10 Questions With ... Taylor McGrath -- Women's Water Polo

Our first of two segments of "10 Questions With..." this week features Orange Coast College women's water polo standout, Taylor McGrath.

1. Tell us about your involvement with women's water polo. When did you get started? What is it about the sport you love so much and what got you into playing in the goal?

"I started playing when I was a freshman in high school. At first, I thought I wanted to just swim for my school, but our water polo and swim practices were combined and I realized I liked water polo even more. When I came to OCC's Senior Day, I signed up (at the athletics booth) and Coach Anthony (Iacopetti) reached out to me."

2. Tell us about the mental side of playing goalie … what's it like knowing you're the last line of defense? What do you do to get mentally prepared before each match?

"As a goalie, you definitely have to be mentally prepared because it IS the last line of defense and goalies are under a lot of pressure. But it's important to not beat yourself up too much and you have to keep a positive mindset or it will affect you. There are parts of warmups that are just for goalies so I use that time to get mentally ready. And while the other team warms up, I like to watch the other teams and see who is doing the majority of the shooting and how they shoot and how they approach things."

3. Water polo is definitely a sport that isn't on everyone's radar. For someone who doesn't know much about the sport, tell us about just how much work is put into every contest and every practice?? How much work do you put into this sport?

"Well since I'm a goalie, I don't have put in too many yards in the pool during practices, but there is a lot of leg work required for the position. I'm treading water for the entire game and when I'm trying to keep the ball out of danger, I'm swimming fast to the side of pool a lot. It's a lot of breaststroke-type of leg work to help boost yourself up each time. Also I've been practicing those movements with weights to get even stronger in the pool."

4. When it comes to facing a 5-meter shot, what goes through your mind just before it happens?? Do you try and look for any type of clues as to where she will be shooting or is just a full-on guess??

"Specifically, I try to focus on staying within the range of the goal. Typically, you're farther out on normal shots, but you have to keep your body within the outside of the cage. Again, a lot of being successful is a mental thing and if it goes in, you can't beat yourself up too much. I try to read where they're looking and anticipate where they're aiming at."

5. What are your goals for this upcoming year? Any advice for the incoming freshman for this year's team?

"My personal goals aren't too specific … I just want to improve overall in goal. I'm excited to receive new input from our new coach (Dan Matulis). For a team goal, I'd love for us to just be more competitive and win more games. As a group in the pool, I'd like us to communicate more in the pool. My advice for my new teammates … just try their best every day. It's a difficult time right now, so just show up, work hard and give it all you got."

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"I would probably pick Disneyland … I really miss that place. My favorite ride is Splash Mountain and I'm looking forward to seeing how they're replacing the theme of the ride."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – "I love traditional style Buffalo chicken wings."
   2. Favorite pre-game snack – "For Tournaments, bagels are great. If we're doing just one game, any kind of fruit and a PB&J sandwich."
   3. Favorite post-game meal – "Pasta … Pizza … something with carbs. On my pizza, I love all toppings except for anchovies!"
8. When you're not competing in water polo, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"When I'm not in the pool, usually, I'm at work, but I do love going to the beach, hiking and going to places with my friends and family."

9. In this COVID world there has been a LOT of TV binge watching going on … what are some of your favorite shows you've been hooked on over the past several months?

"I absolutely binged "All-American". That was my favorite thing to watch so far. I also love watching "Friends" reruns!"

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond water polo??

"Currently I'm majoring in kinesiology, so I'd like to do three years at OCC and transfer to Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State or Cal State San Marcos. I'd love to become a physical therapist."