West Orange pool power

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B game and that a key player makes a difference in games,” Dailer said.

However, one key element Dailer and his players believe to have honed in this season is depth.

“My boys have a lot of depth … they play really well as a team,” she said. “So, as long as they continue to work together and count on (one another), it’s a winnable game, but it’s going to be a hard match for sure. Boca has an impressive water polo program.”

For junior utility Daniel Raz, 16, depth also has become part of the success he and his teammates have had this season.

“We don’t have one or two start players who do really (well),” he said. “Our entire team and our entire starting six are good players. We have good players on the bench, good depth and a lot of players who can show up and be helpful.”

The boys were set to travel to Boca Raton at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, to play for the regional championship title, after press time.

GIRLS

The West Orange High School girls currently are ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 1A and own a 24-1 regularseason record.

“They have come up together the past few years and have stayed in the water together,” Dailer said. “They are not playing just high school; they are playing year-round, playing club together. It’s been a really powerful thing to see them all connecting this season and staying united and having that camaraderie.”

For junior attacker Surraya Fadloullah, 16, camaraderie has been a key element on the water for the girls this season.

“Our team right now is so close, we are all friends with each other so it’s really easy for us to play together because we have a good bond with each other,” she said. “We can trust each other (in and out of the pool).”

The girls were set to face Lake Nona High (23-2) for the regional championship at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the National Training Center in Clermont to title, after press time.

THE WARRIORS

Last year, both Warrior water polo teams saw their seasons come to an end during the regional semifinals. Both teams lost against Boone High, the boys 14-13 and the girls 7-3.

Both teams are excited for the opportunity to be able to bring home a regional state championship title for the first time since the sport was sanctioned by the FHSAA.

“It’s an honor to really be a part of this team, having such great success, and to say that I’m part of it and that

I’m contributing and helping out with it,” Raz said. “It’s just a really great honor to be a part of this team that has had such success and has a chance to win the regional championship (game).”

When it comes to the girls, pride and excitement reigns between all members of the team.

“I am proud of how far we have made it,” Fadloullah said. “It’s a strong accomplishment — the (number) of teams we have (defeated) to get to where we are today.

That’s a big accomplishment for the whole team. … I feel like this year, we really focused on working more as a team instead of working individually. If one person gets better, that’s good. But if the whole team gets better, that’s better.”

Despite good communication on the water, Dailer believes both teams could benefit from more open communication methods during games to help them get even stronger.

“We need to increase communication,” she said. “Although they play together as a team and they look for (one another), they are not necessarily talking as much as I would like on the water. That’s my biggest thing I’m trying to get my team to focus on — the communication with one another.”

In

AMBER SHAW, OCOEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Amber Shaw is the administrative dean at Ocoee Middle School. She started at the school as an eighth-grade language arts teacher. After she obtained her master’s degree in educational leadership from Stetson University, she transitioned to her current role. “While those roles are very different, I have enjoyed the move into leadership and the relationships I’ve built with my grade level,” Shaw said. “I move up with them each year, so I have years to mentor and build relationships.”

What brought you to your school?

I had recently graduated from Oswego State University in Northern New York and was looking for a warmer climate. Ocoee was the first school that I had a really good feeling about. The interview was focused on engagement and relationships, and I felt that is where I would excel most.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the culture and family atmosphere of OMS. The educators here genuinely care about our students — and it shows. OMS is a safe space for a lot of our students, and they know that they are loved here.

What is your motivation?

I was a military brat and moved around a lot when I was younger. I always wanted a school I could call home and felt like I didn’t get that. I want to provide that to my students.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Getting invited to high school graduations. Middle school is such an important time for our students, and the staff here pours into our students. It’s the best reward to know that those students have made it to graduation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy fishing and spending quiet time at home. Sometimes, I get the travel bug, but I really prefer the peace and quiet of my home.

Report Card

POSITION: Administrative dean TIME AT SCHOOL: More than 10 years

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I would say my high school English teacher, Mrs. Edgar, made the most impact on me. She was the reason I pursued education. She was always fun and showed a genuine interest in her students.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

Since I can remember, I’ve wanted to take care of and nurture others. So, I wanted to be either a nurse or teacher. I pursued both and decided on a teacher, because I found it to be more fulfilling.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I enjoyed reading Disney fairy tales when I was younger. I had a collection of short stories and liked to read different stories.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy fishing and boating. I enjoy reading and spending quiet time at home.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d like to be able to teleport or fly. I’d love to be able to get to travel destinations quickly without the long travel hours and airports.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I enjoy listening to R&B and rap for the most part. I would say if I were limited it would be Lil Wayne, Charlie Wilson and Beyonce. Those three artists would give me a well-rounded musical experience.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is, of course, my favorite. Being around family and friends and enjoying one another’s company. I enjoy the fact that time slows down during Christmas and you really get to feel joy and connection with loved ones.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why?

Are you still in touch?

Being that I moved around so often, I didn’t get to establish roots when I was in elementary and middle school. I really started to develop long-lasting friends in high school and college. I still keep in touch with a few but have found my lifelong friends while working here at OMS.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was involved in soccer and lacrosse as a student. I was in the honor society for both high school and my technical nursing program in high school.

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— ANNABELLE