Chaps expanded their sports this year by adding a womens water polo team. The first team captain, freshman Alena Reshetnikova. Not only has she led the team to many astonishing wins she has also set an example for her fellow teammates.

“I always loved swimming and team sports,” Reshetnikova said. “Water polo was the perfect opportunity to do two things I love in an amazing environment with the best coaches ever.”

She worked to balanceschoolwork and the busy game schedules during the season.

“The biggest challenge has been keeping up with school and water polo games during the season,” Reshetnikova said. “You have to create a schedule, and while it’s tough at first, it gets easier with the support of coaches and teachers.”

The team battled through the season, but they saw it’s effects when they won the much-anticipated district game against Johnson, which they won 10-7.

“They had more experience, but we practiced hard, listened to our outstanding coaches, and motivated each other,” Reshetnikova said.“Our victory was a testament to our hard work and teamwork.”

As a team captain, it’s important to realize that preparation comes from the little things. She wouldn’t have been able to do it alone every team member contributed.

“We focus on improving as a team by attending every practice, communicating with our coaches, analyzing opponents, and discussing strategies,”  Reshetnikova said. “Small efforts can lead to significant changes.”

Mornings starting with 30 minutes of dry land followed by an hour and a half of working on skills in the pool, she leaned on her support system.

“My biggest supporters are my coaches, teammates, and parents,” Reshetnikova said. “Our coaches work to ensure that we have the best experience, my teammates are incredibly supportive, and my parents make countless sacrifices to help me succeed.”

As Alena looks to the future she is determined to improve her skills for next year. “Even though the season is over, we stay in touch and practice through club teams,” Reshetnikova said. “I’m thrilled that we have a water polo class at Westlake, allowing us to stay in shape and connected even in the off-season.”

Reshetnikova said being the captain and being a part of the water polo team has significantly impacted her character.

“I’ve learned resilience, teamwork, and the importance of supporting my team during tough times,” Reshetnikova said. “I’ve become more disciplined and understand the value of listening to my coaches and teammates.”

“These activities help me stay in shape and improve my skills by learning professional strategies.”

As the first women’s captain of the school, she sets the precedent for all the future women to come after her. And she works to take the lessons she learned in the pool and apply them beyond in her daily life.

“The lessons I’ve learned from water polo—resilience, teamwork, and leadership—are invaluable,” Reshetnikova said. “They’ve not only shaped me as a player but as a person, and I carry them with pride both in and out of the pool.”