In Which I Assert Myself as Head of the Pack

          For those who don't know (though you should because it was mentioned in my last entry), I play water polo. Been playing since 6th grade, so I guess one could go so far as to say I have a little experience in the field. However, during my senior year of high school, I unfortunately tore a tendon in my shoulder and was rendered incapable of playing for almost the entire season. And lemme tell you that sitting on the bench for countless games and entire tournaments has its effects on the brain. Yeah, it sucks.

            Now, after almost a full year of being away from the water, I took up swimming again in my free time to get myself back in shape. On Monday, I went to the on campus pool we have here at around 8:30 PM to swim for about an hour. At about nine, some guys came in and started putting water polo cages into the pool. When I asked what was going on, I was informed that every Monday, at 10, a group of people come in to play polo.

            And obviously, I let my curiosity get the best of me. I wasn't sure if the people that came in really had any experience or if it was just a "learn as you go" type of thing, so I stuck around to see who would show up. I threw a ball for the first time, and when I started practicing my shooting, something like this went down.

            ME: Can I practice shooting on you for a little bit?

            GOALIE: Sure go ahead.

            The first shot I took, the ball bounced off the crossbar, which really didn't come as a surprise given it's been a long time since I've handled a water polo ball. So, a few minutes later, I found my groove.

            ME: Sorry, it's been a long time since I've played.

            GOALIE: Stop shooting so hard, you're scaring me!

            I'm not kidding he actually said that.

            I should also have my readers know that there were only two girls there, me and another, just to throw some things into perspective. So, we played some three on three, and, long story short, I quickly gained the respect of the people who have been coming every week. Some of these people are even a few years older than I am, and this is only my first semester of college.

            When we were done, we said our goodbyes, and as I walked by two of the guys, I overheard this conversation.

            GUY 1: You coming back next week?

            ME: Yeah probably.

            GUY 1: Awesome, see you then.

            ME: Later.

            GUY 2: Dude she's got a beastly shot.

            GUY 1: I know, I'd hate to be a goalie playing against her.

            Well, it's always nice to know that I have the ability to command the respect of regulars when it's only my first day.