For Orange Lutheran sophomore Luke Weichert, the sport of water polo in his blood.
 
His mother was one of the first water polo players for UCI's women's program, and after Weichert got his start in swim, he followed in his mom's footsteps and transitioned to water polo at age 10. He's loved playing ever since.
 
"I just love working hard at it," says Weichert. "I have a great relationship with water polo. It's a lot of fun for me personally, and I love playing with the team. I love working with my teammates and doing well."


 
As a left-handed attacker for the Lancers, Weichert enjoys being an offensive-focused player. Coming off of a CIF championship last season with OLu, he and his teammates are not planning on sitting back but are hopeful to repeat as title winners again this year.
 
Weichert's focus this season is on personal improvement and contributing to a team culture that will lead to success.
 
"I always try to help my teammates as much as possible," says the two-year varsity player. "I always try to listen to their feedback, while also giving them feedback if they need it. I would do anything for them, in the pool and outside of the pool as well."
 
Having spent a number of years playing for club teams, Weichert admits that representing a program of this caliber was a goal of his, and he couldn't be prouder of his experience thus far as a part of the Lancer family.
 
"I've been working hard for this point for years now," says Weichert. "It's incredible that I'm able to do it and that I'm able to represent and play for this community which has given me so much love and support."
 
One aspect of the OLu community that Weichert has taken to heart is the opportunity to grow in his faith while also playing the sport that he loves.
 
"My faith has always been a big motivator in my life," says Weichert. "And I believe that faith has helped me definitely with humility. There are times when I lash out, but my faith helps me control that. My faith helps to keep me humble so that I keep working hard. And I really appreciate that."
 
Outside of the pool, Weichert likes to spend time with his family and is always up for a pickup game of hoops. In looking ahead to after high school, the 16-year old hopes to play college water polo alongside possibly pursuing a career in real estate or medical technology.
 
Weichert's work ethic is inspired by some of the greatest, such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. But his parents remain his most significant influence and have been instrumental in guiding him both in sports and in life.
 
"I've always had my parents as my primary role models, and I love them to death," says Weichert. "They've helped me and they've inspired me to work hard. They've worked very hard in life to grant me this very blessed life that I very much enjoy."