Riverside Brookfield High School senior Liv Dobbe still rides the wave of momentum from the end of the 2024 girls water polo season. The Bulldogs finished their 4-15 season by reaching the Fenwick Sectional semifinals. Individually, Dobbe received honorable mention all-sectional.
“I was super-grateful for the nomination. It has really boosted my confidence with the sport and allowed me to take pride in my game play,” Dobbe said. “I feel like it will give me the confidence to lead this season.”
The Bulldogs had numerous and key graduations but their varsity roster of 13 includes seven seniors – Dobbe, fellow returning starters Eleanor Glennie, Isabella Gonzalez and Sophie Ivan and Lesley Castillo, Afton Douglas and Riley Mulhall.
“Being a small team, it’s really important that we have a close bond and we truly do,” Dobbe said. “That really helps us to perform well together in the pool because we know to trust each other and support one another.”
The 2024 Bulldogs lost 15-5 in the sectional final to state quarterfinalist York. Behind one of their best performances, the Bulldogs won their sectional quarterfinal 19-8 over Elk Grove.
Riverside Brookfield’s Meara Douglas prevents a goal during their match against Glenbrook South Saturday March 15, 2025. (Erica Benson) 
Riverside Brookfield’s passes Leah Vega keeps the ball from Glenbrook South’s Meggie Dempsey during their match held Saturday March 15, 2025. (Erica Benson) 
Riverside Brookfield’s Afton Douglas passes the ball during their match against Glenbrook South Saturday March 15, 2025. (Erica Benson) 
Riverside Brookfield’s coach Amy Frey guides her team prior to the 3rd period during their match against Glenbrook South Saturday March 15, 2025. (Erica Benson) 
Riverside Brookfield’s Sophie Ivan makes a goal against Glenbrook South Saturday March 15, 2025. (Erica Benson)
Junior Chloe Ivan and sophomore Carly Romero also are returning starters. Junior Isabella Abernathy and sophomore Meara Douglas also return. Sophomores Grace Stanley and Leah Vega are varsity newcomers.
“[Our strengths are] great teammates, smart players, positive attitude and energy toward another, being able to read the ball well and make great plays defensively,” RBHS coach Amy Frey said.
“Liv is a great addition and helps everyone grow into their skills. She will be a huge asset.”
Dobbe gained leadership experience as a co-captain last season with graduated goalie Edie Hamilton and leading scorer Priscilla Gil. Both also earned all-sectional recognition and are playing in college.
“I’m hoping to use the same ways they led the team and apply them now. We also have a smaller team [after several graduations] so the role that not only myself but everyone has to fill has definitely increased,” Dobbe said. “We are stepping up to the plate and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Dobbe will major in nursing at the University of Iowa. She hopes to play for the Hawkeyes’ club team, which plays Big Ten Conference opponents.
“Our success this season will really come down to our team’s community. If we work well together, we can fight hard together,” Dobbe said. “As a senior, I want to make the most of my time with my team. Bonding and overall having a great time together is so important to me.”
LTHS boys water polo
High expectations never change for the Lyons Township boys water polo team.
After winning the program’s second state championship in 2024 but graduating five starters, including three all-staters, the Lions still are determined to earn a seventh straight top-three state trophy.
“The guys work really hard so they have high expectations for themselves, the team,” LTHS coach Doug Eichstaedt said. “They do a really good job of setting the bar appropriately high for what they want to accomplish. Like every year, there’s going to be challenges and the process of getting through the season. You don’t know where it might take you, but we’re excited to see them play.”
Two starters, senior Sami Rabah and junior Ben Kozak, and key senior sub Declan Vahey return from the 27-3 state champions.
Driver Rabah was fourth-team all-state and all-sectional in 2024. Rabah collected 44 goals and 45 assists following his 25 goals and 27 assists as a sophomore.
Kozak (22 goals, 13 assists) and Vahey (31 goals, 19 assists) also were big contributors. In the 10-7 state title victory over Stevenson, Rabah had three goals, Vahey five assists and Kozak one assist.
Seniors Finn Gallagher, Reese Tegan and Jack Walls juniors Nate Carroll and Wesley Musgrove and sophomore goalie Vedran Petrovic were promoted for the state tournament. Other team members are senior goalie Zayn Rabah, juniors Brice Hurley and Tommy Stamer and sophomores Joaquin Fabara and Collin McNeil.
The Lions opened Saturday at the Stevenson Tournament by beating Fremd 16-4 and Stevenson 14-7 and losing to champion Whitney Young 9-8. The 2024 Lions beat fourth-place Whitney Young 12-7 in the state semifinals.
Rabah and Gallagher are this year’s co-captains.
“Certainly we graduated a lot of seniors so this is definitely a new group but Sami and Finn have been great leaders, setting a great example,” Eichstaedt said.
“A lot of our players play in the offseason and throughout the summer so certainly the guys that weren’t on varsity last year still come with experience. But that’s always the challenge of adjusting, adapting and taking that next step to compete at the level we expect.”