Last year was a year of firsts for the girls water polo team; it was the first time Palatine has ever beaten Fremd in the sport, the first time they won Sectionals, and as a result, it was their first time going to State. After last year’s record-high finish in the “Elite Eight” at State, the team is looking forward to another successful season. While it seems like the lady Pirates have a difficult reputation to uphold, neither the team nor coaches express too much concern about the upcoming season.

Coach Mitch Tucker explains that his confidence in the team is well-founded, “The girls have been working hard during off-season practice in the mornings, so we are ready to rock.”

Senior captains Caroline Wojtas and Caitlin McHugh agree with the sentiment; both have been in charge of the early practices which have gotten the entire team in shape.

When asked about the extra practices, Wojtas says, “We put in way more work than ever before and it is obvious that it has helped. The first week of practice isn’t as hard as usual and we can skip getting into shape and start working on skills.”

By continuing this trend of going above and beyond, the team hopes to win both Conference and Sectionals and return to State for the second year in a row- which would be another school record. This goal won’t be easy to acheive. Teams like Conant, who is ranked only two spots below the Pirates on preseason rankings, will make the fight to the top a grueling one. After losing an exciting Sectional finals game to Palatine last year, the Cougars are sure to be looking for revenge.

Other than the tough games ahead, the Pirates don’t have much to worry about. Originally, there were a few concerns about the size of the team– about half of last year’s varsity team were seniors. But even though the Lady Pirates may have lost some of their best, they have several promising returning athletes.

Captains Wojtas and McHugh will be heavy hitters and have already been awarded the prestigious All Illpolo Team preseason awards. In addition, juniors Kristin Anderson and Mathilde Mogensen will provide the team with the speed that is so essential to the fast-moving sport. Senior Jackie Kincannon is likely to be another key player, as she has been a top contributor in previous years. Even though she’s a first time varsity athlete, sophomore Ashley Helminski is bound to make some waves as well. The team is well-rounded and relatively young, which makes this and next season’s prospects high.

The girls’ first game will be on Tuesday, March 10 against the Mundelein Mustangs. Head down to the pool to support the Lady Pirates in another exciting season! Go Pirates!