Q+A With Allie Houseal
11/6/2006 7:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Nov. 6, 2006
Q: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
Allie Houseal: "My personal goals revolve around bringing positive leadership to the team and working on team unity in and out of the pool. In the pool, I am always striving to set up my teammates up for success both offensively and defensively. Personally, I would like to improve on the offensive end of the pool as my defense has always been the stronger aspect of my game."
Q: What are the team goals?
AH: "Our team goals are fairly simple. We will work together in order to win the CWPA Eastern Championship to advance to the NCAA Championships. It is a lofty goal, but this program has as much, if not more, potential than any team on the east coast. We look to be competitive with any team that challenges us."
Q: How did you get started playing water polo?
AH: "I got started playing water polo through swimming. I started swimming for the summer swim team when I was nine years old. Around seventh grade, one of my swim coaches started a spring clinic for water polo. All of my swimming friends were doing it so I thought it would be fun. It turned out that I started to like the team aspect a lot more than swimming."
Q: What attracted you to the University of Maryland and the Terps' water polo program?
AH: "I always knew that I wanted to attend a large university. When I heard that Maryland had just gotten a varsity water polo program, I knew that it would become an option right away. After my visit I was impressed with the team unity that already existed between the girls on the team. They were a fun group and I fit in right away. Also, the academic standing of Maryland, the high-profile athletics program, and overall atmosphere made me realize that Maryland would be a great place for me to spend my college career."
Q: As a captain, what is your leadership style?
AH: "It is my personality to be vocal and make my presence known in any situation. I am always encouraging my teammates. I think that encouragement is one of the most important aspects of being a leader - making sure everyone has a positive attitude and communicating with each other at all times. Also, my father has always told me, "Every play is a new game." I try to get this message across to my teammates. As a young team, it is hard to forget mistakes that you make, but that is necessary in order to be able to move on and make the next big play."
Q: What is the most memorable game from last season? Why does it stand out to you?
AH: "The most memorable game for me was when we beat Princeton last year at Bucknell. It felt like everything was clicking between each person on the team and I will never forget that feeling. We were working together on each play, and we were coming out on top. It proved to be a large confidence boost for everyone."
Q: Who are your role models?
AH: "My parents and my sisters are my role models. I have always looked up to my parents, but going away to college has truly made me realize how much they have taught me. Also, growing up as a triplet, my sisters and I have always been very competitive. I never realized how motivating it was for me to have them around all the time. However, now that we are hours away from each other we are even more supportive of each other. I have also always looked up to them for their intelligence, modesty and passion for whatever they do."
Q: How has having Meghan Graves as an assistant coach impacted the team thus far?
AH: "Meghan has already made an incredible impact on this team. She has been able to come in and form a positive relationship with each and every one of us right from the start, which says a lot about her personality. She has brought an extensive knowledge of the game and paired it with an insurmountable level of enthusiasm. This program is so lucky to have her!"
Q: Which games are you most looking forward to this season? Why?
AH: "Honestly, I'm excited for each game we will be playing because I expect us to be competitive in every single one. I'm probably most excited for our match-up against Bucknell because we knocked them out of the Southern Division Championship game last year. I'm also looking forward to going out to the west coast again because I think we can compete and win against each California team we will play against. All I know is that they better `Fear the Turtle!'"
Q: What is the biggest challenge that playing a varsity sport presents?
AH: "The hardest part is the large time commitment and the mental and physical exhaustion that goes along with it. Specifically concerning water polo, practicing at 6 a.m. is really tough because it's hard to force yourself to get to bed early and then have the energy to get through a long day after waking up at the crack of dawn. However, I would never question my decision to play varsity water polo at Maryland."
Q: During fall practices, what has the team focused on?
AH: "The fall is always fun because it gives everyone a chance to get back into the swing of things without the pressure of having to start playing games right away. We started out with a lot of conditioning, fundamentals, team chemistry, and specific front-court offenses. Coach Salyer tells us that what we do in October doesn't directly dictate how we will play in the spring; however, working hard and getting the most out of every single workout will help us play to our full potential in April and into May."
Q: If you were to play a different varsity sport in college, which would you choose? Why?
AH: "Hands down, I would've chosen lacrosse because I played for four years in high school. It was always fun for me when the weather started to warm up and the grass started getting greener to get outside and run around on land, versus being in the indoor pool for the fall and winter seasons."
Q: What are your career goals?
AH: "My goal is to become an elementary school teacher after I graduate. If I am able to, I hope to be able to coach at either the high school or eventually the collegiate level. I love working with children and helping them learn new and exciting things; it is a very satisfying experience for me."
Q: How do you spend your free time?
AH: "Free time is hard to come by during the school year between water polo, school and other commitments. However, I love hanging out with my roommates, going to Maryland sporting events, and cooking in my spare time. In the summer, I enjoy going to the beach with my family and friends, teaching swim lessons and working out."
