As the clock has been ticking down on his final season for Mission Bay boys’ water polo, senior attacker Forrest Wells has been making the most of it.
According to head coach Lyndsay Sutterley, Wells is an individual who can change the atmosphere of a practice and game. “He is always the one who you can rely on to bring up the team,” Sutterley said. “He can inspire with just his words, a leadership trait few have innately. He plays a role on the team that is more than a tally on a stat sheet.”
Coming into this season, Sutterley noted she was looking forward to Wells developing to his greatest athletic potential, especially defensively. “He is extremely coachable and desires to better himself as an athlete and a person,” Sutterley said. “I have enjoyed seeing him develop into a leader in the pool and at Mission Bay High. As an active member in ASB (Associated Student Body) he truly is a great presence for team and school community.”
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Wells for an interview. BBP: How old were you when you began water polo and what got you interested in playing the sport in school?
Wells: I started playing water polo my freshman year because it was a new sport that I knew nothing about. My friends and I just showed up with no idea what to expect.
BBP: Coming into your final season, what have you been looking to accomplish for the team and individually? Wells: Our team has a unique chemistry that makes us close in and outside the pool; my last year in the pool all I want is for our team to make it to CIF and show others what we can do. I don’t have anything to accomplish as an individual because it’s not about me or the rest of the seniors, it’s what the team wants.
BBP: Are you involved in any other sports, clubs, etc. at school? Wells: Other than water polo I am on the Mission Bay swim team, who last year made it to CIF Division II finals. I am a member of ASB at Mission Bay and ECO Club.
BBP: Do you have a college lined up for next fall and would you like to play water polo at the next level following high school? Wells: I am still in the process of applying and Oregon State University and UC Santa Cruz are by far my top picks. I would love to stay in the pool in college but I’m not so sure about college water polo.
BBP: For any boys wanting to come out for the water polo team next season, what advice would you give them? Wells: Always be willing to try a new sport, especially water polo. Not all schools have a water polo team and it is a great sport that will introduce you to new people and experiences you could never have on land. If I had any advice it would be start swimming now because you won’t stop for the next four years.
