What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

I was scrimmaging during one of the pre season practices my freshman year and I was guarding Ned, a senior at the time. He swam by me, and panicking I grab him, pulling him back. Coach Buad then called a kick out, and it being my first time, I got out of the water thinking I was permanently kicked out.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

During the York tournament, playing York, Derek scoring the game winning goal in overtime, and I swam up to him and headbutted him in excitement. 

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

Adding onto and being apart of a legacy is more important than any moment.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

Coach Schulte

Plans next year: Villanova, Engineering

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

Scoring 8 goals in my first three JV games at the Parkway West Jamboree.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

Jungle Cats with Evan Zimmerman with Coach Baud in 7th grade

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

Discipline and brotherhood.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

Nick Z and Owen G for being amazing teammates.

Plans next year: Undecided (as of April 11)

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

Getting in at tryouts having never played before and almost drowning trying to swim a 100.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

Beating York this year.

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

The importance of connecting with your teammates.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

I would like to thank my parents for getting me to every practice and game freshman year and for always supporting me.

Plans next year: Purdue University, Aerospace Engineering

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

After my freshman year at CBC, I made the decision to transfer to SLUH. I went to the 2022 State Game against West and after we won, Mr. Schulte pulled me aside after the game and said "next year, let's go." That was my first-ish memory of SLUH water polo, and I was so excited to be a part of the program.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

Definitely the 2024 State game. Although I didn't play in the game, I have never seen a more intense and electric game of water polo. Everyone on the team was focused, whether they were playing or not. When we won after being down with 40 seconds left, I felt very happy for my team. Watching the players come in clutch and play at their highest potential was very fulfilling and exciting.  

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

Putting others before yourself is the key to success. One thing I noticed is when you try to put the ball in your teammates hands, the goals come naturally.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

All of the coaches
 

Plans next year: Undecided

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

Connor Buehring taking me to my first pre-season practice my freshman year. I introduced myself to Coach Baud as Danny, but he kept referring to me as Dan, making me think he didn’t hear me correctly, but he just changed my name.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

My favorite SLUH water polo memory is winning state last year. I know other people enjoy that game too, but it was special to me because I tied the game up with 57 seconds left. I was so happy my teammates trusted me with that shot and that I helped propel my team to victory in a game that was a lot closer than it should have been. But that game was also accumulation of everything we had worked towards that season of “building it back” and working together. That was a team effort. I also felt that in that I game demonstrated both my defensive and offensive strengths in the game of water polo.

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

I’ve learned that at SLUH, water polo is not just a sport, but a culture. The people who play water polo do it because they want to get better and they dedicate themselves to that goal. Being a part of SLUH water polo becomes your life when you join and only helps you become a better person and player. 

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

I want to thank Coach Baud for encouraging me to keep playing even after I struggled my freshmen year, and for helping me develop my skills as a defender. I also want to thank Coach Baud for always giving me advice about water polo and life and helping me think through problems I have about the game.

Plans next year: Undecided

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

I remember getting absolutely and utterly destroyed during that day where varsity and JV combine for the defender/2m day whenever I was guarding Cooper Scharff. The first time I realized that there was levels to this game.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

Probably beating York just 2 weeks ago. That was a blast and getting the game winner was great.

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

I think the most valuable thing is the level of sustained effort you have to put in. That discipline and hard work will get me far in life.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

I want to give a shout out to Nick Robert who has always been a goalie. We have shared some fun memories in Dallas and during SLUH season.

Plans next year: Undecided, but likely UIUC computer engineering.

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

I played Jungle Cats in seventh and eighth grade. This gave me a great opportunity to get to know the game and get ahead of the curve. Yet, due to COVID, I never played a real game until my freshman year. On Friday night of the Cowbell Classic, I was very sad because I could not play in the first game of my SLUH career because I did not have enough practices. While I sat on the little blue bench of the Parkway West pool, I was beyond surprised when my coach, whom I had seen calm and collected the entire two years before, blew a gasket because someone was one foot outside of the passing lane. I now cannot think of a Coach Baud without his signature mid-game poolside loudness, and it is one of my favorite things about him.

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

I have made many great memories over the past four years, but my favorite water polo memory was this year’s Chicago tournament. Playing four extremely close, down to the minute, competitive games in a twenty four hour period was an extremely taxing but rewarding and enjoyable time. We played extremely well and had great teamwork. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, especially with the fact that we beat York.

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

The main thing that I have learned from SLUH water polo is that I cannot make other people do things. I am a player who always wants the most out of my teammates, and I have learned that it does not work to force people to do things, but rather to encourage them to. I can only try to be the best version of myself and encourage others to be the best versions of themselves.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, teammates, and brother, Nick. Their support and encouragement has made me love this sport and made me the player and person I am.

Plans next year: Boston College

What was your first SLUH Water Polo memory?

Summer camp for incoming freshman, getting to learn the sport with a bunch of other inexperienced kids (and Evan).

What is your favorite SLUH Water Polo memory?

Chicago tournament was super fun, especially the overtime swim off. I also had fun when I got to play a lot against Kirkwood this year.

Is there anything noteworthy you've learned being part of the program?

I am not special, as much as I may like to think that I am. No one is above the rules.

Want to give a shoutout to anyone?

I want to shout out my dad: we would pass a wate rpolo ball in the pool on nice summer days when I was younger. I want to thank my mom for always packing me a snack that I would eat mid-games.

Plans next year: I will be going to Harvey Mudd College, in Claremont CA. I think I'll major in one of the following: Math, Physics, Computer Science, maybe Engineering.