After winning the State championship last year, the boys water polo team faces tough expectations, both internally and externally. With new players, competition over spots, and more, this season has held multiple challenges for them.

“There has been a lot of pressure on the team to recreate last year’s season,” Sami Rabah ‘25 said. “Our goal every year is to win State. We [work] every day towards that goal.”

This season has been more difficult for the team; at the time of publication, the team had a win/loss record of 8-7 in comparison to their total record of 27-3 last year. 

“I think [it] is important as we are a new team to focus on what is in front of us rather than what we accomplished in the past,” Ben Kozak ‘26 said. “I hope to go far in the state rankings and surprise the people who thought we wouldn’t be strong this year due to graduating a large senior class. We have a lot more to offer that we hope to show off.”

The starting players this season are Finn Gallagher ‘25, Collin McNeil ‘27, Wesley Musgrove ‘26, Zayn Rabah ‘25, and Jack Walls ‘25, along with Kozak and S. Rabah.

“The win last year definitely raised expectations, but it also gave our returning players a deeper appreciation for the effort and unity it takes to succeed at that level,” head varsity coach Doug Eichstaedt said. “This environment has been competitive, motivated, and focused on continuing that tradition.”

Last season, the team had more returning starters and experienced players. This season, more time has been spent teaching first-year varsity players who have been accommodating to bigger roles. 

“I believe we have been improving a lot quicker compared to our competitors,” Kozak said. “It is important to reflect on the small things the team has accomplished, such as improving our knowledge of gamework and plays, getting faster through conditioning, getting stronger in the weight room, and learning new shooting and driving moves that we can use in games.”

Due to the high number of seniors who left, leadership distribution has changed greatly, Kozak said. Upperclassmen have now adopted the role of teaching the underclassmen. 

“We have tremendous leadership that is keeping team chemistry strong as we face different challenges from our opponents,” Eichstaedt said. “But that’s what makes it exciting—watching a group build its own identity and figure out how to win together. The guys have stepped up in big moments, and it’s awesome to see their progress from the beginning of the season to now.”

Rallying through the losses, the team had a strong showing at the Fenwick Invite (March 20 to March 22), winning 12-0 against Lincoln Way East.

“Watching younger players earn their first varsity minutes and contribute meaningfully has been a big highlight,” Eichstaedt said. “Continuing to build on the program’s legacy with hard work and integrity is always something we’re proud of. That resilience and belief in each other really [shows] the character of this group.”

Starting May 22, the team will compete at the IHSA State Finals at Stevenson. The championship game will occur on May 24.