The Mt. SAC Women's Water Polo Team is making a splash this fall with new goals and a roster full of promise. Head Coach Chris Jackson and his staff are enthusiastic about the season ahead with a 20-player lineup that surpasses previous years in both size and skill.
The squad is undergoing rigorous preparation including weight room sessions twice a week, dryland training on alternate days and daily pool practices. The coaching staff is focused on fine-tuning their strategy and fitting together the various pieces of their lineup.
One of the team's standout attributes this year is their impressive speed, which they are incorporating into their game plan. "We have a lot of girls who are very quick," Coach Jackson explained. "We plan to utilize this speed to enhance our counterattacks and push the game's tempo."
Assistant Coach Shane Dominico adds, "We also have a new wave of experience this year, with players from local club teams. Even though they are freshmen, they have been playing for a long time." He says the girls are working well together, maintaining a positive attitude, and having fun while they grow as a unit.
The group enjoyed watching the USA Men's and Women's Water Polo Teams compete in Paris and found inspiration in their performances. The coaching staff would use these high-level matches to motivate the players, often viewing the games during weight training sessions. The USA teams trained at Mt. SAC before heading off to the Olympics, which made it especially exciting for the women to cheer for them.
The team's goalkeeping is in good hands with a dedicated coach who is focused on developing their specific skill set. Coach Joe Lamson noted, "We have a strong set of goalies this season. Our intent is to ensure all of them reach the same level of performance so they can confidently step in, and everyone knows we will have a strong defense protecting the goal."
As far as goals for the season, Coach Jackson aims to secure a spot in the top four in regionals. "After missing the playoffs last year, our immediate goal is to make it to the postseason," Jackson said. He also wants to remain competitive against conference rivals including Long Beach and Cerritos. "Mt. SAC has such a strong athletic program, and it means we are always a target," Jackson explains. "People are going to bring their best game against us, which is a good thing because it keeps us sharp."
The Mt. SAC Women's Water Polo Team will head up north for the Marin College Invitational tournament at the end of the month. "These games will allow us to assess our starting lineup and see how they handle pressure in tight situations," Jackson said. Their first home match is on Wednesday, September 25, at 3:00 PM against East Los Angeles College.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.