BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Making a splash in Texas

By Adam Bahrami, age 16 | July 1, 2016

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Adam Bahrami, a sophomore at Memorial High School, had to take time off from water polo due to an injury. Now he’s back in the game. (Photo: Strawberry Studios)

I am British, born and raised. Until I arrived in Texas at age 10, the only sports I played were tennis, cricket and soccer. Now I am trying to fit into the all-American teenage life at Memorial High School.

Since arriving in Texas, I have been part of the Viper Pigeons, a water polo club, and have participated in the Olympic Development Program for three seasons.

Through my club, I have attended five Junior Olympics events in California. Last summer, I had the opportunity to play with fellow Brits back home in Division 1, college level, with some Olympic players. I was extremely nervous; I was sure they were going to show me that I shouldn’t have left England. Once my nerves settled, I was quite surprised at my own strength to keep up with their pace. My Texan coaching did not let me down; they were keen to have me stay and play for them. I had to decline their offer as my home is Houston now.

On my return, I was injured in a game and out for four months with a concussion. I thought, that’s it. I was struggling with school, had no energy and was slipping into depression. It was so hard watching others getting into the pool where I practice, and I couldn’t concentrate at school due to the pain. I pushed myself to focus. I asked God to help get me through this ordeal.

Then things started to turn around. I began more charity work, and I started my own school club to help assist the Boys & Girls Harbor in La Porte. I got signed off from the doctors. My grades started to rise. I began extra workouts after school and weekends.

When water polo season started, I was concerned whether I had what it took anymore. All I can say is, with the grace of God, I received top-goal scorer at 51 goals, a second-place all-region award and extreme MVP player as a sophomore. I made captain for the following year and coached the freshmen. Truly, this year has been a blessing.

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