Faces off the field: Anderson's Sarah Kester took to water polo like a duck to water
All about Sarah: Halloween is about candy
What has been your favorite Halloween costume?
When I was in the second grade I was a cheerleader. I loved it because each time I got to a new house I’d invent a cheer that ended up with a whole lot of candy in my bucket.
What is your favorite sound?
I would say the roar of a crowd. It gets me pumped up and triggers something in me. I'd also say the refs' whistle is a sound that connects me (to the game). It's like a learning experience.
If you could visit any state, where would you go?
I'd say California. I've been thinking about California a lot lately because of their big role as a water polo state. It's also just a beautiful state.
What are your plans for after you graduate?
I plan to go to college and play water polo, even if it's club somewhere. I'd love to study business.
On water polo: It's more than just treading water
What inspired you to become a water polo player?
I always knew what the sport was. We'd play it on game days in practice. In my freshman year, two of my swim teammates spent hours trying to convince me to play. They told me I'd be a natural at it. I didn't believe them at first. I honestly thought I was going to drown.
What is the most challenging part of water polo?
A lot of people say it's the treading, but I don't think that's it. It's probably just getting open. Getting away from your defense is always a struggle, especially if your defense is really, really good.
Are you completely exhausted after a game?
It depends on the level of the game. For harder games, I'm just exhausted to the point I can't move my body anymore. But the games I'm scoring, every goal, it's more exhilarating and gets me more pumped up.
What is it about the sport you enjoy the most?
I love everything. It's my favorite thing to do in my free time. Obviously, scoring gives me an adrenaline rush.
Has water polo taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?
The teamwork factor is really helpful. I had never really played a team sport before. Swimming is a very individual sport. My teammates are like my family. To take that on the field and off the field is used in everyday life.
Before you play a water polo game, do you have any rituals you must do?
I just have to give a pep talk before every game to my teammates. I feel like it not only helps them, but it's also me talking to myself. Like, OK, Sarah, you've got this.
Dream dinner: Nothing Childish about this guest list
If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I'd say (USA water polo player) Maggie Stephens, Tame Impala, (internet personality) Lexi Hidalgo and Childish Gambino.
Why Childish Gambino?
His music gets me hype; it's very upbeat. I love listening to it. On any occasion, I just love it.
Faces off the field interviews
This is the third Faces off the field Q&A we've done with water polo players this season: Westwood's Freddy Browarski, McCallum's Andrew Wong
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Faces off the field: Meet Sarah Kester, junior, Anderson water polo
