Water Polo Senior Night took place on October 22 at Pacheco High School. This year, there were seven senior girls and no boys, which made the night extra special and emotional. It was a time to celebrate everything these girls have accomplished over the years and to look back on all the great memories they’ve made together.

Senior Samantha Carter (12) shared one of her proudest moments from her water polo career. “My proudest moment in my water polo career was being able to get back in the pool to play after my knee injury,” she said.

She also talked about what the sport has taught her over these past four years. “Water polo has taught me to always be brave and strong,” Carter said.

When asked to describe the team in one word, Mia Duran (12) said, “Family.” That one word really sums up how close this team has become. Duran said she’ll miss all the little moments that made the team so special.

One of the team’s favorite traditions happens at the very end of the season. “At the end of the season, on our last away game, we all eat at Sizzlers after the game,” Duran said.

Playing their last home game was a tough but meaningful moment for all seniors. “Playing our last home game as seniors was definitely tough but such a bittersweet feeling,” Duran said.

Carter shared that her coaches, teammates, and parents have been her biggest motivation. “They believed in me when I didn’t,” she said.

Both girls had advice for the younger players coming up behind them. “Don’t take what we say in the pool to heart,” Duran said. “We say things to help you get better and improve.”

When asked what she would tell her freshman year self, Duran had a message that a lot of seniors can relate to. “Enjoy every moment because time really does fly,” she said.

When asked who the funniest person on the team was, Duran didn’t hesitate. “The funniest person on the team has to be Carter. She has such out of pocket funny jokes that make everyone laugh.”

Senior Night was full of smiles, tears, and memories that the team will never forget. The seven seniors have left their imprint on the Los Banos water polo program, showing what it means to work hard, stay strong, and be there for each other, both in and out of the pool.