Boston University has a wide variety of club sports, such as cricket, sailing, synchronized skating, and water polo. However, many people don’t realize how many sports are available and what these sports offer. Girl’s Water Polo President Meredith Fagan gives us insight into the team and water polo as a sport.
Q: What is your name?
A: My name is Meredith Fagan!
Q. What grade are you in, and what are you studying at BU?
A: I am a senior in Sargent College and I’m studying Physical Therapy as part of the BS in Health Studies/Doctorate Physical Therapy program. So technically, this is my first year of the graduate program for Physical Therapy.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Long Beach, New York, a small beach town on the south shore of Long Island!
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?
A: Tatte. I know it’s basic, sorry.
Q: How did you start playing water polo?
A: A friend of mine is on the mens’ team and I kind of found out about the sport that way. I am a lifeguard at home and swim a lot in the summer, and I wanted to continue that. I really love the water since I grew up by the ocean and I played softball in high school, so I also know how to throw. I figured that if I knew how to swim and knew how to throw a ball, I’d figure the rest out later.
Q: What are the different positions?
A: There are six people in the water at a time — plus the goalie. There’s typically a center (AKA set, AKA hole) in the middle of the pool who sets up right in front of the goal. Then there are two wings, two flats (higher wings), and a point player (kind of like a point guard in basketball).
Q: What position do you play?
A: I am a lefty which is not so common, so I’m a wing on the left side of the goal. That is a really difficult shot for righties, (AKA the 5 position) so my presence on that side of the net is advantageous.
Q: How does the team bond?
A: In years past, we’ve done Halloween kickball, Friendsgiving, apple picking, Secret Santa, and many other things like team dinners to bond. Historically, we usually volunteer for the Hub On Wheels bike ride in Boston with the men’s team. We do a lot of activities also with the men’s team, so it’s really cool to build that friendship. When we compete in the spring, we have some away tournaments and stay in hotels, which ends up being a big bonding experience.
Q: How long have you been playing for?
A: I only joined my sophomore year and had no previous experience. This means I only have about 2.5 years of experience, since last year with COVID we didn’t get to practice a ton. Last year, we only had practice once a week for an hour and 15 minutes.
Q: What is the frequency of practices/games?
A: We practice 4 days a week: 9-10 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. on Fridays, and 3-5 p.m. on Sundays. In the spring (our main competition season), we practice 7-9 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. on Fridays, and 3-5 p.m. on Sundays. It’s a lot but I find it so worth it.
Q: What is your favorite part about the sport?
A: My favorite part about the sport is the amount of gross, yet precise, movements it takes to be successful in the water. Obviously swimming and being able to keep yourself out of the water is incredibly taxing on the body (we are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool). However, it also takes a certain amount of precision in order to be able to successfully shoot and score. Communication is also super important.
Q: As president, what are your main roles AND responsibilities?
A: As president, I write and respond to a lot of emails from players, prospective players, and other teams interested in scrimmaging! I also make sure we keep an accurate log of attendance.
If you’re interested in watching a game, or just want to keep up with the team, be sure to check out the team’s socials: Instagram: @buwomenswaterpolo; Twitter: @Buwwapo; Facebook: BU Women’s Water Polo
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