POSITIVE VIBES—Hannah Andrews, a senior on the TOHS girls’ water polo squad, is praised by teammates for her upbeat attitude. RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers Hannah Andrews plays water polo the right way.

The Thousand Oaks High senior standout leads the Lancers with her consistency.

“Every single practice, every single game, I know what she’s going to bring,” said first-year head coach Thomas Smith.

“We can count on her.”

Although the Lancers have struggled accumulating wins in the merciless Marmonte League, no one can tell judging by Andrews’ positive body language and demeanor.

“She’s always got a positive attitude,” junior driver Hannah Kaplan said of Andrews. “She has a way of making us all feel good.”

One of only three returning varsity players, Andrews has helped 12 varsity newcomers, including Kaplan, adjust to the rigors of high-level water polo.

It hasn’t always been easy.

But the senior captain reflects on wins and losses through a positive lens, offering constructive insight into the game.

“She definitely knows what she’s talking about,” Kaplan said.

Andrews, 17, described this season with perceptive eloquence.

“Even though we haven’t been winning, we’re improving our skills. We’re working together on our skills,” the captain said. “I’ve enjoyed improving together.

“We’re keeping our heads in the game. Even when we’re down by a lot, we’re still playing our hardest. . . . We would like to have a solid win, keep playing tough and finish the season strong. We’re still going for wins even if playoffs are out of the question.”

The Lancer is a solid playmaker with strong pool vision. She takes pride in driving and assisting her teammates. She positions herself at the right spots, and she’s dangerous in one-onone situations.

Andrews said she wants to improve at shooting and taking the initiative to score more.

A standout in 500-yard freestyle races during the swim season, Andrews started playing water polo in seventh grade.

“I love being in the water,” she said. “I love being physical and using my skills. It’s my favorite things to do. I love being in the pool and having the ball in my hand. I love the team aspect, winning and losing together.”

One of her fondest memories in the sport was playing against older boys in Montenegro and Croatia for her club team two years ago.

“Those were the toughest, most rewarding games,” she said. “Playing against guys definitely toughened me up.”

Andrews has also enjoyed playing on the same team—for the first time ever—with her sister, Jessica, a freshman center.

“It’s really cool,” Hannah Andrews said. “We have a different chemistry. We’re best friends, and we know where we are in the pool. It’s an experience a lot of people don’t get to have.”

The feeling is mutual for Jessica Andrews.

“She’s the one who started me on water polo,” she said of her sister. “I learn a lot from her. We have that sister connection. We play really well together. She always gives me perfect passes so I can get an ejection or a goal.”

Jessica Andrews, who led the Lancers in goals entering this week, looks up to her big sister.

“If she played a sport, I’d pick it up,” the freshman said. “She’d play soccer, I’d play soccer. She’d swim, then I’d swim.

“Without her, we’re just kind of lost in the water.”

Hannah Andrews said she wants to continue playing at the next level, but she’s focused on her academics.

An honors student who takes Advanced Placement courses in U.S. government and English, Andrews plans to study speech pathology. Her top school choices are Arizona State and Cal State Northridge.

The daughter of Michele and Forrest, Andrews is a peer leader for the confirmation class at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Westlake.

Thousand Oaks is happy Andrews leads the Lancers.

“She’s an all-around great person,” Kaplan said. “She’s a great player. She’s a great person.

“She’s a great teammate.”

The Andrews sisters aren’t the only Lancers aiding Thousand Oaks in the pool.

Other Lancers to watch:

Nicole Kudlinski and Cassie Holmes are varsity returning standouts.

Kudlinski, a junior guard, is the “defensive heart and soul,” said coach Smith.

A junior utility, Holmes is a strong defender who’s the squad’s biggest counterattack threat.

Senior Hailey Bloom shares the captaincy with Hannah Andrews. Bloom elevated her game this winter, according to the coach.

Cassie Raymond and sophomore goalie Madeline Alexander bolster the starting core.