San Benito High’s Erin Reed is a senior goalie for the Haybalers
and is a two-year starter at that position. She attended Calvary
Christian High in Hollister her freshman year before transferring
to San Benito. As a sophomore, Reed played water polo for the
undefeated Baler junior varsity team.
Free Lance sports editor John Reid asked Reed an arrary of
questions ranging from playing goalie for the Haybalers to what is
happening in current events.
San Benito High’s Erin Reed is a senior goalie for the Haybalers and is a two-year starter at that position. She attended Calvary Christian High in Hollister her freshman year before transferring to San Benito. As a sophomore, Reed played water polo for the undefeated Baler junior varsity team.
Free Lance sports editor John Reid asked Reed an arrary of questions ranging from playing goalie for the Haybalers to what is happening in current events.
FL: Because you attended a high school without a water polo program your freshman year, you didn’t start playing water polo until you transferred to San Benito HIgh. Why did you go out for water polo and how did you end up at the goalie position?
ER: I had swam my whole life, so I thought that playing water polo would be a natural for me. I was clueless about the game at first and didn’t know what position I should play. I had played goalie in soccer as a kid, so I thought I’d try goalie in water polo. It worked. I played some field when I was a sophomore, but I played more goalie than in the field.
FL: You have adapted to the position well. What attributes of yours make you a good goalie?
ER: The fact that I’m not scared of the ball. I’ve gotten a lot better with predicting when shots are going to be taken.
FL: What is the hardest thing about being a goalie?
ER: The hardest thing about being a goalie is the nerves. I’m extremely nervous when I see the other team sprinting at me and there is no defense around.
FL: Would you rather be out in the field scoring goals?
ER: I’d like to try it. It would be fun. I like being aggressive. But, I’ve been in the cage so long, I’m real comfortable there.
FL: Your team is 6-6 at this stage in the season. How would you rate the Balers’ performance thus far?
ER: With the exception of Stacey Lass, this is the same JV team which was undefeated when we were sophomores. That’s why this team has a connection, chemistry. We get along great in and out of the water. We know what to expect of each other. We’ve tried our best so far. I’m proud of ourselves.
FL: Does this team have the where-with-all to win the Tri-County Athletic League championship for the third straight year?
ER: We can do it. I’ll be bummed of we don’t. It will go down to what happened last year. It will be us against Live Oak. If we play like we did against Salinas, it shouldn’t be a problem.
FL: You are also on the Baler swim team. Which sport do you prefer – water polo or swimming?
ER: Water polo. It’s much more rewarding. It’s done as a team, not as an individual. Plus, it’s a game, not just one sprint. And with our team, we’re like a family. I always have a great time playing with them.
FL: What do you think of the upcoming governor recall election? Are you old enough to vote?
ER: I’m not old enough to vote. I’ll be 17 on Nov. 11. I’m taking a government class right now at school. Judging from how this school is experiencing a loss of a lot of money, I feel it’s good to have a recall. But, we need to take it more seriously, not have guys running for governor like that guy from Hustler Magazine or the porn star. I like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He worked so hard to become a citizen. He’s strong in what he stands for.
FL: Do you plan on going to college? If so, will you either swim or play water polo, or both?
ER: I plan on going to college, but I don’t know where. I’d live to do both if it works out with my schedule.
FL: What vocation will you choose in your professional life?
ER: I want a job that has a lot to do with a lot of people. I really like people. I won’t be sitting behind a desk. Maybe something in business, dentistry or teaching. I might coach water polo someday.
