Oliver Marks
When Danny Lara dives into the pool, the water seems to splash higher, the fans seem to cheer harder and the Panthers seem more invigorated than ever. This is all due to Lara’s powerful presence on the water polo team. In his final year of high school, Lara looks to bring home a CIF championship for the Panthers with both his skill and passion.
Lara has taken on the role of captain this year, playing as a 4-5 side and 1-2 side attacker, meaning he is constantly supplying goals.
Talented junior side attacker Kalyx Lara, a teammate unrelated to Danny, has nothing but praise for his “brother”: “It is a pleasure to play with a fellow Lara for another season. Danny and I move like bread and butter, he is the water to my polo. I’ve never seen a player get as high out of the water as he can. He is truly an incredible driver. I look forward to many more games and fun times with him this year.”
Kalyx’s appreciation for Lara accurately describes the crucial role he plays in this year’s squad; their tag-team partnership will prove to be a nuisance for all defenders that face them this season.
Not only is it clear that Lara is a talented player––proving himself with raw skills and dedication––but it is also evident why he was chosen as a captain this year, for he never fails to lead, encourage and mentor his teammates.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ajani Durham said, “When our team looks for help, that extra goal or someone to make a play, we look to Danny, who’s always there ready to be that guy. He is a true leader and great teammate to have.”
Lara’s ability to uplift his teammates and take control when times are rough will surely take the team far this year. Powerhouse center defender Remick Techentin, a junior on the team, said, “Danny’s the kind of leader who shows up for you on and off the deck. In the water, he pushes us to play harder, smarter, and with more heart. But his attitude out of the field truly sets him apart from the rest. He’s the first one to check in after a tough game, the guy who hypes everyone up before practice, and the one who reminds us why we love playing.”
As Lara prepares to cap off his high school water polo career, he not only leaves behind admirable statistics, such as his five goals and four assists in the recent game on Saturday, Aug. 30th, against Burbank High School, but also a higher standard for younger and upcoming players to live up to and play by. His leadership, persistence and love for the game have shaped the culture of Poly water polo and will inspire the new generation of players to not just be good but to be great.
With Lara leading the squad, the Panthers aren’t just thinking about the next game. Instead, their minds are focused on something much larger: the CIF title. Fueled by the experience and passion that Lara brings to the pool, Poly has never been more ready to make history.