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.