College water polo is not the most popular of college sports. Most of the population hasn't even seen a match before. But step into the world of college water polo players for a moment and you'll realize it's not all fun and games in the pool.
Step into the pool and by the end of the match you will have been scratched, almost drowned, pinched, kicked, slashed, and bruised repeatedly. And don't expect much of this treatment to be penalized by the referees. Most of this abuse is sustained underwater where the referees can't see. The welts you sustain on your arms and legs will make it look as if you were hit by a dozen paint balls from close range.
And forget being a goalie in this game. Players can get within a few feet when attempting to throw the ball in. I've seen goalies get hit in the face numerous times.
When I covered water polo at San Diego State University, there was one girl in particular that shed light on the game for me. This girl was a freshman, but was one of toughest, most determined players in the pool. Many college coaches were hesitant in recruiting her out of high school because they thought she would be too difficult to handle. In the beginning of the season, she actually alienated herself from a lot of her teammates because she was so intense during practice. On a simple drill, teammates would find their uniforms torn and ripped from the beating they would take from her. She told me she actually got a rush from the kicking and clawing that went on during matches.
Most of these girls are pretty short, but they look like football players. I could swear I wouldn't stand a chance if they challenged me to a fight.
Before I wrote about water polo, I wasn't interested in it at all. But the demanding and physical nature of the game really drew me in. There are a lot of sports out there that most people don't take the time to appreciate. Water polo is a sport that deserves more attention. In fact, it demands it.
Step into the pool and by the end of the match you will have been scratched, almost drowned, pinched, kicked, slashed, and bruised repeatedly. And don't expect much of this treatment to be penalized by the referees. Most of this abuse is sustained underwater where the referees can't see. The welts you sustain on your arms and legs will make it look as if you were hit by a dozen paint balls from close range.
And forget being a goalie in this game. Players can get within a few feet when attempting to throw the ball in. I've seen goalies get hit in the face numerous times.
When I covered water polo at San Diego State University, there was one girl in particular that shed light on the game for me. This girl was a freshman, but was one of toughest, most determined players in the pool. Many college coaches were hesitant in recruiting her out of high school because they thought she would be too difficult to handle. In the beginning of the season, she actually alienated herself from a lot of her teammates because she was so intense during practice. On a simple drill, teammates would find their uniforms torn and ripped from the beating they would take from her. She told me she actually got a rush from the kicking and clawing that went on during matches.
Most of these girls are pretty short, but they look like football players. I could swear I wouldn't stand a chance if they challenged me to a fight.
Before I wrote about water polo, I wasn't interested in it at all. But the demanding and physical nature of the game really drew me in. There are a lot of sports out there that most people don't take the time to appreciate. Water polo is a sport that deserves more attention. In fact, it demands it.
