There comes a time when a water polo player must mentally prepare for the season. But there are also times when being a college water polo player can feel like a full-time job with responsibilities, schedule planning and (dare I say it) pet peeves that are way too frustrating. Believe me, sometimes being a water polo player comes with way too many struggles, and these pet peeves do nothing to rectify the situation (or are they the cause of the struggle?).
1. Entering a cold pool... Like all the time
If you ever thought stepping into a cold shower or a cold pool was bad, then imagine what it would be like if you had to do that every day. If you thought the idea of cold water making your hairs stand up on their ends was bad, try experiencing that and still having coach expect you to function like a normal person... That will make for a great practice (said no one ever!). It's also never a good idea to raise the temperature either or risk shifting to swimming in the Sahara! As if you already had enough worrying about keeping your suit in one piece, there are days when it's cold enough to wonder if you boobs could cut through your suit. Every day is one of morbid trepidation if only because of how cold that water will be.
2. You have that one class(es) that somehow conflicts with practice and game time
Of course any student-athlete must take into account not only the morning and afternoon practices, but also how much time will be missed from a class because of traveling or a game. But what about pool time? What about considering if you should have put your contacts in at the start of the day rather than right before getting into the water? You shouldn't plan anything too close to right after practice because there is also shower time (that chlorine won't wash itself). It can range from only having five minutes to get to practice or cutting on at least half of your time set aside to eat, but when you have pool time to think of too, that's when it gets a little too nauseating.
3. When you have that one coach who isn't the best communicator or you just can't seem to hear clearly
What's that, you DO NOT want me to go for the drive? Soon, we're not going to do that triangle move? I’m sorry I didn’t hear that drill the first time… Would you mind speaking up or just being a little bit clearer? I can only hear so much in a pool at a time. Until we get this fixed, please excuse me while I fake it till I make it…
4. Hearing other teams complain about the extra hours spent fundraising
The budget a water polo team gets is minimal and it takes a lot of time and effort to be able to partake in a successful fundraiser. So if you’re one of those people who would rather not have to skip out on partying for another fundraiser, let your water polo team know because they would definitely appreciate the opportunity more than you are.
5. When your suit rides up your butt… And then people tell you to fix it
Some suit companies just don’t understand female anatomy. You can’t blame that on us. Some suits just don’t have the material to stay in place during practices or games. You also can’t blame that on us. So much of this is not our fault, so why is the blame game coming up on the daily? You're making it sound like we have the power to make it sunny all the time but not the power to get more butt coverage on water polo suits. Guys also get wedgies and should be fixing their suits, but for some reason it's always the women who are always at fault. No matter what it is, a priority shift is in order.
6. Being blind before, during or after a practice or game
If there was any acceptable time for your contact lens to fold or fall out, anywhere near the pool is most certainly not on that list. You're immobilized, incapable of making any sort of good passes, shot blocking is way off, it's totally possible that your teammate may no longer have the upper hand in the Two-Meter Line and you wouldn't notice and you're simply useless to the game. While those who wear contacts for the sake of clearer vision when the legally blind players fall into the situation, it's the worst.
7. When another player slaps the water. All. The. Time.
What is this high school water polo? Actually the answer is no, because I'm pretty sure this is something most coaches tell you to stop doing at the middle school level. But in all seriousness, could you please stop doing that? There is absolutely no reason for this to be a thing. Why is this a thing? Seriously, stop it. Right now. It is so pointless it’s kind of insulting. Besides, if you’re not a goalie does this actually benefit you in any way? Is it even possible to argue that it's okay for a goalie to be pulling this kind of nonsense?
8. When people ask you why you have to stop and think about what your teammates look like with actual clothes on
Look, in land sports despite the copious amounts of padding, helmets or hats that are worn it's easy to remember who your teammates are. But when you play a sport where you're practically half naked most of the time, make-up free and wearing the same team cap (among other things) it gets hard to recognize people when they're not well... wearing a suit. Like I said most of time we're not wearing shorts and a t-shirt but suits and caps. The fact that any of us can spot each other with normal clothes on the daily should warrant us MVP awards every year.
9. When you know the referee is biased
Are we even watching the same game? Did you not see that my hands were up as you were calling that ejection? Do you honestly believe that this player is being forced to drown courtesy of me? If the answer is yes, then that players deserves an Oscar. Either that or you’ve got something against our team… Way to keep it classy guys.
10. There is that one guy that’s convinced their sport is harder than yours
Dude, unless you have experienced a practice and a game, then I strongly suggest you reconsider making that statement again. From the amount of sprints and yardage conducted in one practice, to the weight regimen set up by strength and conditioning coaches make no mistake college water polo is no joke. Anything goes and suit, cap or body part is safe from the clutches of other players regardless of scrimmage or game.
11. When your shot hits the post or the crossbar
It’s your life goal to never hit that bar. You try day and night to perfect your shot so well hitting the crossbar is like finding a unicorn. It’s meant to be practically unheard of, so when it happens… Too many emotions are flowing all at once, with the most terrifying being pure unadulterated rage. And (if you’re full-time lobber like yours truly), your teammates know better than to be anywhere near you after it happen.
12. When of all the possible players you go up against, you get the one who does just about anything underwater.
It's no secret that water polo is a contact sport. It's also no secret that the referees have to check the nails of players before every game to make sure they have been cut to the point of nonexistence. It's also not a secret that most of the real action (or violence in this case) happens under the water. All of the suit grabbing, choking, biting, full on attempts to rip other girls's boobs right off and try to use the bottom of your suit for the sake of hurting you ain't the stuff of legend. It's a very real deal, and most of the time, that player (or dare I say it players) who enjoys doing those things, happens to be the one you go up against. No matter how the game ends and regardless of whether or not you know who that player is, one thing is for certain: there is an infinite amount of rage to find this person and give them a piece of your mind.
13. When people tell you spend way too much time at the pool and/or with your teammates
I'm sorry that my teammates are funny...? Or that water polo just demands more when it comes to being in shape...? What can I say, we've been through it all and back. And hey, sometimes I just need a break from classes and practice. I need to be with people who won't judge me for the fact that I prefer to wear sweats after practice or drink copious amounts of chocolate milk. When you're by the pool and your focus is to keep on getting better nothing helps you get the most out of training like being in the water. Considering water polo for what it is, I think it's for the best that I choose to associate myself with the pool and my teammates.
14. When people ask you how you can possibly like a sport that is so challenging and hard to understand.
Because you know what? Not a day goes by when I feel that I'm not challenged. My teammates always push me every single day and despite all of the scars and the yelling and the suit pulling, sacrificed nap time and limited chance of being relationship material I love this sport. There is nothing more I would love to do then keep on jumping in the water. Every stroke, every pass, every shot and every play has helped me develop as a person and I'm grateful to my friends, family and coaches for that. Where I come from, team is family and that's that. There is no other sport I would rather play, and if you think that's weird... Well then you my friend need to rethink a few things.
