When it counts, the Bishop women's water polo team turns to Sophia Holman.
After all, the Knights' seniors are taking honors economics classes. Additionally, she already has her own Linkedin profile that lists interests such as financial giants JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.
That aspect extends to the pool, as Holman is leading the Bishops this year in their quest for a sixth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship.
“Certainly there's a connection between those two things, just staying calm while playing,” said Holman, a senior on the varsity team. “Good financial decision-making is about making smart, level-headed decisions within a pool.”
For example, this also applies to Knight's particular approach, which comes straight from business textbooks.
“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.”
Professor Holman will be doing a dual course in applied mathematics and economics at Brown University next fall. The Bears currently have Bishop University graduate Sierra Martin, who was named Section Player of the Year in 2020.
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 includes two more San Diegans. junior Brenna Pangelinan (Eastlake High School) and her sophomore goalkeeper Roxanne Hazka (La Jolla High School).
For Holman, a Manhattan native, college marks a return to the East Coast. Her father, Jeff, worked in the financial industry.
Holman tried out water polo through a youth swim club in a series of weekly clinics and fell in love with the sport.
Holman continued her interest in aquatic life after her family moved to Northern California at the age of eight.
She competed in synchronized swimming and other forms of water polo 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 winning back-to-back open division titles, the Knights are currently seeking their 13th sectional title 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 here that are really, really experienced and talented. So it's been really nice to have them as mentors.”
Sophia Holman
(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 fact-oriented and gets right to the point.”
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. Leading the Knights with seven was senior Julia Bonaguidi, who played for the U.S. women's national team during a midseason series in Australia.
Holman and Bonaguidi, currently at California, are on the 2005 women's national team for their age groups.
“The national team was a huge resource for me,” Holman said. “It's allowed me to grow so much. It's really incredible to play in the best player stakes.”
The Knights' lineup also includes another player with youth varsity experience, senior Kendall Wire, who was also named to the All-Section First Team last season.
Wire typically plays on the right side, along with junior Kylie Norden on the same side against the opponent's top attacker. 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 center defender, Holman also moves forward offensively ahead of junior goalie Maddie Lane.
“Maddie Lane and I are responsible for leading the defense and making sure everyone is on the same page,” Holman said. “I'm definitely in the vocal position. I don't see myself as being very vocal (otherwise), but in the pool I definitely am.”
The Knights (17-8) have a schedule that includes games against Southern California powerhouses. Sectional playoffs begin February 6th, with the final game scheduled for February 17th at La Jolla High School.
Expect Holman to give his best performance.
“It's been really great to improve and push myself,” Holman said. “I've seen my growth through water polo and become more self-aware. I've learned so much (from the coaches). I'm just pushing myself and seeing what I can do. .”
While working, of course.
Tien is a freelance writer.
