Just getting started. That’s the feeling surrounding the Eagles after they closed last season with a PacWest Conference championship win followed by a trip to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) national tournament. Team spirit is at a new high coming into this season after having such an accomplishment in just the third year of the program’s history. However, with such success comes great expectations.
COMRADERY
The program’s inaugural season was 2021, and the fact that in just three years it has grown to a national-caliber team is an immense testament to the talent and unity of the players.
“God blessed us with success that was beyond what we thought possible,” Coach Rick Nordell said in regards to the incredible achievement.
Following such a landmark season is never simple, but the Eagles approach this season with joy and comradery. The team is grateful for the unique opportunity to play this sport at such a high level.
Senior history major Luke Franklin states the team atmosphere this season “has soared to be even more of a brotherhood.” This brotherhood started with the senior class who have been with the program since its inception, but it also includes this year’s freshmen and how they are being welcomed and mentored.
Coach Nordell heaped praise on his upperclassmen for this team’s comradery, having pointed out that for the new freshmen, “their transition has been smooth, thanks in part to the supportive culture established by the upperclassmen, especially the seniors, who have made a conscious effort to welcome and mentor them.” He emphasized that seniors have shaped this program and now, as they’re graduating, seek to shape the future into one of success, but also joy, and brotherhood. And the new freshmen are giving back to the team in a big way.
As a result of the seniors’ welcoming effort, the newcomers can work freely, unencumbered by the anxieties that come with not fitting in. This comfort allows them to push themselves confidently. Coach Nordell said they have done well and “the Biola men’s water polo freshmen have brought a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team.” He praises their work ethic, willingness to learn and take constructive criticism and their unique intensity that pushes the team as a whole. New blood makes things happen; it can propel a team to new heights and bring passion and energy more seasoned players may not have. The Eagles water polo team has created the perfect environment to do just that. Comradery leads to success in any sport, and this team is certainly no exception.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME
This season holds a promise of something even more special. There are 10 graduating seniors on the team this season.
“It will be super awesome to see things come full circle for seniors who are bringing our polo careers to a close,” Franklin said.
Several of these players have been with the program for all four years of its existence, and with limited professional opportunities in the sport, this is likely their last season playing water polo. Add that to the usual experiences and emotions of finishing college, this season carries immense importance for the players and the program. Coach Nordell testified to this as well, having seen this program and these seniors grow from day one.
“Emotionally, it’s bittersweet for me,” Nordell said. ”I have had the privilege to walk alongside these 10 seniors for the past four years. We have waded through valleys and experienced the joys of the mountaintops together. Each and everyone will forever hold a place in my heart.”
The importance of this season is not just about coaches and graduating seniors. Biola seeks to double the success of last season. The program hopes to establish its presence as a powerhouse, not only in the PacWest conference, but nationally.
Franklin encapsulated the importance of this season.
“The main goals for the team are to win the conference championship and make it back to the NCAA tournament. This is the best way to show our progress and if we capitalized on our potential,” he said.
While last year was amazing, the Eagles are determined to improve on that season of dominance. Everyone is buying in on not only returning to nationals but exceeding last year’s finish. The 2023 team was eliminated in the first round by University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). But this result comes with no shame, especially since it was the farthest the team had ever gone. Still, it fuels desire for further strides this season. The Eagles have tasted the big stage, and the 2024 team is hungrier than ever.
