CVHS girls water polo celebrates seniors in big win

CVHS girls water polo team capped off its season with an 11-0 home victory against Bishop O’Dowd on Oct. 7, a game that also honored the seniors in a night with pride, emotion and camaraderie. 

Seven seniors were honored before the game. Families, friends and teammates filled the pool deck, cheering as seniors were recognized for years of dedication to the program. 

Once the game started, the Trojans quickly took control. Stella Chang led the team with five goals and three assists, finishing with a team-high eight points. Chloe Gilbert added three goals, one assist and three steals, while Addy Wilhelm contributed two goals, one assist and one steal. Jena Wong, Marissa Driver, and Daria Kyruchkova each scored a goal, with Wong also recording one steal and Kryuchkova adding two assists. The Trojans’ defense was just as impressive as their offense, with goalie Caroline Kiely making five saves to secure the shutout.

The Trojans’ defense helped keep the Dragons off the scoreboard, with the team totaling five steals and securing the shutout. 

For the seniors, the night was about more than just the win. 

“It’s really sad, but I’m also really grateful for all the memories,” Wilhelm said. “It means appreciating all of my hard work over the years and finally feeling special like a senior. We’re such a small team, but we feel like a family.” 

Kiely talked about her favorite polo memory. “Winning the championship and making the game-winning goal, that was a lot of fun. I’ll miss seeing my teammates everyday and I really appreciate the hard work I’ve put in over the past couple years,” she said. 

“What I’ll miss most is talking to my friends, especially the underclassmen. We’ve supported each other, given each other tips on how to improve, and just spent so much time together. Being part of this team has been really fun, and it’s hard to believe this chapter is ending,” Wong said. 

When the final whistle blew, everyone on the deck was cheering and smiling. The seniors stayed for a while, just soaking it all in, proud of everything they’d done for the team. 

“Do everything and don’t be scared to make mistakes,” Wilhelm said. “Mistakes are how you learn and grow.”