Sophomores bring fresh talent to varsity

This year, sophomores Miles Mackenzie and Kia Hosseinian were two new additions to the varsity water polo team, bringing plenty of experience in the pool. Both sophomores were moved up from junior varsity at the start of the season.

“It’s fun to be with upperclassmen and get to know more people,” said Hosseinian, who plays hole defense. “But it’s also hard because everyone on the other teams [on varsity] is pretty good and puts up a good fight in the water.”

Because of the difference in skill level between varsity and JV, Mackenzie, a perimeter player, said he has had to adjust his effort in practice and his mindset in games.

“The step up from JV to varsity has been a massive one,” Mackenzie said. “I have improved as a player since last year, but the competition is a lot tougher, so I have to be tougher too.”

Both sophomores have benefited from experience in the pool and with water polo, allowing them to play strategically.

“I think that I’m a good defensive player with a good knowledge of the sport,” Mackenzie said. “I may not be the fastest or the strongest guy in the pool, but I play smarter than most people do.”

According to senior captain Neal Siganporia, both sophomores have different skill sets that make them valuable assets to the team.

“Kia is a valuable hole defense and a fundamentally sound player who’s dangerous on offense and capable on defense,” Siganporia said. “Miles is an offensive threat and very good for his size and will become a vital part of the team in the years to come.”

According to Siganporia, for these sophomores to contribute to the team in future years, they should not only be devoted to the team but also prepared to lead it.

“They should both play club polo in the off season and do swimming to gain speed and endurance, and they need to become leaders in and out of the pool and lead by example,” Siganporia said.

Despite being one of the youngest and newest members on the team, Hosseinian feels that he can connect with the older members of the team and communicate well.

“Sometimes I get messed with, but not ever in a serious way,” Hosseinian said. “Everyone was pretty chill about me on varsity, and I think we all have really gotten to know everyone on the team and work together well.”

So far, the team has been doing well in their games, losing only to Lynbrook on Sept. 27 out of seven league games played, as of Oct. 4. Lynbrook is their biggest rival for the season, and the Falcons will play them again on Oct. 23.

Overall, it is not about the other team, but about the amount of devotion each player puts into the sport, according to Mackenzie.

“I don’t think that who we are playing or anything else matters,” Mackenzie said. “What matters is that we come out and play as hard as we can and give it 110 percent.”