Newport Harbor’s Ball signs with Michigan

Jessica Ball, a second-team CIF Southern Section Division I selection

for Newport Harbor High last year, signed her letter of intent

Wednesday to play water polo for the University of Michigan next

year.

Ball, also a two-time All-Sea View League performer for the

Sailors, visited the Michigan campus at Ann Arbor two months ago. She

said she was impressed with the school spirit and the attention to

academics. She said she will also be eased into the college life

because her older sister, Erin, attends Michigan.

Ball said having her older sister at Michigan did not factor into

her decision to play for the Wolverines.

“I wanted to have my own feel for wherever I went,” Ball said.

“But, [having her there] turned out to be a plus. I knew it might be

tough being so far away from home, but she would be there and she

would be like a piece of home. I knew she would help in my transition

going in college.”

Ball plans to major in kinesiology and psychology. She was also

sought after by San Diego State and UC Berkeley.

-- Steve Virgen