Fresno State Athletics

Benson announces 2019 water polo captains
10/25/2018 3:01:00 PM | Water Polo
FRESNO, Calif. – Head coach Natalie Benson announced that Isabella Magno and Emily Nicholson will be the Fresno State water polo captains for the 2019 season.Â
"I'm not big on naming captains just for the sake of naming captains," Benson said. "I wanted to give the team some ownership of that process. We asked them who they thought their leaders were and who they would follow into battle, Isabella and Emily were named. They work hard, they try to do the right thing and they support their teammates. They will lead with the values of our program, and bring out leadership in those around them."
Nicholson, an Auckland, New Zealand native, was a key member of the Fresno State water polo team during its inaugural season. She competed in all 25 games during her first season, finished second on the team in scoring with 36 goals and points with 42. Nicholson owned the highest shooting percentage at 42 percent and team-high 39 exclusions. She was a strong piece of the Bulldogs' offense with 11 multi-goal games and four hat tricks. The center finished the season with one GCC Player of the Week accolade, GCC Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, garnered All-GCC Second Team and GCC All-Freshman Team honors. Nicholson played for the New Zealand national team in the 2018 FINA World Cup over the summer.
Magno, Manhattan Beach, Calif. native, was a vital member during Fresno State's inaugural season as one of the team's only upper classmen. She played in all 25 games for the Bulldogs. The attacker tied for fourth on the team with 15 goals, and recorded three multi-goal games. Magno registered double-digit assists (15), swiped 15 steals, logged seven field blocks and drew six exclusions. Prior to Fresno State, Magno played at Golden West College for two seasons.Â
The Bulldogs look forward to their second season in the pool. Prior to the start of the upcoming 2019 season, Fresno State will test the waters at the UC Davis Mini Invitational on Nov. 18, facing both UC Davis and San Jose State. Fresno State will kick off the regular season at the UCSB Invitational Jab. 19-20. The Red Wave will be able to take its first look at the team on March 13 when the Bulldogs host George Washington.Â
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" -The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Â
"I'm not big on naming captains just for the sake of naming captains," Benson said. "I wanted to give the team some ownership of that process. We asked them who they thought their leaders were and who they would follow into battle, Isabella and Emily were named. They work hard, they try to do the right thing and they support their teammates. They will lead with the values of our program, and bring out leadership in those around them."
Nicholson, an Auckland, New Zealand native, was a key member of the Fresno State water polo team during its inaugural season. She competed in all 25 games during her first season, finished second on the team in scoring with 36 goals and points with 42. Nicholson owned the highest shooting percentage at 42 percent and team-high 39 exclusions. She was a strong piece of the Bulldogs' offense with 11 multi-goal games and four hat tricks. The center finished the season with one GCC Player of the Week accolade, GCC Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, garnered All-GCC Second Team and GCC All-Freshman Team honors. Nicholson played for the New Zealand national team in the 2018 FINA World Cup over the summer.
Magno, Manhattan Beach, Calif. native, was a vital member during Fresno State's inaugural season as one of the team's only upper classmen. She played in all 25 games for the Bulldogs. The attacker tied for fourth on the team with 15 goals, and recorded three multi-goal games. Magno registered double-digit assists (15), swiped 15 steals, logged seven field blocks and drew six exclusions. Prior to Fresno State, Magno played at Golden West College for two seasons.Â
The Bulldogs look forward to their second season in the pool. Prior to the start of the upcoming 2019 season, Fresno State will test the waters at the UC Davis Mini Invitational on Nov. 18, facing both UC Davis and San Jose State. Fresno State will kick off the regular season at the UCSB Invitational Jab. 19-20. The Red Wave will be able to take its first look at the team on March 13 when the Bulldogs host George Washington.Â
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" -The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Â
Players Mentioned
GCC Semifinal Postgame (HC Natalie Benson)
Saturday, April 11
WP: Hailey Andress feature
Friday, April 10
Water Polo GCC Championship Media Availability
Thursday, April 09
WP Media Availability [1/12/26]
Monday, January 12



