The Bishop’s Girls’ Varsity Water Polo match against La Jolla high was more than just a game — it was a heartfelt celebration of the seniors Sydney Hagan, Kylie Nordan, and Madeline “Maddy” Lane who dedicated four years to the program. These girls have not only contributed their athletic talents but have also helped create a more connected team, leaving a legacy of friendship, kindness and support. 

After their final home game, the Knights left with another win. The final score was 22-5. Up next for this team are CIF playoffs, hopefully ending with one last win for our seniors.

On Friday, February 7th, after finishing their pregame warmups and surrounded by their family, one by one each senior was called up by Head Coach Doug Peabody and greeted with flowers from former players and Coach Ian Davidson. After years spent practicing and competing in the Bishop’s pool, this time, they each got their moment to shine on the deck. Colorful posters made for each of the seniors by their teammates lined the fence beside the pool, consisting of nicknames and pictures of the team.

Farren Moss (‘27) feels that the seniors have played an instrumental role in shaping the team’s culture. “The seniors have been really great this year,” she shared, “They have done such a great job at making the team a welcoming environment, and we’re all super close this year.” Their impact extended beyond the pool, fostering a strong sense of community. “They are always there for us in and out of the pool.”.

Since the program’s beginning, a big part of what keeps the water polo team together is the strong sense of community. As former player and alumni, Coach Georgia Gilmore put it, “The Bishop’s water polo program is a family…there is a place for you to feel like you’re with your family away from your family.”

Coach Peabody echoed this sentiment, and also added, “We put so much time and work into each season as coaches, as we know the players put so much time and effort into their season. We are very proud of the girls and all their hard work,” he said. 

Senior Night, Coach Peabody noted, is a time of reflection, not only for the athletes but also for their families. “It gives them a chance to reminisce and hopefully cherish memories and moments of time spent together while doing something very hard and challenging themselves on a daily basis,” he said.

When asked what her time on this team has taught her, senior Kylie Nordan, who plays on the 4/5, said, “This team has taught me the meaning of true friendship,” adding, “and how to be held accountable and how to hold others accountable.”

Senior Sydney Hagan, who plays center but mainly on the 1/2 side, reflected, “It kinda feels surreal like the fact that it’s already our time to graduate and leave this program.” With the fact that they have been surrounded by these girls and coaches multiple times a week, year round for many years, Sydney added that “ it’s gonna be a lot different next year.”

Senior Madeline “Maddy” Lane and starting goalie for the team said, “Being on this team means being a part of something that is bigger than myself. We all work to our common goals, and we must support and trust each other.” 

As the seniors move on to their next chapter, the coaches hope they will spend time doing the other things that they find joy in. “Obviously, my goal is to help them be amazing water polo players, but I more want to help mold them into great people because I think that’s the most important thing in life,” Coach Gilmore said. “I hope that they go on and continue to spread their positive and amazing energy onto others and do what makes them happy.”

Coach Peabody also wants the girls to remember the valuable lessons they have learned from the program. “You also want them to take things from the program that taught them character, discipline, teamwork, and how to stand up and speak for themselves, and become productive people in our society.”

As the Girls’ Varsity Water Polo team is nearing the end of their time with Sydney, Kylie, and Maddy, the team can’t help but remember the impact these girls have had on them. When the seniors finally take their leave at the end of the year, they will be missed but the team will always be proud and grateful for them. Farren, with similar feelings to the rest of the team, said, “It’s really sad to see them go but they have accomplished so much and I’m really proud of them.”

Maddy said, “Honestly, I don’t ever think it would go this fast. I have watched generations of lady water ballers graduate, and all of them have gone on to do such amazing things. I am so proud to be a part of this team and legacy.”