On a collegiate water polo team consisting of 17 student-athletes, leadership usually stems from its most experienced members. In the case of Villanova women's water polo, it falls on seniors Callan Edwards and Sadie Dutcher.

The two grew up in Southern California about an hour and a half apart in Santa Monica, Calif. and Pasadena, Calif., respectively. Although they had never met before prior to Villanova, they've always felt like the other is a piece of home with them here on the East Coast.

"We've been close ever since freshman year and I am really lucky to have her," Edwards said of Dutcher. "She has been the constant in my Villanova water polo career and there have been many times when I've needed to lean on her for support. She is the only person that has been through the whole journey with me."

The two have developed a relationship that depends on unspoken communication in the pool. This trait, they say, was established in the time the two were roommates during their junior year. Before every game, Edwards and Dutcher have a specific way of warming up that is done before every match involving a number of different types of passes. No matter the importance of the contest, it always stays the same. Perhaps more importantly, they've gained experience that comes with three years of collegiate competition under their belts.

Both Edwards and Dutcher have been starters for the Wildcats since their arrivals on the Main Line. Edwards, a driver, has steadily improved her scoring from one year to the next, notching 32 goals as a freshman, 36 as a sophomore and 43 as a junior. Dutcher, also a driver, has also improved collecting 14, 13 and 22 goals in her freshman, sophomore and junior years, respectively.

"I try to lead by example," Dutcher said of her leadership style "I work hard and give a 100% everyday. I also make it a point to be supportive of the underclassmen. I've experienced a lot of the things they are going through in and out of the pool, so I'm there for them and lend advice if they want it."

Edwards and Dutcher are close friends, teammates and classmates so it only makes sense they have almost the exact same views on leadership as Dutcher.

"Since I've been on the team I've always felt I lead best by example," said Dutcher. "I just try to keep the team together and unified and foster an environment where we can learn from each other as players and as people."

Both want their teammates to know they are appreciated, looked after, shown how important they are and help everyone reach their full potential. To put simply, both care about their teammates and will never pass up a chance to talk to them.

"Having been a captain for two years, I'm in a position to set a good example for my team," Edwards said. "I come to every practice with a good attitude and the mindset of giving my best effort. I try to be the kind of teammate I would want to have and not expect anything out of my teammates that I don't expect from myself. I just strive to help the team grow together and learn from each other. I want to help create a trusting team dynamic."

When asked for a piece of advice that resonates with them in their lives, both Dutcher and Edwards gave answers that prove they are well equipped to take on a leadership role with the team. Dutcher's father channeled Teddy Roosevelt by telling her `nothing worth doing is ever easy.' Edwards' grandmother and father constantly repeat `do your best and rest is not your business.'

Both bits of words of wisdom can both be applied to water polo. As with any collegiate sport the constant juggling of class schedules, homework, practice and travel for games can be difficult, but if Dutcher and Edwards' leadership roles are any indication of what they both can bring to the team on a daily basis, the squad will be successful.

"Callan and Sadie are both strong leaders on our team," said head coach Damon Newman. "Both of them lead by example, working really hard in condition work and drills. Having played four years at Villanova they have a great understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level and still pursue their academic dreams. Callan and Sadie have a chance at becoming the first class to quality for MAAC championship all four years of their playing career."

Water polo opened its season Jan. 31 in the Iona Mini-Tournament against Harvard and Iona. They will next compete at home in the Villanova Invitational where they will host Mercy, Washington & Jefferson, Gannon and George Washington. The first match against Mercy is set to begin at 9 a.m. at the Villanova Swim Complex.