Athlete of the Week: Bishop girls water polo is led by Sophia Holman.

In a pinch, the girls water polo team at Bishop's School in La Jolla can count on Sophia Holman.

After all, the Knights senior is taking an honors class in economics and has already listed interests including financial giants JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley on her own LinkedIn profile.

Holman is spearheading Bishop's quest for a sixth straight CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship this season.

Sectional playoffs begin Tuesday, Feb. 6, with the final game scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17 at La Jolla High School.

“Certainly… good financial decisions have to do with making smart, level-headed decisions in the pool,” said Holman, a fourth-year varsity player.

This is also consistent with Knight's approach, which seems straight out of a business textbook.

“At Bishop's, we're taught to keep doing the math,” Holman said. “We calculate how much possession we have left, how much of a lead we can take and consider how we want to play the game.”

Starting in the fall, Holman plans to pursue dual applications in mathematics and economics at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The Bears currently have Bishop graduate Sierra Martin, the 2020 San Diego Section Player of the Year.

Holman grew up watching Martin play.

“Looking at Brown, she was someone I talked to based on her experience,” Holman said. “She liked it.”

Brown's roster also includes former La Jolla High School goaltender Roxanne Hazuka.

For Holman, a Manhattan native, college marks a return to the East Coast. Her father, Jeff, worked in the financial industry.

Holman first tried water polo during a series of weekly clinics through the youth swim club she belonged to and fell in love with the sport.

After her family moved to Northern California at the age of eight, she continued her interest in aquatic life.

While growing up playing water polo, she also dabbled in synchronized swimming, growing to the point where she qualified for USA Water Polo's youth development program.

When Holman came to San Diego, he wanted to join Bishop's rich tradition. In addition to back-to-back titles in the open division, the Knights are aiming for their 13th sectional title and first in 14 years.

“It was a really great experience to be a part of such a successful program,” Holman said. “We've had some older girls come in here who are really, really experienced and very talented. So it's been really nice to have them as mentors.”

(Courtesy of Sophia Holman)

Mr. Holman assumed a leadership role as a senior. After two years behind his senior core, he became a full-time starter last season and earned first-team all-section honors.

“Sofia is a fierce competitor,” Bishop co-coach Ian Davidson said. “She always trains hard and is a great communicator. Plus, she's very down-to-earth and gets her points right.”

As a central defender, the 5-foot-8 Holman not only helps dictate defense, but also coordinates counter-attacks.

In last year's sectional final, the Knights defeated Helix 19-6 behind Holman's five goals.

Holman and Bishop graduate Julia Bonaguidi is currently enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently on the 2005 women's national team for her age group.

“The national team was a huge resource for me,” Holman said. “It's helped me grow so much. It's just incredible to play with the best players.”

The Knights' lineup also includes another player with youth varsity experience, senior Kendall Wire, who was a first-team all-section selection last season.

Wire played on the right side and usually faced off against the opponent's top attacker, with junior Kylie Norden also on the same side. On the left are third-year student Sydney Hagan and second-year student Eileen Singh.

Freshman Maggie Ryan will serve as the center setter.

As a central defender, Holman will play in front of junior goalie Maddie Lane while also moving forward offensively.

“Maddie Lane and I are responsible for leading the defense and making sure everyone is on the same page,” Holman said. “I definitely have a vocal position. I don't think I have quite a voice.'' [otherwise], but definitely in the pool. ”

“It's been really great to improve and push myself,” Holman said. “Through water polo, I realized my growth and became more self-aware. I learned a lot. [from coaches]. I just push myself and see what I can do. ”

“La Jolla Athlete of the Week” features athletes from all sports from high school (La Jolla High School, Bishop's School, La Jolla Country Day School) and other local youth sports. We are not only looking for athletic stars, but also student-athletes who lead by example in teamwork, academic achievement, and community involvement. Please email your candidate and how to contact him to editor Rob Vardon at robert.vardon@lajollalight.com. ◆