Eli Sternweiler is the senior goalkeeper for the Trevian Water Polo. Sternweiler, a 2021 all-state pick, will go on to play water polo next season for the University of the Pacific.
1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Yes. One of my rituals is definitely listening to music on the bus to the game. It’s important to stay focused before you actually play – imagine my practice and winning. I believe luck has a big influence on water polo.
2. Why is Pacific right for you?
At the University of the Pacific, I will receive a fairly high level of training. I really want a school to continue training and learning, the warm weather in California is a deciding factor. The coaches there were fantastic and did a great job helping me through the process.
3. What do you know about water polo before playing?
The most common question I get is “Are people standing?” The answer is no. I love it because it’s so difficult and different. This will be the biggest problem I get.
4. What is your favorite thing to do outside the pool?
Go out to dinner with my teammates and eat these at the same time. My teammates are actually also my best friends outside the pool, so I like to spend as much time with them as possible.
5. What is your dream job?
An astronaut for sure. I think this is so cool. I guess it’s similar to being underwater, the same feeling. You are just floating there.
6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?
I either become a wrestler or I do (mixed martial arts). Compared to water polo, these difficulties are very similar. There are actually many similarities. I wrestled briefly when I was young.
7. What is your favorite TV show right now?
“Peaky Blinders” (Netflix). The characters are so cool. The main character is a badass.
8. If you were at Walgreens with a few bucks, what would you buy?
Any chocolate and energy drinks are possible. I love sugar. I burn a lot of calories so I can eat a lot of food.
9. What do people not know about you?
I like being outdoors. As much as I spend in the pool, I really enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and doing activities with friends and family. I like to hike. This is another reason why California looks cool (for colleges). The mountains are beautiful and the scenery is cool.
10. What can this team accomplish this season?
Our goal is — of course, 100 percent — to win the state championship. We have a very good opportunity this year. There are a lot of great underclassmen who will help pave the way.This state is competitive, but I think it’s definitely an achievable goal if we keep working hard and dedication
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