Warren’s boy’s water polo season is well underway. With a month down and a little over two weeks left, let’s go over where the team stands now, and where it looks to go.
But first, what is water polo? Senior Brandon Morales describes it best: “Like soccer but in the water. You’re treading water, swimming, and just shooting a ball around the goal,” Water Polo is an incredibly physical game with 14 players in the pool at a time, seven per team including a goalie. The players set up positions in order to score and defend their goal. It’s described as an intense and aggressive sport, with physicality and mentality working in tandem.
With a brand-new head coach, Warren’s Athletic department is hoping that the change in leadership will bring the shift
in consistency and culture the program has lacked in previous seasons, “ I want our guys to not only learn the game but learn life lessons and build character by being a part of the team.” says Athletic director Aimee Lonigro.
The team seems to have a shared goal this season: building chemistry. Seniors Brandon Morales and Sam Foster agree that having good chemistry as a team is the most challenging part of the sport, and that practice is crucial in working on chemistry, whether it be in or out of the pool. Coach O’Neill is optimistic about the team’s progress this year, sharing that the boys are more positive and connected than in years past. Coach Taylor echoes this sentiment, “… Just learn how to love the sport of water polo because I feel like in past years they really haven’t had the chance to do this, have fun, or really to, you know, just let themselves live through the sport of water polo and be a team.”
The development of skills is also crucial to this team’s success. For 2 hours a day, everyday, the boys are conditioning in the pool, treading and swimming or, on dry land, lifting. “We’re really looking to make sure all the guys have very solid fundamentals,” explains Coach O Neil. The ultimate goal is build a balanced offensive and defensive repertoire, improving what he calls a “Water Polo IQ.”
Still, as senior Sam Foster notes, success is built on more than just skill. “Have the right mindset” is more than just a motto—it’s a way of preparing for games through communication, visualization, and confidence. Coaches O’Neill and Taylor emphasize a “game-ready” mentality, encouraging players to stay calm, focused, and mentally sharp.
This season’s emphasis on culture, mindset, and growth is already paying off. The team is creating a stronger, more inclusive environment—one that benefits both returning players and newcomers alike.
When asked what their favorite part of the sport was, they could have said winning or scoring goals. Instead: “Competing and representing our school in the pool. The sport isn’t very big so it’s great to have a team that represents our school,” These athletes are true Warren Blue Devils, proudly wearing the blue and gold even without the spotlight.
Despite a current 4-13 record (per MaxPreps), the team has faced some of the state’s toughest competition. Their opponents include three state championship-caliber programs: St. Patrick, Stevenson (8 appearances, 2 titles, downstate the past two years), and Brother Rice (2 appearances, 1 win). With fewer than five games left and playoff brackets set to drop on April 25, there’s still time for the team to lock in and finish out strong.
Looking for something different to do on a school night? Come support the boys’ water polo team! The Athletic Department encourages students to attend a game—you just might walk away with a new appreciation for one of the most intense sports around.
Go Blue Devils!
