5 All-Americans Among Post-Season Awards for State Runners-Up Vaqueros
The SBCC Women's Water Polo Team wrapped up their season as State Champion Runners-Up. The Vaqueros had a season record of 32-7, which included a WSC Championship, SoCal Runners-Up, and 3 wins against NCAA teams. 9 players earned individual post-season honors, including 5 All-Americans.
Head Coach Chuckie Roth earned his sixth total Western State Conference Coach of the Year award. He lead the Vaqueros to the State Championship game for an incredible 4th consecutive season, and 10th WSC Championship in a row. Generously, Coach Roth says he owes the team success to his assistant coaches and staff.
Sophomore Lily Carrick was named WSC Player of the Year. She also earned 1st Team SoCal All-American honors. Carrick repeated her performance last year, finishing first the State in assists (102), and second in steals (121) and ejections drawn (42). She also broke the program record for most assists in a single game (7 vs Citrus WSC Championships 11/9/24), tying Addison Seale's 2016 record.
Sophomore Addie Lane earned 1st Team WSC, 1st Team SoCal All-American, and 1st Team All State awards. Lane was first on the team in goals (99), second in assists (41), and third in steals (84). She broke the school record for most goals scored in a single game (8 goals v Orange Coast 10/28/24), tying with program standouts Emma Fraser and Rocio Fesembeck. Lane finishes her career with the Vaqueros with 164 goals, third best in program history.
Sophomore Cate Daland also earned 1st Team WSC and 1st Team SoCal All-American honors. The offensive powerhouse scored 97 goals on the season and led the team in ejections drawn (56). Daland breaks into the top 10 career goal list, coming in fourth with 153 goals. She scored a season high 7 goals vs Fullerton (10/11/24).
Sophomore Kate Densmore played almost every minute during her tenure in the cage for the Vaqueros, for a total of 77 games in her career. For her efforts this season, she was named 1st Team WSC and 1st Team SoCal All-American. A versatile goalie, Densmore finished with the 3rd in the State in steals (101) and 5th in saves (289). She finishes her career with 625 blocks.
Sophomore Maddie Myers earned 1st Team WSC, 2nd Team SoCal All-American, and 1st Team All State. She finished third on the team in goals (65), assists (32) and ejections drawn (30). Her defensive vision gained her 22 field blocks: the most in the State. A true all-around player, Myers also logged two quarters in the goal, collecting 3 saves.
Sophomore Sofia Paez was named 2nd Team WSC and 2nd Team All State for her performance. Paez finished with 29 goals on the season, including a crucial goal in the State Championship game. Paez's improvement through her career was essential for the Vaqueros's 2024 season success.
Freshman Jada Ashen earned 2nd Team WSC and 2nd Team SoCal All-Regional awards. The freshman muscled her way to 38 goals on the season, as well as 65 steals and 18 drawn ejections. Ashen's strong State Championship tournament performance prepares her for a stronger season next fall.
Sophomore Erin Otsuki was named a WSC Honorable Mention. Otuski improved tremendously from her freshman season and stepped up in big moments for her team. She finished the season with 23 goals, 14 assists, and 25 steals.
Sophomore Esther Sullivan also earned WSC Honorable Mention, wrapping up the team's post season honors. The center drew 27 ejections and scored 25 goals on the season. After missing 13 games due to a mid-season injury, Sullivan demonstrated maturity and positivity through her recovery. She returned to the pool scoring a season high 7 goals vs LA Valley.
Closing the 2024 season, the women's water polo team graduates 9 sophomores, who collectively won 2 State Championships and earned silver in another. They exemplify the traits this program teaches: leadership, respect, dedication, team first mindset, and grit. Coach Roth's final thoughts on the season: "Coaching this group has been more than I ever expected."