Written By: Madison Dutra '17
With one year under her belt and plenty of hard work, Keri Clifford (KC) is ready to take on her sophomore year with the women's water polo team. Santa Clara Broncos (SBC) got the inside scoop on what Clifford and the team have in store for this season.
SCB: What are some of your team and individual goals going into the start of this season?
KC: Transitioning from high school to college water polo last year was a big jump for me in terms of physicality and caliber of play. This year I have focused on pushing my speed in the swim sets and building my leg strength. One of my personal goals for this season is to work on finishing my moves in set, and being more confident and aggressive in the pool. As a team, one of our goals for the season is to be ranked in the top 20. We are also looking forward to a re-match with UC Santa Barbara, who we lost to earlier in the season. Our ultimate goal for this season would be to win our conference.
SCB: As a sophomore on the team, do you feel like your role as a leader and player has changed compared to your freshman year?
KC: My freshman year was a developing year for me. I was able to further develop my skills and learn our team's style of play. Last year we graduated a large senior class, so our sophomore class has really had to step up this year. Our upperclassmen provide a great source of leadership for the team, whether it be through words of encouragement or teaching us underclassmen new tips and tricks. As one of the quieter people on the team, I try to lead by example: always pushing myself in practice, helping set-up and break-down the pool, and just being there for my teammates if anyone needs someone to talk to.
SCB: What is the toughest part about playing on the road and in different pools? Is there a huge difference when having "home-pool" advantage?
KC: Playing on the road is tough, in that you don't get to sleep in your own bed and you have to miss class, but our travel trips are really great times for team bonding. It is always great having the "home pool" advantage. There is nothing better than playing in our own pool and having our friends and family there to cheer us on.
SCB: Who will be your toughest opponent this year?
KC: Our toughest opponent this year will be our rival, LMU. Every time we play them it is always a very close and competitive game. We do not play LMU until April so we have plenty of time to train, but beating them would be a highlight of our season!
SCB: Are there any fun facts about the women's water polo team that your fellow Broncos and classmates wouldn't know?
KC: One fun fact that people may not know is that a few of our teammates have formed an a-capella group. They take singing in the shower to a whole new level. I guess you could say we are a pretty musical bunch - in fact - we even have a "twerker" on our team.
