When it comes time for production, the Bishops girls water polo team can count on Sophia Holman.
After all, the Knights High School senior is taking an honors economics class, and she already has her own LinkedIn profile that lists interests such as financial giants JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley.
Those aspects extend to the pool, where Holman has helped spearhead the Bishops’ quest for a sixth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Open Division title this year.
“Keeping your cool while playing certainly relates to the two,” said Holman, a fourth-year varsity player, “and good financial decisions relate to making smart, cool decisions in the pool.”
For example, this applies to a kind of Knightian approach that could be lifted straight from a business textbook.
“At Bishop's we're taught to be calculated,” Holman said. “Calculate how many balls you have left, how far you're ahead, and factor in how the game is going to go.”
Holman plans to attend Brown University next fall to study both applied mathematics and economics. The Bears currently have Bishop University graduate Sierra Martin, who was named district player of the year in 2020.
Holman grew up watching Martin play.
“When I saw Mr. Brown, I talked to her about her experience,” Holman said. “She really liked him.”
Brown's roster also includes two San Diego natives, junior Brenna Pangelinan (Eastlake High School) and sophomore goalkeeper Roxanne Hazuka (La Jolla High School).
For Ms. Holman, who was born in Manhattan and whose father, Jeff, worked in finance, college meant returning to the East Coast.
Through his youth swimming club, Holman tried out water polo at a series of weekly clinics and fell in love with the sport.
Holman maintained her interest in swimming after her family moved to Northern California when she was eight years old.
While she tried her hand at synchronized swimming, she also grew up playing water polo, qualifying for USA Water Polo's Youth Development Program.
Coming to San Diego, Holman was looking to add to the Bishops' rich tradition. In addition to back-to-back Open Division titles, the Knights are also currently seeking their 13th division title in 14 years.
“It was a really great experience to be a part of such a successful program,” Holman said, “When I joined we had some really experienced and talented older girls, so it was really great to have them as mentors.”
Holman has assumed a leadership role as a senior, playing behind a core of upperclassmen for two years before becoming a full-time starter last season and earning first-team all-section honors.
“Sophia is fiercely competitive,” Bishop's co-coach Ian Davidson said, “she always practices hard and is a great communicator. She's also very matter-of-fact and to the point.”
As a central defender, the 5ft 8in Holman is not only responsible for directing the defence but also the counter attack.
In last year's regional final, Holman's five goals led the Knights to a 19-6 victory over Helix. Senior Julia Bonaguidi, who played for the U.S. Women's National Team during their midseason series in Australia, led the Knights with seven goals.
Holman and Bonaguidi, who currently attend the University of California, were both members of the 2005 Women's National Age Group Team.
“National team has been a big asset to me,” Holman said. “It's helped me grow so much, and it's really cool to get to play with the best players.”
The Knights' lineup also includes another player with youth varsity experience, senior Kendall Weier, who was also named first-team all-section last season.
Weier typically plays on the right wing against the opposing team's top attacker, with junior Kylie Norden on the same side, and junior Sydney Hagan and sophomore Eileen Shin on the left wing.
Freshman Maggie Ryan will play as the center setter.
As a central defender, Holman will play in front of junior goalkeeper Maddie Lane and drive forward on offense.
“Maddy Lane and I are the ones that run the defense and make sure everyone is pointing in the same direction,” Holman said. “I definitely play a vocal position. I don't think I'm very vocal (in other areas), but I'm definitely vocal in the pool.”
The Knights (17-8) have a schedule that includes games against some of the best teams in Southern California. The district playoffs begin Feb. 6 with the finals scheduled for Feb. 17 at La Jolla High School.
Expect Holman to perform at his best.
“It's really great to improve and push yourself,” Holman said. “Seeing my own growth and becoming a lot more self-aware through water polo. I've learned a lot from my coaches. Just pushing myself and seeing what I can do.”
Of course, while also doing my job.
Tien is a freelance writer.
