Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Noah Wendt, New Trier water polo

Noah Wendt is a senior water polo player for the Trevians. He was an All-State selection for New Trier’s state champion team in 2022.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Not for the most part. I usually just listen to music, bond with my teammates. So no, not really, but I usually eat PB&J sandwiches before a game.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I hope to play water polo in college. I don’t know where yet, but (looking to go) pretty far, looking to go to California, mostly.

3. When and why did you get serious about water polo?

I first started getting serious about water polo in sixth grade. My dad (Matt Wendt) was always trying to include us in water polo. He played in college (and is the New Trier girls varsity coach) and it was always a backup option for me, but once I started getting pretty good, I realized that is what I should pursue.

4. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I think it would be hockey. I was really big into hockey. All my friends play hockey right now. Maybe soccer, but probably hockey.

5. What is your favorite thing to do outside the pool?

I love hanging out with my teammates and my friends. I love hanging out with my family. I really like to be active, play sports, basketball, hockey. I just usually stay busy.

6. What would be your dream job?

I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. I don’t know why. I always thought it would be cool.

7. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m definitely buying some candy. That’s a go-to. Some chewy Airheads. Love those, those are nice. And probably a drink, like an iced tea or lemonade.

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I think I would go just somewhere warm: Galapagos Islands, the Bahamas, Bora Bora. I like to be places where there’s water and ocean life. I find it cool.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

A fun fact, when people ask me, I always bring out is that I’m related to Jason Sudekis (actor, “Ted Lasso”). I don’t know how, but I’m somehow related to him. My parents just randomly told me one day.

10. What does this team have to do to get back to state?

This year is different because we are defending champs. We started off the season with a mindset change. Coach is telling us to forget that we even won, because that shouldn’t be on your mind, we shouldn’t be cocky. I think what I need to do is bring the team together. We have a new team this year and need to focus on working as a team to win another state championship.

We’re still figuring things out a little right now, where people are going, positions. but I think we’ll make a good run. Just having trust in one another will be key. A lot of guys are sophomores, so we have a divide and have to make everyone trust each other and bond and bring that into pool.

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