Malvern Prep’s Isaac Salinas is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
A: The key to success with regards to scoring is my ambition to constantly be a threat no matter where I am in the pool. This forces me to find ways to get open, because any opportunity I can take to get a good shot off, I will take.
Q: For Malvern, you play a mix between 2 meter offense and Utility. What do you like about those positions?
A: Both my brothers always told me the best place to shoot in the pool is from close (2 meter offense) and through practice and games I learned to like shooting from the perimeter as well as posting up as a utility.
A: My most vivid memory of the Beast of the East tournament occurred on the first day and first game. We played Wissahickon, where I had one of my best games, scoring eight goals accompanied by a couple steals and kick outs drawn. Winning that game was a special moment for our team because last year we lost to them in the same tournament.
Q: What sparked your initial interest in water polo?
A: It all started with my oldest brother Michael Paul coming to Malvern as a freshman swimmer and he decided to try water polo and he enjoyed the game. Then my middle brother Aaron started playing in eighth grade. I really enjoyed watching both my brothers excel in this sport and I wanted to play the game as well. At this time I was in fourth grade and had the opportunity to be around Coach [Jay] Schiller and Coach Kane. Both coaches were always willing to give me answers to all my questions about the fundamentals of the game.
Q: Who has been your biggest water polo mentor, and what was the most important thing they taught you?
A: Coach Schiller has been my biggest mentor, he taught me how to play the game since the very beginning. The most important thing he ever taught me was to go out in the pool play as best as I can and have fun.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: I believe my strongest part of my game is my leg strength in the water. I used to be a breaststroker and have practiced waterpolo leg movements (eggbeater) since fourth grade. This helps me immensely whether its shooting from the perimeter to being a 2 meter defender. Strong legs makes the game less difficult.
Fun facts – Isaac Salinas
