Girls water polo: The growth of the Lightning

Steve Virgen

NEWPORT COAST - The success of the Sage Hill High boys water polo

team has improved the status of the Lightning’s girls squad.

The Sage Hill boys went from winning one game last year to winning 16

this past season. The excitement trickled down to the girls’ interest in

the sport and Coach Genai Kerr, who also coached the boys, is reaping the

benefits.

The Lightning had just five girls on the team last year. With 120

students at Sage Hill, and just about 40 of those girls, Kerr was left

with an unfortunate situation of competing with basketball and soccer to

have enough players for his team. At times, he had to go from class to

class to ask girls to come out and play.

This year, that is not the case.

“The students saw the improvement in the program,” said Kerr, the

starting goalie on the U.S. National team. Kerr also played under Coach

Ted Newland at UC Irvine, and like Newland, the Sage Hill coach has put a

strong emphasis on defense for the Lightning.

Sage Hill will face varsity teams this year, and will also compete

against junior varsity squads. Next year, the Lightning will have a full

varsity schedule.

“We’re really working on the team aspect of defense,” Kerr said.

“We’re trying to learn what to expect. Offensively, Jackie Legan is able

to set up closer to the cage. (Hayden) Hutchinson is our sprinter, and a

returning star.”

Hutchinson gained experience over the summer, training with the Corona

del Mar water polo club.

Freshmen Kira Neal, Lauren Indvik and Devin Tooma, along with

sophomores Juliane Caillouette and Nikii Sollberger provide much optimism

for the program’s future. And juniors Katy Dull, Sarah Cowan and Legan

have been quick to improve in Kerr’s system.

SAGE HILL GIRLS WATER POLO

1 Kira Neal Fr.

2 Katy Dull Jr.

3 Lauren Indvik Fr.

4 Sarah Cowan Jr.

5 Juliane Caillouette So.

6 Devin Tooma Fr.

7 Hayden Hutchinson So.

12 Jackie Legan Jr.

13 Nikii Sollberger So.

Coach: Genai Kerr