Transforming from an inexperienced player to one who dreams of playing in college, junior water polo player Tess Coulson has been transformed by water polo.

“I had zero background going into waterpolo, I didn’t even know how to tread or catch the ball with one hand, but it was easy to learn with a great coach and supportive teammates,” Coulson said.

Coulson’s water polo journey began with a push from others, and has gained much momentum as her time in the sport has increased.

“I was initially forced to do water polo by my parents and former Central swim coach, Mr. John Mabie, but I instantly liked the sport,” Coulson said. “Last year the new coach told me there were club teams and I joined over the summer, so now I play water polo year round.”

Coulson, according to her, made a seamless transition to the sport, even though water polo has many rules that must be understood to play the game.

While the goal of the game is to simply outscore the other team throughout four quarters, there are many “nitpicky rules.” “Each quarter starts with a swim off and they usually last about 7 minutes. Each player can only touch the ball with one hand at a time. Each team has 30 seconds to score or the ball is turned over. Each player is allowed 3 kickouts [a harsher foul] before being kicked out of the game. If a player is rolled (for punching someone or excessive violence), they are kicked out of the current and next game. Each player is allowed unlimited fouls. Players also cannot touch the bottom of the pool,” Coulson explained.

Aside from understanding the rules, Coulson undergoes much physical preparation prior to the start of the season, which includes swimming for the school’s swim team.

“To prepare you must condition a lot considering you are sprinting and treading the whole time,” Coulson said. “So swimming obviously helps, but the stereotypical push-ups and sit ups take you a long way.”

Though Coulson participates as a part of the swim team, it is used mainly as preparation for water polo, the sport Coulson enjoys more.

“Swimming is completely different because its monotonous, you’re head is always down and you just swim up and down. I swim so that I can have better endurance and speed for water polo,” Coulson said. “Water polo you are playing a game with people and using more than just speed and strength. You have to think about what you’re doing, what’s happening and what you need to be doing.”

When playing for the school water polo team, Coulson faces co-ed competition, which provides for a different experience than the majority of school sports. A new sense of strategy is also invoked with both boys and girls playing.

“Coed is really fun because the competition is completely different between guys and girls,” Coulson said. “Girls are more vicious but guys are bigger and stronger so you play according to who you are up against.”

Throughout her relatively short time as a water polo player, Coulson has seen success in the water, and achievements that swim out of the pool.

“For the Central team, I have had the most assists, kickouts, and improvement awards and for club, I play an age group up,” Coulson said. ”I’ve gained a lot of muscle, along with injuries, from water polo but I have also gained lots of friends, connections to colleges, lifetime relationships, and a new work ethic.”

While Coulson’s water polo journey only began in high school, her experience with the sport has already created a special environment.

“The water polo team is like a family, and no one ever feels left out,” Coulson said. “Water polo season is the highlight of my school year because of how amazing the sport is and how great the people are.”