Campolindo Girls Water Polo: Cougars Reload for NCS Run

School: Campolindo

Sport: Girls water polo

Coach: Kim Everist

2009 record: 23-3

Key returners: Andie Nishimi, senior; Emily McPhee, senior

Quote: "We have a really passionate team. We want it more than other teams. We play harder." -senior Emily McPhee

Website: www.campowaterpolo.com

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For many programs, losing eight seniors from a North Coast Section runner-up team would temper expectations for the following season. But for the Campolindo High girls water polo team, the loss of key players shouldn't be seen as an excuse for losses in the pool.

The Cougars finished 23-3 last season, losing 8-5 to four-time defending champion Monte Vista in the NCS final.  And as has been the pattern in Campolindo's recent run of success — the team has reached the NCS semifinals in four straight seasons — the Cougars have simply reloaded.

"We lost a lot, but we still have a lot," said coach Kim Everist, who is in her fifth season with the Cougars. "We're a program that's been fortunate to have a good system in place and supportive parents, and when we lose talented players, we have more talented players waiting to step in."

Five of the Cougars' graduated players were key varsity contributors for all four of their seasons with the program. But Everist prefers to vary her starting lineups and use her bench liberally, meaning that plenty of experienced players return. In all, Everist said, her team has six players who have experience starting games and contributing. In water polo, each team plays seven players at a time.

"We have a lot of new girls stepping into new roles, but things are clicking already," said senior Andie Nishimi. "There's already good chemistry, and we just have to keep it going."

The team should play a fast-paced counter-attacking style, relying on its depth and speed to wear down opponents. The team is smaller than in recent years, but Everist expects the Cougars to make up for what they lack in size with extra effort.

"We have a really passionate team," said senior Emily McPhee. "We want it more than other teams. We play harder. That's how we were last season and it's carrying over into this year. We're upholding the standard that has been set by the program."

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