The phrase, “It Takes a Village,” to raise a child was coined several years ago in the media and I surprisingly have had the opportunity to experience this first-hand in a very unlikely way. As a fourth-year girls water polo mom I am impressed by the manner in which this year’s team has been able to create a supportive environment for all team members. Lead by head coach Bob Averill, assistant coach Ann Bettencourt and manager Garrett Hall, the girls and their advisory team work tirelessly to polish their skills and continue to improve with each game. In an era of selfishness and grandiosity, it is refreshing to see a group of young people, for the most part, motivated to unite their efforts.

The current players have been able to develop a strong, working relationship and the willingness to play together as a team toward one goal, winning.  This year, all of our girls are stars! In addition, the players’ unselfish efforts to maintain the integrity of the team has carried over into a favorable experience for the current water polo parents.

As we go into the final weeks of the season, it is now more than ever that the team needs the support of the entire community. If there is only one game that you attend this season, it should be the EHS vs. Auburn Riverside match on Thursday, April 28, at 4:30 p.m. at the Enumclaw pool. This will decide the girls’ league standing. I encourage you to bring any seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade girls to the game in order to spark their interest in the sport and to pave the way for building the future of the team. Please arrive by 4 p.m. to fill up the stands.

Your participation as a spectator will be greatly appreciated by the players, coaches and parents. In return, the energy you bring to this event will carry our girls to their best game yet, because after all…it really does take a village.

Dr. Mary L. Ballard

Enumclaw