HARLINGEN — The Harlingen South Lady Hawks water polo team capped off an undefeated season with a Rio Grande Valley tournament title.
“I am very proud of them,” Lady Hawks coach Hector Castaneda Jr. said. “We worked hard and improved dramatically from where we started to where we ended up. It takes hard work and dedication by all of them to be here on time and put in the work.”
The Lady Hawks captured the championship against Los Fresnos to finish the season 7-0 and win the last title of its kind at the Pharr Natatorium nearly two weeks ago. Last year, the Lady Hawks lost the title match.
“It is a great program,” Castaneda Jr. said. “Especially because swimming is an individual sport. Because water polo is a team sport, you have to communicate, coordinate, rely on teammates and have each other’s back. That is something important for these kids to learn.”
The coach of the year also is also happy about the physical impact water polo has on the swimmers. Castaneda Jr. pointed out that the added upper body strength and endurance will help the athletes out for swimming.
Eliana Wainscott, Isabela Pereda, Ana Porzycki, Isabelle Lutrick, Andy Fujan, Daniela Gonzalez, Celeste Zamora, Brianna Robinson, Sophia Williams, Isabella Hinojosa, Mia Hinojosa and Mia Gonzalez comprise the championship winning team.
“It is a really amazing feeling,” Zamora said. “The team helped a lot, and our coaches pushed us hard every single morning to make us better. Now we are undefeated.”
Zamora was named the most valuable player, something she also accomplished her freshman and junior years. Zamora is weighing her college water polo options. The situation depends, but the senior would like to continue water polo.
“I love water polo,” she said. “I am trying to get recruited, but it is kind of hard because it is a small sport and I started the recruiting process a little late.”
The burgeoning sport will become an UIL sport in the fall. Harlingen South will compete alongside Harlingen High in District 32-6A with schools from PSJA ISD. Water polo will only have a 6A CLASS. The season will begin Aug. 1 and last until October.
Added eyes will be on the sport next fall as it continues to blossom in the Valley.
