Student-Athlete of the Week: Mia Buelna

Indio Girls' water polo point Mia Buelna is this week's student-athlete of the week.

Joining the varsity team as a sophomore, Buelna was ready to compete as soon as she joined.

"It was clear from the start that she wanted to get better at the sport, and she really proved from an early stage that she was dedicated," Indio girls' water polo head coach Marcos Perez said. "She's very vocal, has great opinions, and her teammates trust her. I think that just says so much about her character, her personality, and how much she means to this team. 

Described as a winner, competitor, and good friend, Buelna described that all three traits come from a major component of any sport.

"I feel like you have to be dedicated," Buelna said. "If you want to win, want to work hard, and show up to practice all the time, it just all results in winning."

Her co-captain, Sienna Rodriguez, whom Mia has known since elementary school, has built a strong relationship to be like a dynamic duo.

"I think we bounce off each other a lot, and we always have each other's back," Rodriguez said. "If I don't have a shot, I know Mia is there. I would say we have that little duo going on in the pool."

As she plans to attend UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, or Cal State Northridge, Mia's presence will be missed in and out of the pool.

"I have athletes, but I try to have great individuals as well, and Mia is just a great person," coach Perez said. "She cares so much about her teammates, she cares about her coaches, and she's always checking in on us ... I think she's an all-around outstanding person, both in the pool and the classroom, but out in the real world as well. "

We are always looking for Student Athlete of the Week nominations. If you know a senior who should be featured next, be sure to contact the KESQ sports department.

The Student Athlete of the Week segment airs every Tuesday.