Sportrait

Shantel Kohonick is seeing things from a different perspective these days.

Kohonick, 16, is in her fifth season of involvement with the Weyburn Water Polo Club. Having moved up the ladder of age categories during that time, she is now playing in the Juvenile division - and coaching as well.

"It's very different when you're a coach," Kohonick says. "It feels great to be on the other side."

She originally got involved with water polo at the urging of head coach Janice Bernard, who first organized the club at the Weyburn Leisure Centre several years ago. Since then, Kohonick has found the sport both fun and challenging.

Her background in water activities includes a lengthy stint with the Weyburn Silver Seals speed swimming team beginning when she was in Grade 2. She also plays soccer and has been a member of the Weyburn Comprehensive School's cross-country running team.

Water polo is her sport of choice, however. "Running takes too much out of me," she explains.

Kohonick has a competitive streak and has enjoyed playing against water polo teams from Estevan and Regina. "I always admired the Regina team," she says, adding that a number of players on that team impressed her with their ability.

While in the water, Kohonick feels at home on defence where she can express her competitive nature.

"You can be competitive in the pool and then realize it's only a game," she says.

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