Date: 10 Mar 2010 Comments:0
BAC’s BEGINNER Women’s Masters Team is having a New Athlete Day on March 23rd! Take a look at what some of our members have to say about the program, and feel free to contact them with questions about their experiences. We hope to see all you BAC moms out there in the pool!
“Before I found BAC Master’s Water Polo, I didn’t have the nerve to try the sport. In college, it was all people who’d played in high school. After college, it was people who’d played all through high school and college. Then I kept getting older and more out of shape, especially out of shape for swimming.
“Then I found BAC…and I had the answer. All women, all ages, many of whom had never played before! I could learn without feeling like I was the odd woman out. I’m so glad I decided to give a free practice a try. I learned that water polo is fun, that it’s never too late to learn, that it’s an amazing workout, and an even more amazing group of women – women who’ve become my team and my friends. ”
– Maureen
Reach out to Maureen and ask her about her experience at: m.kilkeary@gmail.com
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“I joined the BAC Women’s Water Polo team at the age of 49. I knew I needed to improve my fitness from sporadic exercise to something more consistent and more effective than walking on a semi regular basis. I know for me it’s about fun and connection and though I did swim in college I was not the fastest swimmer and had never played water polo. The challenge was a little daunting. At first I fell into bed completely exhausted after 2 hours of doing my best to keep my head above water. Little by little I got stronger and faster. The coach and team members made it so easy to be part of the group and encouraged me each step of the way. Today I’m more confident but more importantly I’m continuing to have fun and always learning new things. Not to leave out the objective results – I’ve dropped two dress sizes, lost 20 pounds, reduced my blood pressure from 130 over 86 to 111 over 59 and haven’t measured those biceps but they’re looking good. I’ve made new friends, competed at the Senior National Games and found a sport that energizes me and motivates my fitness goals. Who would have ever thought at 50 I’d be taking on the challenge of team sports but here I am and hope to see you in the pool.”
– Julie
Reach out to Julie and ask her about her experience at: jhaas2004@yahoo.com
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“I’ve played with BAC for almost 2 years, before that I didn’t know what water polo was! I learned every thing I know about the sport in the Burlingame pool! I never even swam on a swim team before, but the ladies were welcoming and helped me along my way. Despite not swimming much, I have some advantages: a background in other team sports ( field hockey, softball, basketball, and rugby to name a few!) and a competitve spirit! Water polo is surprisingly easy to catch on for someone who is generally a land lover.”
– Melissa
Reach out to Melissa and ask her about her experience at: melissa_marie_cross@yahoo.com
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I have been on the women’s team since it’s inception nearly 2 years ago. I was interested in the the game because both my sons played and one was coached by Amy in the summer league. The coaches at BAC are fun to work with and have taught us all to understand the game and continue to teach us the skills to play. It is a great way to get in shape and the women that are on the team have become friends. There are women of all ages and abilities and we rally for one another. I am one of the oldest on the team, just celebrated my 55th birthday and I try to keep up with girls that are young enough to be my daughter, but that’s me, I love a good competition and what better way to stay in shape. The thought of going to the gym bores me to death! I highly recommend BAC and our team, come join us!
– Nancy
Reach out to Nancy and ask her about her experience at: jnp614@sbcglobal.net
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“My name is Anita and I grew up loving the water. I was on the swim team and was a synchronized swimmer. I never did play water polo. For over 20 years I rarely touched the water and I missed it a lot. When I heard they were starting a women’s team I wanted to try it, but I was afraid since I am in my 40’s. I am so glad I did it, I love it and rarely miss a practice, even in the rain and cold.”
– Anita
Reach out to Anita and ask her about her experience at: ASPRINKLES@SFGIANTS.com
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“I started playing water polo 5 years ago, at the age of 48, and had absolutely no experience when I started. I had watched my daughter play in high school and college, and it looked like it would be a new challenge, great exercise, and a lot of fun, and it turned out to be all of that and more! The first master women’s water polo team on the peninsula was forming at that time, in the hope that age-group teams could be put together to compete in tournaments in the Bay Area and throughout the state. Only one of the women who joined the team at that time had played before, so we all started as beginners and built ourselves into a team little by little. After two years of practicing and working together, our 50’s team helped break new ground by being one of the first women’s teams to play water polo at the FINA Games, the international senior tournament for aquatic sports. It was a priceless experience, made even more special by the friendships formed along the way.
Water polo has become an important part of my life. Although I’m still not in the shape I want, it helps me get a little closer every week. I feel so much better after playing every week that it motivates me to get out there for every practice. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve learned to play a very demanding, physical game and am mastering new skills all the time. Most of all, I thoroughly enjoy the people I’ve met and gotten to know through this sport, and the relationships that never would have happened without joining a team.”
– Kerry
Reach out to Kerry and ask her about her experience at: kerryhansell@yahoo.com
