Coaches: Riley Godfrey (co-head coach), Keith Nighswonger (co-head coach), Sienna Bertsch (assistant coach), Natalie McIlveen (assistant coach)

Top Returners:  Kaine Hatori (11), Mia Hernandez (12), Lauren Jacobsen (12), Willow Morrell (12),  Maddie Ramirez (11), Abby Reekstin (12), Hailey Yoo (12) 

Top Newcomers: Jacqui Garcia (9),  Ewa Hatori (9), Denali Hinze (10), Kate Licciardo (11), Elle Nickerson (10), Claire Yoo (10)

Last Season: Despite competing in the new Crestview League for the 2024-2025 season, the Lady Lancers had a 24-8 overall score and an outcome of 2-0, upholding their eight-year streak as league champions. The team advanced to Division 1 CIF-SS, where they lost 7-4 against San Clemente High School in the quarterfinals.

Outlook: Reflecting on the team’s performance last season, Godfrey said the Lady Lancers showed resilience and growth, especially considering the team was largely composed of juniors.

“I was extremely proud of the team,” she said. “The progress we made together set a strong foundation for this year.”

To better prepare for the upcoming season, Godfrey said the team aims to apply lessons learned from its CIF run while continuing to strengthen and support its athletes.

“CIF showed us the importance of composure, communication and executing under pressure,” she said. “We have a lot of talent, but we need to sharpen the little things like communicating in the water and making calculated passes under pressure.”

Beyond simply winning games, Godfrey said that the team’s goals for the season are to encourage growth and diligence among the athletes.  

“Our goals are to continue building a strong and disciplined program,” the co-head coach said. “It’s also important for us to develop athletes who are confident, resilient and committed to getting better every day.”

With the majority of the team returning this season, Godfrey said their experience together will strengthen the Lady Lancers’ foundation and skills heading into the league. 

“Our team has been playing together for a long time, so their chemistry is very strong,” she said. “They push each other in practice while staying positive and supportive of one another’s success.”

Returning utility Jacobsen agreed, adding that this experience also enhances the team’s overall presence and unity in the pool.

“I think we have a lot of very strong returning players that all really contribute to not just who we are in the pool, but who we are as a water polo family,” Jacobsen said. 

Building on that, Godfrey highlighted the team’s dedication and leadership.

“One of our biggest strengths is how hardworking, dedicated, and coachable this group is,” she said. “We have very talented players who demonstrate a lot of strong leadership.”

Among their many other strengths, utility Licciardo said the Lady Lancers’ individual strengths make the team exceptional. 

“You can’t really compare us as players because we’re also all filling a different role in the team, and that’s what makes this team so special,” Licciardo said.

Godfrey said the Lady Lancers will face stiff competition in the Crestview League from Canyon High School and Foothill High School. 

“These teams have historically been disciplined and quick, so we’ve been structuring our practice to match their level of play,” Godfrey said. “We have been heavily focusing on conditioning, half-court offense and communication on defense.”

Despite a narrow win against Canyon High School and a loss to Foothill High School last season, Jacobsen said the team’s resilience remains a defining characteristic.

“After something happens, we adapt; we’re a very resilient team,” the senior said. “We can adapt to different types of offense and change defenses.”

Licciardo said that the team’s resilience and confidence are built by their extensive preparation. 

“We worked all this summer and worked all through preseason,” she said. “Everybody’s really excited, and I’m really excited.” 

While the Lady Lancers lost their first league match 5-9 at home against Foothill High School on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the team will face Villa Park High School at their campus on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 4 p.m.