East’s girls´ water polo team is getting back to the pool. What’s next for them?

To start with a splash, some changes were made entering the new season. 

“This year we do have new coaching. One of our coaches left. That’s been a big adjustment for all of us. Especially with the newer co-op, I think we all adjusted very well, but it’s still something different,” said senior Ariana Barone.

But some things have just been too good to change. Last year, coach Elizabeth Savickas, the East girls’ water polo coach, and the St. Charles North team decided to start a co-op with varsity and junior varsity. 

“When it was separate, we just didn’t have enough girls on either team, and it was just hard because there were a lot less people. I mean, it’s not a super popular sport, but now that we’re all together, I feel like it’s just cool to see these new faces on the team. I think it’s really helped,” said freshman Sashi Naidu. 

Overall, the co-op seems to have been a positive experience in the pool, for the returnees and the newcomers.

“It’s definitely helped the team a lot. I think as a team we’ve grown a lot with these new opportunities,” added senior Aurelia Sobol.

According to the team, the biggest takeaway has been how changes and similarities from last year’s season have affected their teamwork this year. 

“I really think the co-op has affected us a lot. It’s hard, I mean, a little more challenging than with just one school, now we have two schools, especially since we don’t see [other teammates] every practice.  Communication and teamwork are just so important now especially,” said sophomore Gwen Reed.

After their advancement to the semi-finals in IHSA sectionals last year, along with the changes made for this upcoming season, the team did some reflecting on the upcoming games and how they are able to work together.

So far in the season, the team has been more successful in the pool than in the past cycle.  “I feel like we’re learning a lot throughout this season. There are new players and they’re learning so fast, I think we’re doing well. I’m excited for sectionals,” said Junior Kitty Coelher.  “Exactly. Whenever we notice something, we’re quick to fix it for each other,” added freshman Olivia Hovlovic. 

“I think we’ll do well. I know that a lot of the changes have been helpful, and new players have really changed a lot too, like the different coaching, it’s just a lot of change, I think we’re ready for it though,” said freshman Kaylee Waite.

So far, the team and coaches have shown excitement for the shifts and how that will affect the remainder of the season. They are expecting a return to the IHSA sectionals to finish off the girls’ water polo season in 2026.