Though he’d never been a part of a sports team prior, Abdelrahman (Dodi) Hassan quickly swam up the Diamond Bar High School boys water polo ranks, catalyzing the team’s success.
However, his water polo journey has not been without challenges. During his freshman year, he could not practice very often due to the COVID pandemic.
“Initially, I heard about it from my mom who wanted me to play water polo in high school to help my fitness,” Hassan said via Instagram.
Despite his late start, Hassan has not only become a prominent member of the team, but has also grown as a leader, both in and out of the pool.
“I’d describe [my water polo career] as pretty successful since I was able to become captain of varsity in my junior year and we made CIF both my junior and senior year, despite the coaches changing every year.”
In addition to serving as captain, Hassan also contributes as the starting player in the set position, which is an offensive position that requires significant upper-body strength.
“This position is very physical because I sit right in front of the goal making defense focus on me,” Hassan said.
From transitioning coaching staff to logistical barriers due to COVID-19, Hassan has overcome many challenges in water polo. However, the team has improved each year, ending second in the Hacienda league this season.
“I think this current season was really good. We got new coaches this year and they really were able to improve on our offense and they really knew how to help us improve,” Hassan said. “One of my goals for this season was to make it to the finals for CIF.”
For Hassan, water polo has become a part of his everyday life – an aspect that will not end with his high school career, as he has aspirations to continue in the upcoming years.
“I practice almost every day and it keeps me fit and it has made me meet a lot of people I otherwise wouldn’t have,” Hassan said. “My current plan post-high school is to continue with water polo at whatever university I get into.”
