Through the team’s diligence and progress this season, boys’ water polo, 5-8 overall, allowed for the team to reach the Division One semi-finals after 14 years on November 9.

The Granada Hills Highlanders, 5-7, beat the Gondoliers 5-18 during the semi-finals.

Despite getting knocked out of the semi-finals, senior Luke Coulter, a captain alongside senior Jesus Santiago remains proud of the team’s achievements this season.

“I’m eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to be on the team.”

According to one of the coaches on the team, “it’s been 14 years since the boys’ water polo program made it all the way to the semi-finals,” Coulter said.

“So that just kind of that achievement in itself has been really motivating us.” 

Coulter reflects on the team’s journey this season being full growth.

“We just didn’t have full chemistry at first, the more we played together, the better our play was.” he said.

As the season progressed and the team’s chemistry improved, their plays reflected their tenacity and determination. Coulter noted that the team played “great throughout the season” showing the team’s consistent effort and growth. 

With the team also acquiring a pool, it tremendously propelled the progress of the team.

“Now that we’ve gotten some decent pool time, it’s really changed how good our team has grown,” Coulter said. “It kind of exploded.”

However with the loss of their senior player Fateh, the team was faced with yet another challenge this season. Which had forced the team to step up and give it their best, said Coulter.

Even when the cards seemed stacked against them, the team rose to the occasion and made it to semi-finals.

“No one expected us to do what we did, and we shattered their expectations,” said Coulter.