DAVIS, Calif. — "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Four years. 74 victories. A pair of Western Water Polo Association titles. Two appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Life has indeed moved pretty fast for the UC Davis men's water polo senior class during their tenure as Aggies, one that comes to an end on Saturday at 3 p.m., as they dive into the pool at Schaal Aquatic Center for the last time against conference rival Santa Clara.

"Beginning with the recruiting process, before these guys are even in college, it's five years — it's not an insignificant amount of time," said Daniel Leyson, the Child and Meisel Families Director of Men's Water Polo. "There's a lot of emotions that go along with it and I'm really happy for these guys. They all bring unique qualities to our program that we really cherish and I want nothing more than the best for them as they finish out their careers."

Food science and technology major Eric Martel, applied mathematics major Yurii Hanley, psychology Max Somple, and managerial economics major Holden Tamblyn, help carry 11th-ranked UC Davis into its 2019 home finale with a 10-7 overall record and an unblemished 4-0 mark in WWPA play. However, while they were looking forward to the game that's ahead, we asked them to take some time to look back and reminisce about their time at UC Davis as both a student and an athlete.

What eventually won you over and made you pick UC Davis?
Holden Tamblyn: While looking at colleges, I knew that I wanted to go somewhere in California for water polo. There were two things that sold me: the first was that Davis is a college town, which reminded me of my home in Ann Arbor, but on a smaller scale. Living in a city that has such a connection with the local university is special and something I valued growing up with. The second reason I chose to come to Davis is for the people in the water polo program. I have created lifelong relationships with my teammates over the past five seasons, and learned so much from the top coaches in the country. There is no place I'd rather be.

Yurii Hanley: The ability to be apart of a growing program. I was really intrigued by the program's ability to improve a lot in the time that I was there. I wanted to a part of the foundation of something special and that's what I thought UC Davis was going to be.

Max Somple: I ultimately chose to come to Davis because of the guys on the team. On my official visit, I was able to meet every member of the program and everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I also noticed how well everyone got along and how much everyone enjoyed each others company. From the freshman to the seniors, they all seemed to care and look after each other. It just seemed like an environment that I wanted to be a part of.

Eric Martel: I came on my recruiting trip here and the team atmosphere was different from the other schools that I visited. The team seemed like a really close family and made me feel very welcome. The fact that UC Davis is such a top school academically also made my decision easy.

What are your memories about first arriving on campus? Nervous? Excited? Anxious?
HT: Arriving on campus was a bit nerve racking, but the transition period from late August when training camp started to September when school started was helpful. Coming in with five other freshman was also helpful because I knew I wasn't the only one going through it. I came in with a mentality to work hard no matter and it has served me well throughout my career.

YH: I was excited to begin my college experience, I wasn't that nervous. I was eager to see what college had to offer. Davis isn't that far away from where I live, so I always knew in my head that I was close to home, but Davis just blew me away so I don't go home that much anyway.

MS: It seems like such a long time ago, it's tough to remember. I was definitely excited to get to college and get started on the next stage of my life. I'm sure I was at least a little bit nervous to start training with the team.

EM: When I first arrived, I was very nervous to be living so far away from home, but I was excited for a new adventure. I was only 17 when I arrived to start classes during the summer but, as soon as I arrived, I felt like a part of the family.

Compare your first days at UC Davis to now. How do you think you've grown academically/personally/athletically during your four years?
HT: Throughout college, I have definitely become more mature academically. I have had a greater appreciation for what I am learning from when I started at UC Davis because I realize how applicable many of my classes are to the real world. Personally, my decision making skills have improved, which I credit to the challenges and stability water polo provides for its student-athletes. Athletically, my role has changed over five seasons. From being a redshirt and trying to soak up all the knowledge I could, to being a captain and playing in big games, I am thankful for the opportunity Coach Leyson gave me to continue my water polo career.

