UCLA women’s water polo faces off against alumni after home finale
Members of No. 3 UCLA women’s water polo pose for a picture alongside alumni of the program. The Bruins played their first alumni game since 2018 on Saturday after the event had been canceled for two straight years because of the pandemic. (Courtesy of Minette Rubin Photography/Thruminetteslens)
By Kyle Boal
April 8, 2022 4:04 p.m.
The Bruins welcomed back an old tradition on the heels of Senior Day.
For the first time since 2018, No. 3 UCLA women’s water polo (22-2, 4-1 MPSF) competed in the alumni game after its home finale at Spieker Aquatics Center on Saturday. The annual event had been scheduled to occur each of the last two years but was canceled because of the pandemic.
The contest was played with 10-minute halves instead of the usual eight-minute quarters at the request of the alumni. Coach Adam Wright said beyond playing in a friendly exhibition, the game was important for his team to understand the history of the program.
“It’s great for our current team to learn and get to know our past,” Wright said. “We’ve been so fortunate to have some of the best women’s water polo players in the country and in the world coming out here today. It’s huge for the present.”
Among those in attendance this year were two-time gold medalist and 2017 graduate Rachel Fattal as well as gold medalist and 2015 graduate Sami Hill.
Senior attacker Val Ayala said one of her favorite aspects of UCLA is its talented alumni.
“Endless Olympians, it seems like,” Ayala said. “Everyone is just so talented and I’m so grateful to be a part of this program that has produced so many amazing women. To have them all come back – I think it’s also a testament to how much they love UCLA.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Sydney Chiang started in the cage for the Bruins in the first half before freshman utility Nicole Struss took over in the second half. For the alumni, 2017 graduate and defender Aubrie Monahan played goalkeeper for the entirety of the match.
Four members of UCLA’s 2021 graduating class – Roxy Wheaton, Lexi Liebowitz, Brooke Maxson and Myna Simmons – competed in the event as well.
Sophomore attacker Malia Allen said being able to play with some of her old teammates while getting experience in the pool against Olympians was a memorable experience.
“This is amazing because a lot of their names are on the wall,” Allen said. “Being able to play with Roxy and Lexi, also Brooke and Myna I played with, … it’s such a fun time.”
Wright said being around the program’s alumni motivates him to reach the national championship success the team was once accustomed to.
“These women made this program better – we are in a better position today because of that,” Wright said. “We owe it to the program to take the next step.”
With the game refereed by assistant coach James Robinson, the alumni jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the contest before finishing with a 12-3 win over the current Bruins.
A four-year member of the blue and gold, Ayala said UCLA women’s water polo has already had a lasting impact on her life.
“Being a part of this program for the past four years has just been the biggest blessing,” Ayala said. “I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
