Katie Thorsness

Steve Virgen

When Costa Mesa High girls water polo coach Tim Postiff talked about

the reasons for the Mustangs’ success this season, he started with

his players. Yet, ask senior Katie Thorsness, who led the team in

goals this year, what has made the difference and she’ll quickly say

Postiff, the first-year coach.

Thorsness also said Postiff has improved her game and made her

into one of the best players in the Golden West League. Thorsness’ 70

goals this season helped lead the Mustangs to a share of the league

title, along with Saddleback and Westminster.

“In the past, my coaches never told me that I was any good,”

Thorsness said. “I didn’t think I was anything special until Postiff

came along. I wouldn’t be as good as I am without him. He always says

he would be nothing without us, but I say I would be nothing without

him.”

Thorsness has been a part of the Costa Mesa water polo program for

the past four years. She has seen first-hand the improvement that has

come this season. The Mustangs went from an unstable team to a squad

that depends on chemistry and has a knack to work hard.

“There’s been a dramatic improvement,” Thorsness said. “We’ve

suffered because we’ve had different coaches. I think we would have

been better if we had one coach, all along. He’s been a major part of

our success. In the past, we’ve had coaches who didn’t show up to

practices.”

The Mustangs’ entrance into the Golden West League and departure

from the Pacific Coast League has also helped Mesa in its improvement

this season. The Mustangs’ chemistry this season has also been a big

reason for the difference.

“We’ve always had some sort of drama on the team,” Thorsness said.

“We’re like a team and a family now. The line between junior varsity

and varsity was big in that we didn’t socialize. That line is very

thin now. We all get along.”

The Mustangs have also followed the example of their senior

leader, Thorsness, who has displayed part of what high school sports

is all about. She’s made her senior year the best of her seasons

throughout her prep career.

“She’s a physically gifted athlete,” Postiff said. “She’s strong,

powerful and intelligent. Her shooting has improved. Her dedication

has paid off. She’s much faster and her skills have improved because

she’s willing to put in the time to make herself a better player.”

Postiff also said Thorsness set the tone for the Mustangs from the

start.

“Her dedication showed from day one,” Postiff said. “She was

always willing to work and the results followed. One of her best

games all season was with Saddleback. It was nice for her to play

extremely well in her final home game.”

Thorsness, the Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week, scored a game-high

four goals and also collected three assists, leading the Mustangs to

a 7-3 victory over Saddleback Feb. 14. The victory gave Mesa its

tri-league championship. Postiff said Thorsness also contributed on

defense as she was able to eliminate Saddleback’s top offensive

threat.

Thorsness said she will swim for Costa Mesa this spring and next

year she plans to play for Orange Coast College with the intention of

transferring to an NCAA Division I program afterward.