YH: I definitely take a broader perspective about things in my life. I have learned to let go of things that I can't control, because they just aren't worth the stress. I have learned how to work hard and make the most of opportunities that I am given. Being an athlete has shown me that I can do anything that I put my mind too.

MS: I think I have definitely honed my academic skills. When I was first arrived on campus I didn't really know how to study properly. These days, I have my study routine down and don't need to stress too much about my exams and papers. Water polo training is a lot less stressful than it used to be. As a younger player I used to stress out every day about how much we were going to swim, whether I was going to get yelled at by the coaches, and how I would get through a grueling three-hour practice. Eventually something clicked and the training became easier to manage, mentally and physically. I began to embrace the swimming, and the coach's criticism, and the overall toughness of our practices.

EM: Over the past four years, I've elevated my game and, through the program, I've become a more well-rounded and responsible person. I've changed my major a couple times, but have been able to find something that I am very passionate about.

What words would you use to describe being a part of the men's water polo program?
HT: Toughness, resilience, teamwork, HYS, 'Aggie Pride.'

YH: Special. Being apart of this program has instilled values into me that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I never thought that I could work this hard at anything in my life before this program. I have made some of the best friends in life and I have been able work under some of the best coaches in the nation. This program will always have a special place in my heart because of all the fond memories that I have made because of it.

MS: Entertaining, tiring, and rewarding

EM: For me, the words that best describe our program are our team values of toughness, resilience, teamwork, HYS, and 'Aggie Pride.' We work very hard and you have to be able to persevere through the tough times, and you must rely on your teammates to do this. You have to be able to handle your stuff in and out of the pool, and we're all very proud to be Aggies. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It's a privilege to be part of this program.

What was the biggest "shock to the system" when making the transition to high school life-college life and high school/club water polo-collegiate water polo?
HT: The biggest "shock to the system" from high school to college was not seeing my parents every day. It may have not been immediate, but when things got tough there were times I would have liked to have them there. Athletically, the biggest shock from high school to college was the deceptiveness of the top passers and shooters.

YH: The speed of the game at the college level along with the physicality. Also, having to manage being a student and an athlete away from home for the first time was difficult at first but, after a while, I learned how to do both and it was a lot less stressful.

MS: I think the biggest change for me from high school to college was not having home cooked meals everyday. I definitely missed all of my mom's cooking. The biggest shock to me in regards to water polo was how hard everyone on the team worked. I always thought of myself as a hard worker and I kind of thought it made me special. When I started training with the team, I realized working hard wasn't something special, it was expected, and that there was another level of hard work that I had not yet reached.

EM: The biggest shock for me was the amount of swimming we did and the higher level of intensity of the games. I was used to playing full games back in high school and, when I first arrived in Davis, I could barely play a minute without gasping for air.

Favorite memory/memories?
HT: My favorite memory thus far was this past summer, meeting with the team in Barcelona immediately following my sisters wedding, and then going on to Korcula, and lastly going on to see recent Aggie alumni, Ido Goldschmidt with Max. This month was non-stop fun and a trip that I will never forget. I am glad Dan was able to share some of his favorite spots in Barcelona with us.

YH: Winning WWPA's in San Diego against UC San Diego and the team trip to Europe over the last summer. It was so cool to be able to play water polo in world-famous pools — like the olympic pool in Barcelona

MS: I'd say my favorite memories are all of the trips/activities we did as a team. I always had a great time going up to Crystal Lake and really loved going on our annual fishing trip, especially because I was one of the lucky ones who didn't get seasick. The trip that will always stand out to me the most is our trip to Barcelona/Croatia. Getting to go to europe with my 20 best friends is an experience I will never forget.

EM: In 2016 when we won our first WWPA Championship. We were all business the whole game up until about 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Coach started to crack a smile, took off his socks and shoes, and we started going wild on the bench.

