As a new season begins, the Groves Women’s Water Polo team is diving back into the pool with a mix of returning talent and new energy. After intense preseason conditioning, the team is preparing for a competitive schedule, hoping to bring home some wins.
Senior captain and goalie Baity Wagner emphasized chemistry as a key focus for the season.
“Team chemistry is really important to me,” Wagner said. “Our mindset is something we struggled with a bit, so I’m just really hoping to bring some positive energy to the team and figure out how we can work the best together.”
While much of the roster has returned for the 2026 season, the team has welcomed several new players. Eight of the team’s 17 players are underclassmen. One of the biggest adjustments has been the goalie position.
“We didn’t lose a ton of seniors last year, which was nice.” Said Wagner. “But we did lose a goalie, so we have been training new goalies. I’m training 2 freshmen right now. So pretty young besides me.”
However, on the offensive front, several older players are expected to play major roles this year. Wagner pointed at senior and fellow captain Aly Rahl as one of the team’s top players.
“She is really physical. She plays our offense, one of our best players,” Wagner said.
Junior Mallory Gerken is another player to watch, particularly for her speed in the water.
“At the beginning of every water polo game, they basically drop the ball in the middle of the pool, and it’s a sprint to go get it to see who has first possession,” Wagner said. “I don’t remember the last time she lost a sprint. I think she had over 100 sprints won last year.”
The team faces tough competition this year, with matchups against programs such as Chelsea, East Lansing and Ann Arbor. These teams have been historically difficult opponents, but also provide valuable opportunities for growth. So far in the season, the girls have played some harder opponents, but win or lose, feel they have improved significantly from last season.
Despite the challenges ahead, the team feels prepared. After a preseason focused on conditioning and collaboration, players say they are ready to compete and build on last year’s foundation. With a strong core of experienced players, young talent, and a renewed focus on chemistry, Groves is entering the season with a clear goal: to improve, compete, and make positive change for the program.
