CdM’s Fullen bent on defending titles

Chris Yemma

At 6-foot-1, 155 pounds, senior Brittany Fullen would make a solid

center in girls high school basketball.

The problem is, water polo season conflicts with basketball

season. Lucky for the Corona del Mar High girls water polo team,

Fullen chose the water.

The Sea Kings’ senior goalie has proved vital in the team’s last

two CIF Southern Section Division II championships. Her size is one

aspect that plays to her advantage.

“There’s not a whole lot of 6-1 goalies out there,” CdM Coach

Aaron Chaney said. “She’s got good technique, good skill and a good

arm span.”

The lankiness factor has helped Fullen account for 200 saves

throughout the nonleague and league schedule this season. Her

strength has fueled the Sea Kings’ counterattack, with her ability to

throw the ball the entire pool length.

And her determination, her willingness to bring it every single

game, has Chaney labeling her the backbone, or vertebrae, of the

team.

Just two years ago as a sophomore, though, entering the starting

goalie position with CdM fresh off its first of three straight CIF

titles, Fullen felt as if the pressure dial was turned up a notch.

“She came in under a lot of pressure,” Chaney said. “Almost the

whole team returned from the year before and here comes in this

little sophomore, a new starter. She felt a lot of pressure. She took

a lot of blame for things she didn’t need to.”

Regardless, CdM went on to win a second consecutive CIF title that

year.

Fullen’s junior year was a different story. She was more relaxed,

more confident, Chaney said, and she went on to earn Division II

Player of the Year. The Sea Kings went on to win a third title.

“I guess I did put pressure on myself [sophomore year],” Fullen

said. “I was nervous.”

This season CdM is seeking a fourth straight CIF title. While

defending opposing shots, the three-year starting goalie is helping

defend the team’s title. The Sea Kings will play Laguna Beach in the

final Monday for the four-peat.

CdM defeated the Breakers Feb. 9 to claim the Pacific Coast League

title. Fullen blocked two key penalty shots to aid in the 7-3

victory.

“Every game she brings it,” Chaney said. “She always works hard in

practice, she’s got a great attitude and is very receptive to

listening and learning. She’s very easy to coach.”

Fullen is currently considering five Division I college choices.

She has taken recruiting trips to UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Cal and

Hawaii. She also visited USC on an unofficial recruiting trip.

“She’s one of the top three goalies in the nation,” Chaney said.