The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.
A new season of girls’ water polo kicked off last week. Here’s an overview of another stacked class of Moore League teams as the league continues gaining ground in the CIF Southern Section rankings.
Wilson
Defending Moore League Champion Wilson has always set a standard of dominating beyond the confines of Long Beach. Multiple wins last season in CIF Southern Section Open Division pool play indicates that the Bruins can compete with the best in the state.
However, with a large class of seniors graduating, including 2024-25 Moore League Player of the Year Katherine O’Dea, Moore League Coach of the Year Barry O’Dea recognizes this season as more of a reload rather than a rebuild. But the postseason expectations still remain the same.
“We have a saying in our program – everything we do, starting in the offseason, is geared about being ready for February,” O’Dea said. “‘It’s all about February.’ We say it everyday. It’s our team goal every year.”
The Bruins should feel confident this is another February bound roster, with four seniors earning four 18u bronze medals in this summer’s Junior Olympics.
Two of those recipients are projected starters who both committed to play D1 at Bucknell – Wilson’s goalie Teagan Shandrew-Pearsall and versatile utility player Grace Walker. The other two are seniors that will see significant varsity time this year: Taylor Willians, known for her speed and athleticism, and Eden Dunn, known for her length on defense and instincts on the counter attack.
The remaining seniors in the starting lineup bring prowess on each side of the pool. Schubert said Kate Tunnicliff’s 2 meter defense and tenacity will be essential to the Bruin’s success, while Reece Haga’s dubbed “by far our most experienced player” and will be looked to as a leader after a full high school career of strong contributions.
Rounding out the projected starters are two juniors: Lucy Forrester, who provides an inside presence and a key asset of last year’s team, and Frankie Garica, who Schubert called the “motor” of the team with her constant effort and clutch goal scoring.
Schubert also plans to start two sophomores, banking on Bella Saley’s crafty, physical and dynamic nature to shine through, while Abby Billish looks to carry her momentum from traveling and competing with the national team this summer.
Varsity newcomer Courtney Brinton embraces a bigger role as another goalie asset, while freshman Emmylou Kennedy and Layla Salley have impressed Schubert and could see significant varsity minutes this year.
Long Beach Poly
Fresh off a CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal appearance, Long Beach Poly hopes to make an even bigger run this season.
Among all the great Moore League rivalries, head coach Ali Landeros has the matchup against Millikan circled on his calendar.
“We’re looking for an amazing head-to-head with Millikan High School whose team have always been both rivals and comrades in the sport,” Landeros said. “After last year’s one goal loss the LB Poly gals are itching for a comeback.”
The Jackrabbits’ starters this season include a pair of returning seniors – first is the “magnet” of the team in Sequoia Newman, a top scorer and powerhouse defender. Second is goalie Brooklyn Winterset, who racked up several critical saves last season against high-powered offenses.
“With both of these ladies leading the squad I’m confident of our prospects this year,” Landeros said.
Long Beach Poly also welcomes an influx of varsity newcomers. Freshman Lily Camerino’s impressive offseason league performances caught the eye of Landeros, who said she’s made a name for herself as a scorer and defender. Landeros also mentioned junior Pearl Taylor, who has set “personal bests” for herself this offseason and has solidified her presence in the pool. Senior Soriya Chheang was also touted by Landeros as a leader and offensive force.
“Overall, we’re super excited for this year and know the hard work that has been laid out this fall will carry on towards success in the upcoming season,” Landeros said.
Millikan
Over at Millikan, head coach Michael Carrillo believes the keys to success this season include establishing the team as dominant from the get-go and being patient without hesitating.
“These things go for not only our Varsity, but all three levels at Millikan,” Carrillo said. “Our team is starting to understand when to be confident and calm throughout the game, as well as moving forward with urgency and not second guessing ourselves.”
Seniors and three-year varsity starters Kyley Seeds, Shae Parkhill and Grace Darby will lead the Rams this season, with the former two players fresh off a first-team All-Moore League honor last year.
“These girls came through in some big games last year for Moore League and in CIF,” Carrillo said.
Other returning Rams players include Lilla Angelov and Olivia Toumajian, two seniors, along with sophomore Mckenna Rosenberg marking her second year on varsity.
Junior Elena Nygaard will be a new face for the Rams this year, and Carrillo is excited to see her defense shine while one of the team’s main guards this year. Millikan will also juggle two new Varsity goalies this year, one being senior Peta Eriksen – who played field last year – and junior Kemberlyn Troncao – who was the JV goalie last year. Freshman Sophia Newland joins the Rams as one of their youngest varsity members.
