Adz Morales ’25, a co-captain of the Girls Water Polo team, is a connected leader and a mentor for the team’s new players. She fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for all of her teammates.
Morales recalled her journey of integrating into the Andover water polo team as a Freshman. New to the sport, she remembered being guided to join the sport by an upperclassman.
“I have been playing water polo for the last four years. I got into it because my upperclassman friend did it and said she enjoyed it. She took me under her wing and brought me to the first practice, and then I never stopped,” said Morales.
Camden Schopler ’27 highlighted Morales’s ability to adapt her leadership to what the role calls for, being open with her teammates as a supportive peer while maintaining professionalism to find success with the team.
“Part of it is her ability to fluctuate between [being a leader and a teammate]. She can be very easygoing at times; she forms many great bonds with her teammates and herself. I feel very at ease telling her about anything and talking to her about games. She doesn’t make it seem like she’s some big, cold person, but she can also be strict at times and make sure we get stuff done,” said Schopler.
Morales hopes to bond with her teammates as a peer and a leader, emphasizing out-of-practice connection to unify the team.
“I try to lead by approaching everybody as a whole person, not just a water polo player, especially since there are many people who learn how to play water polo in their first year here, so I try to get to know them outside of the water,” said Morales.
Audrey Baeten-Ruffo ’28 emphasized Morales’s ability to lead a largely inexperienced team and help to coach those who had to brush up on their skills without overwhelming them.
“Especially at the beginning of the season, there were many times when [Adelaide] would stop what she was doing and help people learn the correct basic technique. Also, for returners, everyone was out of practice at the beginning of the season. Everyone was either a little rusty or had never played before. We’ve gotten up to game shape together. She strikes a great balance between pushing people to be their best and giving them space to get there,” said Baeten-Ruffo.
Moreover, Schopler praised Morales for this approach with newer players with less water polo experience. She explained that Morales helps each player learn each skill deeply.
“She’s very patient. She’ll demonstrate to the team what needs to get done. She’ll take each player step by step. She works with them patiently, which is the main thing, and she’ll show them how. She’ll go over it with them, so they don’t keep making the same mistake,” said Schopler.
Morales emphasized how her leadership has translated into her teammates’ actions, emulating aspects of her work to ensure the team follows routine despite the occasional absence of its captain.
“If I’m not at practice because I have to go to the trainer, get taped, or am just late to practice, I see that the uppers are stepping up and making sure people are getting in the water and being enthusiastic and focused. Ensuring I always start my practice enthusiastically, getting ready to warm up, and being focused, I see them take that mentality even when I’m not there, which really helps keep our team in routine,” said Morales.
According to Baeten-Ruffo, Morales is a vibrant personality in the pool that acts as a pillar of entertainment atop her constant support. Her commitment to bringing out the joy in water polo
“What stands out about her leadership is how she helps everyone find joy and genuine enjoyment in water polo. You’ll always see her laughing and joking with people. I’m glad to see a lot of joy at practice. It’s really contagious,” said Baeten-Ruffo.
Morales hopes to play water polo as a club sport in the future, using her leadership skills to connect with other players.
