Spirited Goalie Carries on Legacy

Take a look at the Harvard men’s water polo team’s lineup and something clearly stands out–other than a few players from Eastern Europe or New England, the Crimson’s roster is remarkably dominated by Californians.

“There’s something about the team, the fact that most of us have the shared experience of not being from east coast places,” goalie Nikhil Balaraman said. “We can commiserate in the snow and all that terrible stuff that none of us had seen before.”

Balaraman is a senior originally from the San Diego area, who despite the drastic change in weather, has established himself as an important part of the water polo team here at Harvard. That said, he doesn’t limit his play to sports. Balaraman and his roommate showed off their philanthropic sides by offering their services as a package deal at Kirkland’s Date Auction last night.

But back to the pool, where Balaraman works on a different game.

While Balaraman admits this season isn’t going quite as planned, head coach Erik Farrar points out that the keeper’s play has been one of the bright spots.

“He’s been a big part of the positive things that have been going on this season, and we’re hoping for a big finish to his senior year,” Farrar said in regards to the goalie.

These kinds of commendations are especially notable considering the shoes that Balaraman and sophomore teammate Alexandre Popp were asked to fill as the fall season began. The two are taking the place of one of the Crimson’s most storied water polo players, Jay Connolly, who graduated as part of the Class of 2009.

“The thing about Jay is that, if we’d had a better season last year—not even a winning season, say something close to a .500 season—Jay would’ve been All-American. Without question,” Balaraman stated with confidence.

Connolly was known by his teammates for an inspiring work ethic and a silent leadership that all respected.

“You always tried to emulate what he did, because you wanted to been seen in that light,” Balaraman reflected. “It was like, ‘Oh if Jay can do it, we should be able to do at least half of that.’ He’s kind of ridiculous.”

Teammates and coaches alike recognize that Balaraman has stepped up to the bar that players like Connolly set at impressive heights.

“To have a keeper like Jay, who is the man, no doubt leaves a bit of a shadow,” Farrar said. “Nikhil has worked really hard the past couple years and has done a good job of filling that spot.”

“Jay and Nikhil play two very different styles, but are both great goalies,” co-captain Egen Atkinson added. “[Nikhil] has come up with some huge games for us in the goal. He’s a more vocal leader for the defense.”

In reference to his teammates’ praise regarding his leadership, Balaraman says it just part of the job as a keeper.

“A lot of playing goalie, its mentally being able to not let what happens get to your head,” he said. “You’re the last guy there for your teammates so you think, ‘I just want to make this stop so they have the opportunity to go score a goal.’”

Balaraman is also quick to give credit to the rest of the team. After taking a break from the sport during his sophomore year, he realized that the people involved were what really made him want to play.

“[My teammates] are all great people,” Balaraman said. “I mean that’s the reason we stay together…that’s the reason I came back to the team.”

The goalie’s teammates were eager to point out their peers’ successes and constantly give accolades to one another.

“It’s just a little love fest,” Atkinson joked.

This kind of back-and-forth complimenting and sense of community is something that has become commonplace amongst the Harvard water polo players.

Atkinson continued the trend when he added, “Nikhil’s one of my best friends. He’s a very funny guy, very motivated, definitely going to be successful at whatever he chooses to do further on in life.”

For now Balaraman is focused on the team’s upcoming game against Fordham this Saturday. As the year’s last conference game, it is crucial to determine the Crimson’s position in postseason play.

“Saturday is a must win,” Balaraman said. “The last few times they’ve played us, they’ve just had our number or something. So for us, it’s pissing us off,” he noted with a laugh.

Although he keeps a lighthearted attitude towards the sport and his teammates, as a leader on the Crimson defense and the team as a whole, Balaraman is determined to finish the season strong—and get a good meal out of the highest bidder.