Fresno State Athletics
Benson adds to emerging program
8/28/2020 3:50:00 PM | Water Polo
The Fresno State women’s water polo team, who finished the shortened 2020 season ranked No. 11 in the nation, has added local Valley talent, as well as young women from further away, for the 2021 campaign.
FRESNO, Calif. – In three seasons, the emerging Fresno State women's water polo program has quickly built a talented roster focused now on preparing for the 2021 season.
"We have added nine new athletes to our team, which includes two junior college transfers in Kylie Stablein (Golden West) and Jillian Schultz (Long Beach City) as well as seven incoming freshmen," Fresno State head coach Natalie Benson said. "Our freshmen include Apryl Gonzalez (Montreal, Canada), Tori Gacutan (Honolulu, Hawaii), Mia Barr (Oceanside), Kelsey McKenney (Clovis), Bailey Hansen (Madera), Riley Christen (Santa Barbara), and Betsy Wooler (San Rafael)."
This group of newcomers includes a three-time leading scorer from Canada's National Championship League, a 2019 all-league honoree from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, a two-time Channel League champion and Division I Southern section California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finalist, the 2019 CIF Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, a first-team all-conference standout from Golden West College, a four-time first-team all-league selection from Oceanside, a three-time all-league recipient from the San Francisco Bay Area, a three-time first-team all-league selection out of Madera, and a three-time California state champion, who was also a 2019 first-team all-state honoree.
With these additions, the Bulldogs enter the 2020-21 academic year with an incoming class featuring some strong roots from the San Joaquin Valley.
"This group is a great mix of local Valley talent, as well as young women who have traveled further away from home because of the potential they see in our emerging program," Benson said of Fresno State's nine newcomers. "Each of these athletes have something to prove, and will give their best effort to bring pride to our community. I am excited to get to begin working with this group, as we are all ready to hit the water and get back to training."
Fresno State was ranked 11th in the nation in the final Collegiate Water Polo Association 2020 Women's Varsity Top 25 poll on March 18.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
"We have added nine new athletes to our team, which includes two junior college transfers in Kylie Stablein (Golden West) and Jillian Schultz (Long Beach City) as well as seven incoming freshmen," Fresno State head coach Natalie Benson said. "Our freshmen include Apryl Gonzalez (Montreal, Canada), Tori Gacutan (Honolulu, Hawaii), Mia Barr (Oceanside), Kelsey McKenney (Clovis), Bailey Hansen (Madera), Riley Christen (Santa Barbara), and Betsy Wooler (San Rafael)."
This group of newcomers includes a three-time leading scorer from Canada's National Championship League, a 2019 all-league honoree from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, a two-time Channel League champion and Division I Southern section California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finalist, the 2019 CIF Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, a first-team all-conference standout from Golden West College, a four-time first-team all-league selection from Oceanside, a three-time all-league recipient from the San Francisco Bay Area, a three-time first-team all-league selection out of Madera, and a three-time California state champion, who was also a 2019 first-team all-state honoree.
With these additions, the Bulldogs enter the 2020-21 academic year with an incoming class featuring some strong roots from the San Joaquin Valley.
"This group is a great mix of local Valley talent, as well as young women who have traveled further away from home because of the potential they see in our emerging program," Benson said of Fresno State's nine newcomers. "Each of these athletes have something to prove, and will give their best effort to bring pride to our community. I am excited to get to begin working with this group, as we are all ready to hit the water and get back to training."
Fresno State was ranked 11th in the nation in the final Collegiate Water Polo Association 2020 Women's Varsity Top 25 poll on March 18.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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