Twelve players. One pool. And constant chaos. And yet, the Skyline Women’s Water Polo team manages to swim, pass, and score with precise execution. In a sport with constant, fast-paced motion that needs split second decisions, communication in and out of the water is the foundation of their team.
This foundation has paid off tremendously as the team went on to win the district championship on May 16th-17th, a testament to how strong their connection truly is.
Unlike many teams that start their season with icebreakers and introductions, Skyline’s gets a head start of shared experiences and bonds. “Most of us did swimming so we knew each other prior to the season, so we were already pretty close and able to talk,” says Lisa Venturini (‘28). “And we had a lot of practices that helped with team bonding, so we ended up personally connecting and becoming friends.”
Still, Water Polo isn’t quiet. It calls for some loud, and very critical moments of in-game communication. “Face-to-face communication is always easier for us. ,” said Nasreen Patel (‘28). “But in games, there’s 12 people screaming at each other so it’s hectic, but it works. We rely on our goalie a lot since they can see the whole pool when we can’t. They yell at us where to go or who to pass to to help us out when we need it.”
However, even through chaotic communication during intense games, their communication has proved quite helpful in tough matches. “At our Pioneer game, it was 6 on 5, so one of their defensive players was out,” said Anna Williams (‘27). “It encouraged our communication and we were able to make quick passes up the pool for a fast goal.”
The Skylines Women’s Water Polo team has found a balance of blending both verbal and non verbal ways of communication. Not only is it important to know the plays, but also to know how each athlete can respond to the communication given. “We use specific names for our plays and a number system to show where the ball should go or what defense to run,” says Varsity Coach Rebecca Godek. “But beyond strategy, we’ve worked hard on clear, positive communication — even when things don’t go perfectly. Every athlete responds differently, so knowing what kind of feedback helps, and what doesn’t, has made us stronger as a team.”
With the girls’ postseason around the corner, it’s more important than ever for them to rely on their trust in one another’s communication to set them apart from other teams. “This is a pretty solid group of communicators,” says Godek. “As the season has gone on, we’ve learned how to read each other better, talk more effectively, and stay positive even when the game gets tough. That kind of connection is what really sets this team apart.”
