Zach

Zach is a four time Oregon 6A water polo state champion.  This year, as one of the co-captains of the team, he led his team to a 35-1 season and a fifth consecutive state title for Newberg High School.  He also earned first team all league and first team all state honors.  Zach plays hard and with big emotion.  In the past, his opponents could switch Zach’s mental focus from the game to frustration by playing dirty, but not this year.  Zach honed in on self control.  In one key game, it was ROUGH in the water.  It was obvious that Zach was getting fouled and the refs were missing calls.  He was seconds away from imploding and then he paused.  Visibly took a long, slow inhale and a long, slow exhale.  Shook it off and went down and scored two back to back goals to help his team win 8-7 in overtime.  I was so proud of him that I cried.  It’s why I love athletics.  Sports help kids develop their athletic talent AND mold their character.  It has been so fun to watch Zach, and his teammates (my son included) grow up together in the pool as teammates, friends, and young men.  I am going to miss watching them play.

Outside of water polo, Zach is hard working. Charming and fun. Polite and friendly.  He loves his dogs and brought Charlie to his senior session. Zach laughs freely. Every time he sees me, he acts like we haven’t seen each other in years and greets me with enthusiasm.  Congrats Zach on an awesome finish to your high school water polo career.  I know God has big things in store for you.  May He bless you as you finish out your senior year and step into this next chapter of adulthood.  I’ll always be one of your biggest fans.

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