As the school year approaches, San Lorenzo Valley High School’s water polo teams are being whipped into shape. This abrupt end to the tranquility of summer comes in the form of Hell Week, five days of intense practices to prepare for the upcoming season.
“Hell Week is always a struggle. You go from just having a normal summer to working your butt off once or even twice a day.” says varsity boys’ player Robert Adams.
Hell Week consists of three “double” days with two practices each, and two “single” days with one longer practice per day.
“This week is conditioning, so we only do two hours a day, the girls are in the morning and the guys are in the afternoon. Then next week we will have double day practices, an hour and a half each on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and two hour single day practices on Tuesday and Thursday.” says varsity girls’ head captain Carly Zilge. This season will be Zilge’s fifth playing, and her third on the varsity team.
“It is a good opportunity to get back into shape and focus on the upcoming season,” said Matt “Camo” Troxell, coach of the boys’ varsity water polo team at SLV.
Surprisingly, many players share Troxell’s enthusiasm about Hell week. ”Sure it’s tough, but the rigorous exercise and long hours make the team stronger as a family,” says newcomer Adriano Odello.
The feeling seems to be mutual with the girls’ team. “I’ve suffered through three Hell Weeks — this is my fourth one,” says returning girls’ varsity player Sonja Hedstrom, “It’s hell but not as bad as people make it out to be. I wouldn’t choose to experience Hell Week though I’m happy to be done with it when I am.”
Aside from the physical, one major benefit of Hell Week is team bonding. “Varsity and JV girls do conditioning together so it’s not two teams; it’s one big team. We focus on being one big community, not two smaller ones.” says Maura Boynton. This season will be Boynton’s first on girls’ varsity, but her third playing at the school.
“Water polo has not only made me a stronger person, mentally and physically, but it has allowed me to create some strong friendships that I cherish greatly,” says Boynton, “Our coaches make sure that the pool deck is a safe place, and that everyone is having a positive experience during their water polo career.”
All four SLV water polo teams have experienced success in the past, and Troxell, who has been coaching at SLV for 17 seasons, hopes to end the season in the top three of the Pacific Division; and that, “everyone shows up every day to practice and games and works hard!”
“The [girls] team has had ups and downs. In 2012, we were league champs and CCS qualifiers. Then we lost a lot of players; they graduated, and in 2013 we lost nearly every game. Last season was amazing, and we finished league champions.” says Zilge, “The season will end depending on how well we do. League finishes in October, but if we advance to league finals, we will finish in November.”
Despite the success of the varsity teams, SLV water polo is still very welcoming to new players. Boys Varsity player Robert Adams sums it up saying, “JV is more for learning how to play and Varsity is pushing us to our limits.”
“Anyone is welcome to play, even if they have no clue how.” according to Boynton, “Nobody gets cut because of skill level!”
“Hopefully SLV will work hard and play each game with heart.” says Troxell.
