Girls water polo preview: A new start for Estancia

Steve Virgen

The 2000-01 season will be a new beginning for the Estancia High

girls water polo team, and that might be an understatement.

Thirteen of Estancia’s 22 players are not only new to the Eagles, but

new to water polo.

“My newbies,” Estancia Coach Michele Spanley said. “(The 13 players)

had never even seen a water polo game. These kids couldn’t swim half a

tank without grabbing the side.”

Spanley said the new players -- eight sophomores, four freshmen and a

junior -- had their first viewing of water polo when they watched an old

Eagles’ game on videotape just three weeks ago.

“I’ve been cracking down on the discipline as far as commitment,” said

Spanley who is not complaining because the team has nearly doubled in

numbers from a year ago. “The returning players have built the team. It’s

been a challenge for my starters, but they have been rising to the

occasion.”

The leadership role for Estancia’s seniors has increased because of

the team’s new situation. Somer Flaherty, Jenea Gudvangen, Katie Menden

and goalie Anna Rasmussen will be the seniors leaders.

“I’m expecting to see their leadership qualities enhance, especially

Somer and Katie,” Spanley said. “I’m without an assistant coach.”

Estancia juniors Lauren Collier, Magen Hunt, Diana Kopasek and

sophomores Saraelizabeth Anaruma and Laura Morton will also provide

leadership as they bring some much-needed experience.

The Eagles finished fifth in the Pacific Coast League last year, but

the new outlook might inspire the team to unite in order to improve.

“The whole team approach is different this year,” said Spanley,

entering her third season as coach. “They’re playing as a team, not

individuals.”

Estancia lost to Sunny Hills in a scrimmage Tuesday, but at least the

Eagles found some bright spots for the future.

“It was definitely a learning experience,” Spanley said. “I had some

new players. They did well for not really having much of a clue.”

ESTANCIA GIRLS WATER POLO

Jessie Adams So.

Sarah Ahmed So.

Diana Aderete Jr.

Saraelizabeth Anaruma So.

Lauren Calderon So.

Lauren Collier Jr.

Jayme Fay So.

Jessica Fernandez So.

Somer Flaherty Sr.

Jennifer George So.

Jenea Gudvangen Sr.

Magen Hunt Jr.

Rebecca Kaplan Fr.

Diana Kopasek Jr.

Katie Menden Sr.

Laura Morton So.

Wendy Murrillo So.

Britta Pitti Fr.

Anna Rasmussen Sr.

Stephanie Reid So.

Farrell Roth Fr.

Heather Zavala Fr.

Coach: Michele Spanley