Audrey Manion, ’26
Grace Laine, ’27
Motivational, dedicated, and energetic, Senior Girls’ Water Polo Co-Captain, Talia Thomas ‘25 is an outstanding example of athleticism and determination.
Beginning her water polo journey at a mere nine years old, Thomas joined the Poway Valley Water Polo Club Team in San Diego and dedicated her summers to playing the sport with her cousins. 9 years later, Thomas has become a key asset to the Episcopal Academy Girls’ Water Polo team. She is a force to be reckoned with and has been a member of the varsity team for all 4 years of high school. “Out of the water, she is a very kind, caring individual… you can always count on her if you need help with anything,” Head Coach Max Kelly remarks.
Photo courtesy of ea1785_gwp
In water polo, having a strong and accurate shot is crucial for success. Recently recognized on the first team all-Easterns for the third time and taking the third place spot at EA for the highest number of goals scored in a high school career, Thomas has a unique playstyle. Coaches and teammates alike comment that her ability to shoot sets her apart, and is the first thing about her play that comes to mind. “She has a really good shot—she knows what she has to do and she does it; she always creates opportunities and starts up plays,” says teammate Ari Roth ‘26. Thomas’s unwavering skill is second to none and is characterized by her vast knowledge of the sport, Siena Scungio ’27 elaborates, “She knows the sport well, and she’s great at it. She’s always able to see advantages and weaknesses in other teams and our team.”
Furthermore, her relentless ability to adjust to any situation in and out of the water cements her as a reliable leader and remarkable captain. Scungio comments, “She’s a great captain. I think our entire team knew before the season even started last year that she was going to be our captain; She’s great for the team.” Additionally, Roth elaborates, “She knows how to motivate, and she’s very dedicated to water polo… her dedication benefits us, and sets an example.”
With a willful attitude, Thomas guides her teammates in an effective direction. With her reliable mental approach, she prepares herself for whatever is thrown her way. Roth shares, “When a game starts, her mood changes. She’s intense. She’s locked in. She’s ready to play. And she doesn’t let a missed shot sway her, she just keeps playing no matter what. Even if we’re five points down and everybody else is upset she doesn’t let it affect her, and she just stays in the right mindset the whole time.”
Constantly embodying the stripes, Thomas endures hardship and gracefully embraces victory through her incredible sportsmanship. “She’s a great teammate, a good captain, and she leads by example,” recalls Coach Kelly. Scungio adds, “She’s really big on knowing each of us individually. She incorporates all of us into the team, and relies on our strengths, constantly helping us improve.”
Competing at the collegiate level has always been Thomas’s lifelong aspiration. In October, she decided to go back to her water polo roots, committing to Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. “I chose Occidental because water polo is a really big sport in California, and I’ll be more involved with the water polo culture there,” reflects Thomas. While on her official visit, Thomas found the team’s bonds and values welcoming, which ultimately guided her decision to choose Occidental. “On my visit, I just fell in love with the team, the coaches, and the school. Not to mention, the school is super diverse, and will allow me to stand out.”