by Jet Walls

Head Coach Adam Lee, senior team captain Julian Almanza and freshman star Brayden Krakowski feel great after leading the Braves’ water polo team to a 5-0 record to start their season.

Coach Lee has big expectations for and a lot of confidence in his squad. The team has their eyes set on the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs at the end of the season. 

“Our main team goals are to create a culture of hard work, discipline and trust,” said Coach Lee.

Playing in the Trinity League, which is one of the most challenging leagues in the country, Bosco has a competitive road ahead. 

“A big part of our process is control what you can control, and you always have to keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how you start the game; it matters how you keep moving forward,” said Coach Lee. 

Bosco’s new team captain Julian Almanza is eager to lead his team to a successful season this year in the pool.

“It feels good to know that all the work that I have put in continues to show. Going into my senior year, I am a bit nervous,” Julian said. “I am taking over a new role as team captain. Being a team captain is very new to me, so I am just trying to get the hang of things.”

Julian has set very high expectations for the team and himself. His goal of playing in college is helping to drive him to be better, and he is really looking forward to games in the Trinity League.

“I am aiming to make first team all Trinity League and MVP for the team. I plan to lead by example and always help my teammates whenever things get tough and take responsibility over the team,” said Julian.

The Braves have lit up the scoreboard in their first five games, having mostly high-scoring matchups with their opponents.

“Something right now that is really translating best is our counterattack to offense. We’ve been working extremely hard on improving it and getting it down, and I think it’s definitely showing,” said Julian.

Freshman Brayden Krakowski is excited to keep the team’s success rolling. He is excited to learn from the upperclassmen and contribute to his team.

“[It is] a really cool experience to play with upperclassmen and learn things from them, such as staying consistent and working hard,” said Brayden.

Brayden is confident in his team and their ability to make CIF together. He believes that their strength and speed in the water has improved and helped them overcome opponents. 

Brayden is committed to Bosco and wants to work hard for his Bosco brothers. He and his teammates keep up an intense training schedule with two practices a day, where they emphasize working on speed and linear movements in the water as well as team strategy and game planning.

You can support Bosco Water Polo by attending games at the Bellflower Aquatic Center – directly across the street from Panish Family Stadium – and contributing to their online fundraiser. The Braves next game is at home tomorrow against Cerritos High School at Bellflower Aquatics Center. The game starts at 3:15 pm.