Q&A with Tara Prentice
January 30, 2019 | Women's Water Polo, Features
The UC Irvine's women's water polo season is underway and they are looking to build off last year's momentum. The 'Eaters ended 2018 on a strong note by taking the Big West Tournament title at their very own Anteater Aquatics Complex. They entered this year ranked No. 6 in the nation with some key returners that are looking to repeat as conference champions.
Among those key returners is junior Tara Prentice, who was an All-Big West First Team selection and made the ACWPC All-America Second Team in her first year as an Anteater. She was dominant last year for UC Irvine as she led the team in goals scored, shot attempts, assists and steals. For this Q&A segment we got to know the 2018 All-Big West selection as she discussed topics ranging from her family background to her outlook on the 2019 season.
Q: An interesting fact about you is that you are a first generation American. Can you tell us a little about where your parents were born and raised?
A: Both of my parents were born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. My dad attended an all-boys school, Annadale Grammar, while my mum attended Belfast Royal Academy. Growing up, my mum played field hockey while my dad played rugby and soccer. My parents both loved growing up in Northern Ireland and I would probably have been born there myself if it weren't for my mum's vacations as a child. My mum visited California many times and instantly fell in love. She always tells me how she knew, even as a little girl, that she would be moving to California. This was a major decision for my mum since the rest of my family still lives in Belfast. Luckily she met someone nearly as crazy as she is, my dad, who shared her ambition of going to America. My parents actually first met in a pub which is the most stereotypical Irish story ever!
Q: Being a transfer from UCLA, what made you want to come to UC Irvine?
A: I wanted to come to UC Irvine for many reasons. I truly felt like I would fit in best at UCI. I am always trying to better myself and I felt I had the best opportunity of growth, athletically and academically, at UC Irvine. I am very thankful for the opportunity I have been given. I also feel like I can identify with the mentality of the UCI coaches, Dan Klatt and Andrew Rowe. Every single day, they instill in us the importance of being the best individuals we can be and giving it our all in every single situation despite the odds. I really identify with that ideology of hard work and never giving up.
Q: Coming to a new team, how were you able to adapt and find that chemistry with your teammates?
A: I think it is always hard adapting and finding chemistry in new situations. Especially when I first joined the team, there were 12 newcomers and 7 returning seniors. This created a rare team dynamic. I think we all really bonded over our love for UCI and our drive to be great. We all rooted for each other and wanted the best for each other. The chemistry wasn't instantaneous but was definitely apparent as the season went on. I don't think it would have been true chemistry if it was rainbows and butterflies from day one. There needs to be hardship and some failure to build that chemistry and help us as a team to reach new heights. I am thankful to be with my teammates every day and wouldn't want it any other way.
Q: As a returning All-Big West athlete what personal goals have you set for yourself this season? What do you hope to accomplish as a team?
A: This season, and every time I go into anything sport related, I always have the same goals. I want to give my all and be the best teammate I can be. As a team, I hope to accomplish many things such as winning the Big West and a National Championship but more importantly I want to ensure that we reach our full potential. I want to be able to look back at this season knowing we gave it our all and have no regrets. I want my teammates to reach new heights and become the best they can be.
Q: What conference match-up are you really looking forward to this season?
A: I am excited for all of them! They are always super competitive and intense. For this season specifically, I am looking forward to Hawaii and Davis because we play them at home. I know all of us on the team really look forward to home games because we get to play in front of our friends and family.
Q: What is your pregame routine that prepares you for game day?
A: My pregame routine that prepares me for game day usually consists of listening to a lot of music and chatting with my teammates. My routine definitely incorporates a lot of laughs and goofing off before it is time to get serious. When it comes to music, I just listen to anything that puts me in a good mood, nothing specific.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a UCI athlete so far?
A: I honestly can't choose one. Every moment I get to represent UCI as an athlete is truly special. Even when we're losing, and things aren't going according to plan, my pride and love never wavers. If I HAD to choose one favorite memory, it would have to be the entire Big West Conference tournament last year. It was just super special having it at our own pool. We went in seeded third but through pure effort and will we defied odds and ended up being the last team standing. It was special for me as I felt our team exemplified what it truly means to be a part of UCI. That moment really brought us together as one.
Q: Aside from water polo, are there any other sports you like to watch or play?
A: I am a huge soccer fan. My family and I are season ticket holders for the LA Galaxy and some of my favorite memories are going to the games with my family. I am also a HUGE Chelsea FC fan. I really enjoy watching soccer as it was constantly on TV since my dad is also a huge soccer fan. Him and I bond over soccer and are constantly conversing about games/scores. I also love watching sport documentaries. I am a big dreamer and am a sucker for inspirational sport movies!
Q: If you could travel to any place in the world where would you go and why?
A: If I could travel anywhere, I would definitely go to Italy! Growing up, my mum and her family would go every summer to a campsite in Cavallino. Now, my family tries to continue that tradition with my mum's side. We have gone to Italy as often as possible when there are no conflicts with work or sports. It is always one of my most peaceful vacations. We just go to the beach and relax the entire time. We have made it out there a good 5 or 6 times. I have some of my best memories in Italy, specifically, when Italy won the World Cup in 2006! There were fireworks and parties for a straight week. It was great to experience Italy at such a fun time, especially being a huge soccer fan myself!
Q: What are your career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?
A: I am currently majoring in Criminology, Law, and Society. I plan on double majoring in Psychology & Social Behavior as well. I am hoping this will prepare me for Law School, hopefully at UCI. I have wanted to go to Law School for as long as I can remember. My long term career aspiration is to become a judge. I have always been an advocate for justice being served and for things to be fair. I believe going to Law School will be the perfect platform for me to go after these aspirations of justice and fairness.
