Despite beginning to play water polo later than most of her teammates, Mia Tovar is currently the team leader in assists and has scored the second-most goals.

Tovar, currently a senior, is one of three captains on the girls’ water polo team along with Lily Graham and Natalie Brauser.

Tovar started playing water polo her sophomore year after being inspired by the “passion for the sport” that her older sister, Carli Tovar, demonstrated. According to Mia Tovar, two years ago Carli Tovar was “a captain and was one of the best players on our team and in Oregon.”
“I have always looked up to my sister and this was one thing that I know has really motivated me as a player,” says Tovar.

Tovar notes that her swimming experience since age five served her well in water polo.

“I had a great background in swimming and was able to move throughout the pool, and had a great skill of the sport already under my belt.” This allowed Tovar to focus on improving other aspects of her game.

“I did not how to play well at all, but I was willing to work very hard,” Tovar recalls. Her work ethic, as well as her love of the game, led her to “quit swimming and start water polo year-round” after her first high school season.

Tovar competes with the Tualatin Hills Water Polo Club during the winter, spring and summer and continues to play with the high school team during the fall.

Last year Tovar became a varsity starter and was awarded “most improved” at the end of a season in which Lincoln placed second in state.

Her improvement as a player has been aided by her club team’s success.

“Our club was the best in Oregon and second overall in the Pacific Northwest. This past summer, we went to the Junior Olympics in California and had the opportunity to play high-level teams, which has contributed to my improvement.”

Her progress over the course of the last two years has resulted in Tovar’s selection as one of the captains of the high school team.

“As a captain, I am there to motivate, teach and lead the other players through a great season,” she notes.

So far, this season has exceeded her expectations. Along with leading the team to a current first-place PIL standing, Tovar hopes to help Lincoln build off of last year’s playoff success and second place finish and return to the state finals.

“I plan to play water polo in college as well and hopefully go Division I,” says Tovar on her future in water polo.