McKee college-bound

Laguna Beach High water polo standout Jessica McKee will continue her playing career next year at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y.

McKee, who turned 18 on May 21 and was recruited by a few other schools, signed a national letter-of-intent with the Hawks on Sunday. Hartwick, a Division I program, posted a 28-11 record this past season and is 159-63 (.716) since 2001.

A four-year all-league and All-CIF player, McKee said her decision to attend the upstate New York school was easy.

She said she had given the school a verbal commitment in late January.

“I really liked the coaches and the girls,” she said.

“I love the idea of going back East and having a whole new experience, the changing of the seasons and being in a whole new environment.

“Also, they have a strong studying abroad program which the coach supports. It’s something I’ll definitely look into. I know that I’m going to have fun there.”

During her career at Laguna, the Breakers twice finished runner-up to CIF Southern Section titles, including this year in Division II.