In 2014 the Bellevue Wolverines girls water polo team captured a 10th place finish at the state tournament. Wolverines’ senior team captain Julie Mao believes her squad can eclipse last season’s performance by the time May rolls around.

“We have a lot of raw talent. I think if we continue to work hard, we can finish in the top four at state,” Mao said.

Mao, who is the lone senior on the team, embraces the role of being the most experienced athlete on the roster.

“I feel like the mother of the team. I’m the mama bear,” Mao said. “Its kind of a big responsibility. I feel like when I’m in the pool I have to be working hard all the time. I can’t be slacking off at all because I feel like people are always watching me which is stressful.”

Mao said the stress is worth it when Bellevue head coach Evan Kaseguma calls on her to mentor the younger players on the team.

“When I’m chosen to demonstrate a drill I feel like all of my hard work paid off. It is really rewarding,” she said.

Mao said Kaseguma is adept at teaching the exquisite details of water polo.

“He is probably one of the most knowledgeable coaches I’ve ever had. He leads by example. He is kind of unique because he was a smaller player (Kaseguma is 5 feet, 10 inches tall) and you imagine water polo coaches being these big strong players. I think it’s really helpful though because he teaches us the technical skills to make us better,” Mao said.

Recently, the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Mao a few questions about her life away from the pool.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Julie Mao: It is “(500) Days of Summer.” It’s a corky spin on a classic love story.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JM: People who chew with their mouth open. People eat in class when I’m taking tests. It is really annoying.

BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

JM: I actually grew up as a swimmer so I followed swimming so it’s not really a team. I followed individuals like Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps and Natalie Kaufman.

BR: What is your favorite show on television right now?

JM: I’m watching “Friends” right now for the first time and am getting really obsessed with that.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

JM: I probably send 20 per day. It’s all about Snapchat now.

BR: What is your favorite dinner dish?

JM: My grandma’s rice cakes with vegetables.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

JM: John Green. He is one of my favorite authors. I feel he has a really unique outlook on life.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com