Co-Captain Ariana Zhao ’25 leads the girls water polo team with understanding and patience. As a player that began at Andover, Ariana applied this knowledge to better her teammates. Off to an undefeated start, Girls Water Polo has thrived under her co-captainship and experience.
Zhao began playing in her Lower year after deciding to try something new. Although she hadn’t played as a Junior, her decision to join the team quickly turned into a lasting passion.
“I actually started playing in my lower year. I didn’t do it freshman year just because I didn’t think I would like it, but I decided to try it lower year and I loved it, so I’ve played ever since. It’s something that is super fun for me. I obviously started at Andover, so I don’t put a lot of stress on myself. It’s something more fun, and it’s still rewarding and I still work hard, but I really love playing it,” said Zhao.
Co-Captain Adelaide Morales ’25 highlighted Zhao as a leader who sets the tone for the team through her commitment and mindset. Whether during games or in practice, Zhao consistently demonstrates the importance of effort and attitude.
“Ariana leads by example. She’s a very hard-working individual, and she really prioritizes work ethic and work ethic as a team. In and out of practice, she’s really focused and concentrated on the idea of mindset and making sure we have a healthy one about mistakes and improving, and just always putting our best foot forward,” said Morales.
Manager Zachary Godsey ’25 spoke to Zhao’s impact on the team, especially through her willingness to support newer players. He noted that Zhao brings a unique perspective that helps her connect with teammates who are still learning the game.
“Given her experience as someone who started in the tenth grade, she really understands how it feels to be learning water polo in high school, and that translates. A lot of the time she will stay after practice and shoot, and she’ll want to work on some drills longer. She just really enjoys it, which is really good. When she stays to help other people out or tries to explain things to newer people, she’s coming from a place of experience,” said Godsey.
Morales ’25 praised Zhao for her ability to connect with her teammates both in and out of the water, noting how Zhao creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
“She’s really good at connecting with people outside of the locker room, and if she finds something in common with them, she really makes sure to capitalize on it and ask about people’s day in and out of the water. She starts with saying hello to everybody to just make everyone feel included and welcomed. She’s very patient and she’s really interested in helping the new players, to either gain comfortability in the water or just with the ball when we first get the balls in. She focuses on uplifting from the ground up,” said Morales.
Zhao will continue aquatics at The University of Michigan with a focus on swimming, but will always hold water polo close. She discussed playing recreationally and what a future in water polo may look like.
“I will not be playing water polo in college—I’m going to be swimming in college—but water polo is going to be a sport that I am always going to love playing. I always joke around that after my swimming career is over, I might join a masters water polo league, which is something that would be fun. I’ll still play once in a while for fun,” said Zhao.
