Swimming into success: Trisha Karkera’s Water Polo journey

By Staffers Alice Hu & Kelly Shi

Frigid water enveloped Senior Trisha Karkera the moment she plunged into the pool for her first-ever water polo practice at 13. 

When Karkera’s older sister joined the MSJ Varsity Girls Water Polo team, Karkera found herself pulled into the game as well. Back then, stepping onto the pool deck felt like more of an obligation than a choice. Still, somewhere between the relentless conditioning and sport-specific drills, the initial nudge transformed into a genuine passion, one that is now a significant, even defining, part of her life. A seasoned member of the Varsity Girls Water Polo team, Karkera has built an impressive resume in the pool, from claiming first place at a tournament in Watsonville to traveling to Barcelona along with her club team to practice alongside Olympians. 

Today, for Karkera, water polo is far more than just an after-school commitment. An important part of her life, the game offers a balanced blend of camaraderie and rivalry that has propelled her beyond the local pool. During the intensive club season, she remains laser-focused, driven by recruitment aspirations and wanting to make the most of opportunities to travel around the world. In contrast, the high school team provides a more laid-back energy. “In high school, it’s way more relaxed and fun because you’re just hanging out with your friends basically, and you’re meeting every day after school,” Karkera said. 

Being on the Varsity Girls Water Polo team has taught Karkera more than just swimming; it has given her valuable life skills crucial to her life inside and outside of the pool. As Co-Captain, she has learned that true leadership comes from encouraging teammates, staying grounded and approachable, and treating everyone equally. “Even if you know you might have more experience than them, it’s good not to be condescending or try to talk people down because otherwise, you won’t work together as a team,” Karkera said. 

Aside from constant training and conditioning, confidence plays an important part in helping Karkera play her best through a tough match. “You have to really believe in yourself and be self-confident because if you’re not confident in yourself, then you won’t succeed [moving] forward,” Karkera said. Much of her confidence comes from the coaches whose mentorship has shaped her over the years. One such coach is her current high school coach, someone who connects with his athletes on a personal, friendly level. “You could talk to him about anything, academics or athletics, and he’s out there for you,” Karkera said. 

Balancing her many commitments has not come naturally, but rather has been achieved through practice. Time management and balance in life are skills Karkera has built over time. She fits homework into tight windows, such as Read, so that assignments don’t consume her entire evening. It has not always worked out, though; Karkera recalls once having to stay up for almost an entire night after forgetting about one of her tests. Over the last few years, she has learned to plan further ahead, using her own strategies rather than relying on tools like Google Calendar. 

Her consistent dedication to the sport paid off on a national level when she represented NorCal Water Polo Club in the USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics. Playing as a utility player for NorCal Black in the 18U division, Karkera gained valuable, advanced expertise, leading MSJ’s water polo team to an unprecedented 18-7 record and an NCS Division 1 Qualification in her junior year. 

Beyond the physical demands of the pool, water polo has served as a powerful vehicle for Karkera’s personal growth. It has provided her with a sense of responsibility, respect for her teammates, and social skills. “It’s not just one person playing,” Karkera said.