The Portland State women’s water polo team has had a busy season, and they aren’t finished just yet. After winning the Northwest Division of the Collegiate Water Polo Association, PSU is off to the National Collegiate Club Championship in Minneapolis this weekend. It’ll be the first time in club history they’ll compete at nationals, but the team has formed a strong bond this year and is ready for the challenge.
“The best part of water polo is…working together,” senior wing Ellen Coughlin said. “It is a great combination of individual strengths that come together to make something amazing.”
Apart from the physical demands of the sport, it is this sense of community that provides one of the main sources of motivation for the athletes.
“People who are involved in water polo are usually excited to have someone else show interest in their sport and are very helpful when it comes to learning how to play,” Coughlin said. “I tried water polo and I was hooked.”
Rod Vidomskiy, the men’s team captain, said that communication, as well as a commitment to a common goal, is crucial to success in the pool.
“As a team we are very vocal and disciplined. Once practice starts we put our lives on hold and give our full attention to our coach. If someone is slacking, we help him out so that we are all working on the same level,” Vidomskiy said. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
The National Collegiate Club Championship will be hosted by the University of Minnesota and is scheduled for May 3–5.