When it’s time to take care of business, the Bishop’s girls water polo team can count on Sofia Holman.
After all, the Knights senior takes an honors economics class. Furthermore, she already has her own Linkedin profile listing such interests as financial giants JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.
Those aspects extend to the pool as Holman helps spearhead Bishop’s in the quest for its sixth straight CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship this year.
“For sure, keeping a level head while you play relates between the two,” said Holman, a fourth-year varsity member. “Good financial decisions relate to making smart, level-headed decisions in the pool.”
For example, too, it fits with a certain Knights approach that could come straight from a business textbook.
“At Bishop’s, we’re taught to do a thing called staying in the math,” Holman said. ”We’ll calculate how many possessions are left, how much we may be up by, and we take into how we play the game.”
Holman plans on doing a double application of applied math and economics starting next fall at Brown University. The Bears currently boast Bishop’s grad Sierra Martin, who was the section player of the year in 2020.
Holman grew up watching Martin play.
“When looking at Brown, she was someone that I talked to, looking at her experience,” Holman said. “She loved it.”
Brown’s roster includes two more San Diegans — junior Brenna Pangelinan (Eastlake High School) and sophomore goalie Roxanne Hazuka (La Jolla High School).
College will mark a return to the East Coast for Holman, a native of Manhattan. Her father, Jeff, has worked in the financial world.
Through her youth swim club, Holman tried water polo through a series of weekly clinics and became hooked on the sport.
Holman kept her aquatic interests after her family moved to Northern California when she was 8.
She tried synchronized swimming while otherwise developing in water polo to the point of qualifying for USA Water Polo’s youth development program.
Upon coming to San Diego, Holman looked to the rich tradition at Bishop’s. Along with their Open Division title streak, the Knights are also currently seeking their 13th section crown in 14 years.
“It’s been a pretty incredible experience being part of such a successful program,” Holman said. “Coming in, we had some really, really experienced super talented older girls. So it was great to have them as mentors.”
Holman has assumed the leadership role as a senior. After two years behind a core of upperclassmen, she became a full-time starter last season and earned all-section first-team honors.
“Sofia is a fierce competitor,” Bishop’s co-coach Ian Davidson said. “She always trains hard, and she’s a good communicator. Also, she’s very matter of the fact and right to the point.”
As the center defender, the 5-foot-8 Holman not only helps dictate the defense, but also orchestrates the counterattack.
In last year’s section final, the Knights topped Helix 19-6 with the help of five goals by Holman. Leading the Knights with seven was senior Julia Bonaguidi, who played at midseason with the U.S. women’s national team during a series in Australia.
Holman and Bonaguidi, currently at Cal, now belong to the Women’s 2005 National Team based on age group.
“National team has been a large resource for me,” Holman said. “I’ve been able to grow so much from it. To play with the bet of the best players is really incredible.”
The Knights lineup also includes another player with youth national team experience, senior Kendall Wyer, an all-section first-team selection last season as well.
Wyer plays on the right side usually against an opponent’s top attacker with junior Kylie Norden on the same side. To the left are junior Sydney Hagan and sophomore Aileen Shin.
Freshman Maggie Ryan acts as the setter in the middle.
As the center defender, Holman operates ahead of junior goalie Maddy Lane along with moving forward on offense.
“Maddy Lane and I are in charge of directing the defense, making sure that we’re all on the same page,” Holman said. “I definitely play a vocal position. I don’t’ see that I’m fairly vocal (otherwise), but definitely in the pool.”
The Knights (17-8) have a schedule that includes matches against Southern California powers. The section playoffs begin Feb. 6, with the finals scheduled for Feb. 17 at La Jolla High School.
Expect Holman to be on the top of her game.
“Improving and pushing myself has been real great,” Holman said. “Seeing my growth, I’ve become a lot more self-aware through water polo. I’ve learned so much (from coaches). I’m just pushing myself and seeing what I can do.”
While taking care of business, of course.
Thien is a freelance writer.
