The Everyday Life of a Female Water Polo Player

-
Have you ever seen those scenes in a movie set on a gorgeous beach, with lots of people enjoying the sunshine, kids building sand castles and bathers losing track of time as they enjoy the water? We all know what happens next…queue high pitched scream, the camera pans to someone drowning, then exciting, suspenseful background music ensues as a lifeguard appears next to the victim who inadvertently tries to pull the lifeguard underwater as they frantically kick and thrash about. Cut! That basically describes my life as a 20-year female water polo player in Trinidad. Every tournament is plagued by violent tugs, pulls, and kicks underwater, as if treading water for long periods isn’t enough. The worst part is, referees barely ever see these things happen underwater. We the players, are well aware of these things happening below the surface. While some see this extra aggression as part of the sport, others admit to the emotional and physical toll it takes. And, women players are expected to be tough and graceful! I am constantly navigating these expectations while giving my best efforts to support my teammates. At the same time, I feel empowered in the water, not because I too am kicking and tugging but because I love playing water polo. I hope these nuances of toughness, humor, and team spirit provide some insight into what it’s like to be a female water polo player today. 

By Lexi Lucas


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tamana Mountain Chocolate – Keeping the Art of Cocoa Cultivation Alive in Trinidad and Tobago

-
 As a study abroad student in Trinidad and Tobago, I wanted to understand the connection between livelihoods and sustainability among small farmers. One of the few things I knew about the country was that chocolate was made from a cacao plant called Trinitario. One of the things I knew less about was colonial plantation agriculture and its influences on present-day life. Historically, mass production on the West Indian sugar plantation altered the trajectory of modern capitalism, the food industry, and tastes on both sides of the Atlantic, as I read in Sidney Mintz’s Sweetness and Power . But there was also cocoa production that had taken place in Trinidad, which continues centuries later through the concerted efforts of local farmers. One of these local cocoa farms, Tamana Mountain Chocolate, is run by the Matthew family.  To better understand sustainable agriculture and explore the interrelationship between cocoa farmers and their local environment today, especially given th...
Read more

In Canada, but not of Canada: Searching for Belonging

-
I have lived in Canada for 8 years. I have a citizenship. I prefer to speak and read in  English. I go to “Tim-Hor-Tnz” every morning. I say sorry for literally everything-there is  nothing more Canadian than that. But if you were to ask me where I am from, I would look you  in the eye and proudly tell you that I am Brazilian. That home is, and will always be there. I  cannot deny that Canada is a part of who I am. I made a life here. I have built routines and  relationships. I have learned its social and cultural norms. But I still feel that I don't belong.  People are cold and distant. They keep to themselves. They do everything in their power to avoid  eye contact with you on the subway. They nod or simply ignore you when you say “good  morning” or ask them how they are doing. Relationships feel shallow, superficial, transactional.  Friendships are built slowly, if not at all. I will never get used to that. Brazil was always a  commun...
Read more

A Reflection on Identity: The Complexities of Family

-
Family and kinship are fundamental aspects of human life, shaping who we are and how we perceive the world. Through this reflective journey, I explored the thoughts and experiences of a university student in Canada whose family dynamic provides insight into the complexity of relationships and identities. Dianne (a pseudonym) grew up in the city of Ottawa, living at home with her mother and grandparents. Her father was present intermittently, creating a household dynamic centered on her mother’s family. This foundation left an impression on her, particularly on Dianne’s idea of ‘home.’  Home and family for Dianne meant h er mother. As she shared with me, 'my mother would be the main person I consider for how consistent of a person she was in my life [sic].' Home is also Dianne's current apartment. This sentiment highlights the growing sense of independence and self-reliance she has cultivated over the years.  Dianne shared how reflecting on family made her realize more about...
Read more