The University of La Verne men's water polo team kicks off its 2013 season this weekend, and with it comes a brand of optimism and the excitement of a new beginning.

For head coach Alex La, he believes that this year's edition of Leopard water polo is an improved version from last season, as he welcomes back a large group of returnees which includes a deep and potent group of sophomores.

"It's great to see the maturity from our sophomores early on during fall camp." La said.  "We have a strong number of players who were forced into major roles as freshmen in crucial situations last season.  They've grown up a lot and I'm excited to see how that group will perform this year."

La feels that the senior duo of Daniel Hargis and Bosko Dimic along with junior goalkeeper Dan Newell will be impact players who provide strong leadership during the 2013.  In addition, the group of second-year Leopards includes Bryan Jimenez, Matthew Vega and Viken Huening, whom La expects big things from this season.

The Leos faced a slew of Division I squads in 2012 and this season is no different.  One of the season highlights included an upset win over Santa Clara last September.  Armed with a more experience on this year's squad, the belief is that results can occur more often.  "I believe our non-conference portion of the schedule is balanced," La said.   "We play several talented teams early on, but we should be more competitive this season based on more of a winning attitude."

Conference play will officially commence in mid-October, when the Leos open league play at Whittier on October 16.  Perennially, the SCIAC has provided the top teams in Division III and the 2013 campaign looks to be more of the same with programs such as Pomona-Pitzer, Redlands, CMS and Whittier vying for conference supremacy. 

For La Verne to move into the upper echelon, La sees a renewed confidence in his squad and a belief that the talent is there to be a force.  "Our league has been and will be strong this season," La said.  "We know we can be successful and we're looking forward to meet the challenges."