University Southern California Trojans
2016 USC WOMEN'S WATER POLO SEASON OUTLOOK
February 11, 2016 | Women's Water Polo
In his 21 years of coaching at USC, one thing has remained constant for head coach Jovan Vavic. His expectations have always been the same — win it all.
Entering year 22 at Troy, that is most certainly still Vavic's view for his team. The 2016 USC women's water polo team is a winner.
"Since 1999, we have always been good enough to win. It comes down to how the season and the players develop and how the other teams develop," said Vavic, whose teams have finished third in the NCAA Tournament the past two years. "This is a team that can beat anybody. There is no question about that."
After 12 consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Women of Troy have developed a winning mentality. Physically, USC has developed into a versatile and well-balanced squad. But underlying those two key team traits is another vital aspect that the Trojans have also developed. That X-factor is the elusive and powerful dose of the right team chemistry. And the 2016 Trojans have it. Vavic can see it already.
"This team has really good chemistry. It's a good group of girls," Vavic said, highlighting the leadership of team captains Brianna Daboub, Alegra Hueso and Avery Peterson. "They have done a great job keeping the team together and making sure everyone is focused. Alegra has grown tremendously as a player and as a person in the last four years. She is the sole member of our 2013 championship team and knows what it took to win it all. Our players look up to her and listen when she talks. In the water, Brianna and Avery are two of our smartest players. Brianna handles the ball and makes good decisions. Avery is fired up, has a great desire and positive attitude, and has great hands."
The Women of Troy have a very dangerous set of hands in the water this season. Returning All-Americans Brigitta Games, Ioanna Haralabidis and Stephania Haralabidis are all juniors, and all have stepped up big for USC on the offensive end. That well-rounded trio is reflective of the overall balance and skill of the entire Trojan roster. Games' 2-meter strength, Ioanna's versatility and Stephania's quick-strike left hand were significant forces for the Trojans last year, and the triple threat is back for more in 2016, along with a ferociously deep and skilled battalion of talent for Vavic to draw on this season.
"We have three of the best players in the nation on our team," Vavic said of that trio of talent. "We also have good balance in terms of 2-meter defenders and centers. It will be hard to stop our 2-meter game. It's always important to have balance and not rely on one person."
USC's fourth returning All-American anchors a stubborn Trojan defense this season. Sophomore goalie Victória Chamorro collected more saves than any other USC freshman goalie last season, and the Brazilian is back for more this season. She is joined this year by freshman Amanda Longan, honored as Most Valuable Goalie at the 2015 Junior World Championships. Together, along with the experience and wisdom of senior captain Alegra Hueso and the additional competition of returning goalies Nicola Gonzales and Melanie Slater, the Trojan goalkeeping corps is arguably the most formidable in the land.
"I think our goalies are the best in the nation,' Vavic said. "Both Victória and Amanda are capable to playing in a championship match against any opponent. Altogether, we have several goalies that can play. That helps our strength, and improves our outside shooting because we're shooting on great goalies in practice."
This is where development really comes into play. Vavic calls this a "very hard-working group," and that trait is the benchmark of a successful team. Whether seasoned upperclassmen like senior Melissa Bergesen and junior Nikki Stansfield, whose roles and production are ever-increasing, to sophomores and newcomers who are embracing and understanding the USC system, the Trojans are making huge strides toward a powerful season.
Sophomore Hayley McKelvey was a mainstay in the water as a freshman, and her defensive savvy and versatility make her another key force for the Trojans. Fellow sophomore Annika Jensen will see more minutes and is on pace for a breakout year. So, too, will 2-meter force Sydney Blubaugh have a shot at making a splash in 2016. Of the USC newcomers, freshmen Mackenzie Flath and Dagmar Gudmundsson will also log many minutes for the Trojans, with Courtney Fahey and Brooke Presten also in the mix for their first seasons at USC.
"This team can definitely beat every team in the country this year," Vavic said. "We are really focusing on playing better each game and continuing to improve."