“We have 28 opportunities to learn from within the season,” Carrillo said. “We will continue to sharpen our strengths and focus on our areas of improvement.”
Jordan
Jordan stamped its 2024-2025 squad into the history books last season as the team shattered its program record with 11 wins – earning them the school’s first ever CIF playoff bid. Despite the program’s momentous trajectory, head coach Brenden Gruneisen stressed the importance of keeping the team level headed and hungry for more.
“It was such a special year that I know we’re all really proud of, but the beauty of sports is that every season is a clean slate,” Gruneisen said. “We’re right back to 0-0 and, while we definitely have another playoff appearance on our minds this year, we’ve got to go out and prove it all over again.”
Roster turnover is one thing Gruneisen will have to grapple with this season, with six seniors having graduated. But Gruneisen said he is proud of how players have elevated themselves and adjusted to bigger roles.
The Panthers’ three returning starters are headlined by senior defender and team captain Melanie Madrid, who Gruneisen dubs “the heartbeat of our team.” After finishing second-team All-Moore League last season, Marid brings a versatile skillset – defense, distributing, scoring, leadership and motivation.
“She has been asked to play a huge role for our team ever since I first started coaching at Jordan, and I truly couldn’t be prouder of the player she’s become.” Gruneisen said.
Senior and fellow co-team captain Paola Mejorado hopes to continue her leap as the Panthers’ most prominent offensive force. Defending on the other end will be senior Melanie Alatorre, who returns perimeter defense and willingness to take on a scoring role as her confidence level grows.
The remaining starters are all newcomers to the lineup. Senior Isabella Michel will start in goal this year, and was described by Gruneisen as “the most improved player on the team throughout this offseason.” Junior Alison Dorantes and seniors Valerie Vela and Lilly Maldonado will also take the starting reins.
Gruneisen also highlighted senior Haley Vallecillo, junior Citlaly Vazquez and freshman Jaylin Reyes as varsity’s strongest additions.
“This year’s team is so fun to coach,” Gruneisen said. “They all have so much personality in the best possible way but they also know when it’s time to flip that switch, lock in, and focus on the task at hand.
Cabrillo
Cabrillo’s squad will look mostly familiar this year as its starting lineup boasts a veteran team of seniors.
“Our goals this year are to keep building confidence in our offense and defense, push our conditioning, and continue to build a strong team culture,” first-year head coach Julia Camacho said. “With so many vets on the team, it’s expected that they all push each other to be better every day.
Camacho highlighted four seniors as the Jaguars leaders this winter – center defender Cecilia Herrera, utility player Flor Garibay and top scorers Arleen Castillo and Chelsea Tzunun as top scorers. Along with the veteran core, freshman Roselyn Lucindo will take on the starting goalkeeper role.
“She (Lucindo) comes in with strong fundamentals, strong understanding for the game and isn’t afraid to take charge in the cage,” Camacho said.
Lakewood
In contrast to Cabrillo, Lakewood fields a majority of underclassmen on its varsity team. Head coach Ian Schubert considers growth and development as the primary goals this season.
“These girls have been putting in work all summer long, so we are looking forward to competing in every game,” Schubert said. “For our varsity group, our biggest goal is to keep our spot in Moore League and keep our record positive so we can qualify for a CIF bid.”
Those goals will rest upon the shoulders of seven returning starters who bring ample playing time from last year’s varsity squad. The lone senior is Adianna Menjivar-Nunez, who Schubert describes as the team’s key perimeter defender.
The rest of the team is made up of four juniors and two sophomores, each of whom bring a different skillset according to Schubert. Kaylee Cuzion brings speed and leadership, Carter Johnson brings elite goal-scoring, Alessandra Scott brings a stable asset in the center defender role and Javeri Thongkham brings a wealth of experience and willingness to take on major minutes this season.
Among the sophomores, goalkeeper Danika Beaird will continue to serve as a defensive backbone and utilize her lockdown defense to open up opportunities for quick counter-pushes. Andrea Baldonado also brings two-way effectiveness as a cage defender and offensive catalyst.
Aside from these returners, the Lancers welcomed 10 new athletes to their program. Schubert says among those newcomers, Lauren Harp is most likely to see varsity action this year due to her scoring ability and competitive mindset.
“The future is bright for girls water polo in Lakewood,” Schubert said.
