Ten practice hours per week, 12 girls and three tournaments ultimately make up the women’s club water polo team. Under the coaching of men’s water polo player junior Spencer Hamby, the team has traveled to play games at UC San Diego and Cal State SLO thus far.
They play in their final tournament on April 14, at UC Santa Barbara. In the Pacific Coast Division, the Collegiate Water Polo Association selected Pepperdine as the ninth seed — one above rival LMU.
The Waves earned their only win over LMU 7-6 on Jan. 29, but freshman player Becca Belliveau explains how playing club is more about the experience.
“I played water polo in high school and loved it so much that I decided to play club when I got to Pepperdine,” Belliveau said. “Compared to high school, club is less competitive. Basically Cal Poly, UCLA and UCSD dominate and compete amongst themselves.
“But we have an awesome coach, and we have a really good time playing together even when we get pummeled. One of the best parts is seeing our improvement. It’s very exciting.”
As Belliveau has a blast being in the water, Hamby says he has just as much fun coaching from poolside. He began coaching the team this September after the former coach graduated and asked him to step in.
“The girls have a unique sense of humor which keeps me entertained most of the time,” Hamby said. “My favorite part about coaching is being able to share my experience and my knowledge of the sport to the girls on this team. It not only helps them with their game and hopefully their way of thinking, but it also helps me become a better player.”
Unlike Pepperdine’s official NCAA athletic teams, club teams are open for anyone to join, which results in a group of players varying in grade level and playing experience.
“Coaching players with different levels of experience can be difficult,” Hamby said. “I had four girls who didn’t know how to tread water, how to pass or how to shoot. Then, I have players who have had a lot of experience. I have to balance the practices.
“Overall, my favorite part is helping these girls improve and become better players than when they first started.”
However, the 10-hour time commitment can be a burden on busy students. According to Belliveau not everyone can make all the practices because of homework.
“In high school I always put sports ahead of school,” Belliveau said. “But now it’s more difficult. In college, there’s always something to do. It’s as if everything you do feels like you’re taking time you know you don’t have.”
Despite the tough balancing act, Belliveau continues to play. As her teammate freshman Elizabeth Lutz explains, water polo takes more than solely time, but it’s still worth it.
“Water polo is a sport that requires both physical and mental toughness,” Lutz said. “I’m thankful the Lord has given me this opportunity to expand my abilities by challenging me in new ways.”
