucial in helping the girls stay strong and focused during games. While sports are a big part of their lives, Coach Barlow also emphasizes the importance of academics for her players. She believes that the student should always come before the athlete, and encourages her players to prioritize their studies.