Favorite spots on campus to study, hangout, etc.
HT: My favorite spot on campus is probably just barely off campus at either 3rd and U Cafe, or Ali Baba. I do also appreciate the 'Death Star' classrooms during finals week because they are usually empty, quiet places to study.

YH: Cuarto Dining Commons has to be my favorite place on campus. It has the best food and the upstairs is probably one of the best places to study on campus because its not that loud, and you can get as much soda as you want.

MS: I'd say my favorite spot on campus is the Memorial Union. I'll stop by there a few times a week to grab a bite to eat. There's a good vibe to it there and I almost always run into someone I know.

EM: If I'm looking for a quiet spot to study on campus with not a lot of people, I'll try and go to the arboretum.

How would you sum up your four years as an Aggie to those who might be considering UC Davis?
HT: I think that one way to describe my four years at Davis is pride. Many of the people at UC Davis want to be at Davis and would not want to be anywhere else. For me, there is no other campus, team, community or university I would rather be a part of.

YH: I would sum up my four years as the best four of the years of my life. Davis is extremely underrated. I feel like I haven't met one person who hasn't loved it here. Davis will always have a special place in my heart because of all the good times and memories and friends that i have made here.

MS: I wouldn't trade my experience at Davis for the world. My teammates have been incredible. They've been the reason I show up to training everyday and they're the reason it will be so hard when I have to leave. I'm really lucky to have had the opportunity to play for a coach like Coach Leyson. There aren't many coaches that care as much about their players as he does, both in the pool and out of the pool. He wants the best for his players athletically, academically, and in life.

EM: I have suffered through a lot injuries and hardships over the past four years but, regardless of what I was going through, my team was always there to lift me up.

What advice would you give to future student-athletes who follow in your footsteps?
HT: Some advice that I have for student-athletes in general is to choose a place or a team based on the people. If you like the people you are working with every day, the process is much more enjoyable and you will be willing to give more than you thought possible.

YH: Work hard, accept criticism, and keep the vibes good.

MS: Don't talk back to your coaches and learn how to follow directions.

EM: Always listen to your coach and if you need help with anything, make sure to ask for it.

With your professional lives ahead of you, what are you going to do when you "grow up"? Do you have jobs lined up yet or plans to pursue a particular path whether it be a job, grad school, etc.?
HT: When I finish college in December and have to grow up, I plan to get a job in the Bay Area. The hope is to use the skills I learned studying managerial economics and training for water polo to work in the finance world.

YH: I still have the rest of the year left to complete. I don't know what I'm going to do after I graduate yet, but I know good things are in store. I do plan on doing something that falls under the umbrella of my major.

MS: I'm planning on pursuing a master's degree in organizational psychology/behavioral science.

EM: I still have another year before I complete my undergraduate degree, but I hope to one day own my own craft brewery. Once I finish at UC Davis, I'm hoping to go to graduate school in the United Kingdom to get my brew master degree.

How do you think the Aggie EVO program has helped shape your future endeavors when it comes to your professional careers.
HT: Aggie EVO is an excellent program, run by geniuses. All of the different opportunities for student-athletes to connect with the AggiePRO network are great preparation for the real world. I wish I had more time as a student-athlete to engage with EVO. However, it has given me confidence as I reach out to potential employers and taught me how to highlight the experience as a student-athlete as a competitive edge.

YH: I really appreciated the Aggie EVO system. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Mike Lorenzen on it and it really has shown me that I can do anything that I want, all I need to do is know what I want to do, because there is opportunity everywhere.

MS: I think the EVO program offers a great opportunity for student-athletes to start thinking about their future and get exposure to the world of work. It has definitely helped me understand the steps I need to take to get to where I want to be in life. With the help of EVO I realized that I had a lot more post-graduate options that I thought and I now feel a lot more prepared to pursue any one of those.

EM: Because I have known my career path for a couple of years now, the Aggie EVO system has really helped me refine my resume and networking abilities so I can be successful in the future.