Successful teams and developing talent for the next level have gone hand in hand for The Bishop’s School girls water polo program over the years. Never backing down from a challenge is also important when going after your goals. In keeping with that tradition, senior Dominique Sardo has signed a letter of intent after receiving a water polo scholarship to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Southern California (USC) later. Sardo expects to be an attacker/driver with the Lady Trojans when she suits up next season. For now, though, Sardo is busy trying to help Bishop’s garner yet another CIF title. In two games last week (wins over Cathedral Catholic, La Jolla), Sardo tallied nine goals as Bishop’s won the Western League title with a 7-1 record. Bishop’s sports a 23-5 overall record heading into CIFs later this month. “The reason why I chose USC was because they have a great water polo program, and great academics,” Sardo remarked. “Also, USC is close to home and is a beautiful campus; it just felt like home to me.” For Sardo, who has not chosen a major at USC, these last four years have been a whirlwind of fun and successful times. “The playing days at Bishop’s have gone by so fast; I remember my first day of practice my freshman year, and now I’m a senior and the team’s captain,” Sardo continued. “The highlights of my Bishop’s playing days are: The practices are always something exciting, TYR Cup, Disneyland, the team bonding, but most of all that last night of the past three seasons.” That last night of the season has resulted in the CIF Finals for the Lady Knights. Sardo will not go off to USC unprepared, having perfected her water polo game and, more important, been exposed to some outstanding academics that Bishop’s School provides all of its students. “Bishop’s academics are very challenging and they have prepared me for college,” Sardo remarked. “Bishop’s also taught me time management, which I think is a key to succeeding at college. Bishop’s water polo has taught me to never back down, to always keep trying no matter what happens. Bishop’s water polo has made me the player I am today.” According to Bishop’s head girls water polo coach Doug Peabody, Sardo has been an instrumental part of the program’s success these last few years. “Dominique has had a tremendous impact on the program,” Peabody commented. “She is only one of five girls in the history of the 12-year program who came in as a freshman starter. Right away she added speed, intensity, explosiveness and a never-back-down attitude. Her first year she scored in the CIF championship game, helping us win the title, and repeated the same thing the next year. Since she has been in the program, she has amassed over 350 goals and 400 steals.” Peabody noted that as a senior captain, Sardo is looked upon to do the right thing, to lead by example and teach the other girls the never-back-down attitude. “When I first saw Dominique play for my club team, I knew right away that she had the natural abilities to become what she has,” Peabody added. “Nothing she has done or accomplished has really surprised me. She had an expectation of who she should become from the very beginning, as did I. We have never backed down from our goals and have accomplished many. I wish her the best of luck at USC and chasing her Olympic dream.” And what of those future stars who are likely to emerge from The Bishop’s School pool? According to Sardo, “The advice I could give to the younger Bishop’s girls is to remember you’re a team — you can’t win with just one person, the whole team has to be in it together. Also, always keep your head up and never back down.” Backing down is not an option when it comes to Dominique Sardo.