Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Club Water Polo Wins National Title

SDSU defeated Michigan in sudden death to claim the title.

The team celebrating after the big win.

The San Diego State University Women's Club Water Polo team recently defeated rivals from across the country to become the Collegiate Water Polo Association Club National Champions.

The team played Arizona State University in the semi-final game to advance to the championship game against Michigan. SDSU defeated Michigan 10-9 in sudden death overtime.

“This win not only represents this group of females but also the entire university and San Diego area," said Jamie Cassidy, the team’s head coach. "The team really came together this past year by fundraising to pay for pool time and travel costs, working hard in and out of the pool and by lifting one another up even when things got tough in the championship game.”

Aztec all-stars

The team was led by team MVP Bailey Wickliffe, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter of the championship game.

“The team stepped up and played together in those overtime periods against Michigan, I’m so proud of their hard work all season to be ready for this moment," Cassidy said.

The team played as a unit in the championship game. With Morgan Klingfus— the Collegiate Water Polo Association National Player of the Year — in goal, the team stopped Michigan from scoring in two overtime periods.

After heading to a final sudden death overtime period, Meghan Harder scored the winning goal, making SDSU the 2014 CWPA Club National Champions.

“I’m so proud of my teammates — a club program is a lot of work," said Natalie Parker, club president. "Teammates have to fundraise, do community service for the City of San Diego and represent SDSU. It all came together, winning the championship is a memory I will never forget.”

On the horizon

Cassidy attributes the success of this year's squad to the commitment and dedication of the players.

"This year we had enough girls to have both an A and B squad," she said. "There was a lot more competition and a lot of talent, and that really raised the level of play."

Fortunately for the squad, only three seniors will be leaving, meaning the majority of the team will return for the next season. 

"There is a lot of great chemistry between the girls," Cassidy said. "They have so much respect for each other and they all play so well together. It definitely showed this season."

About SDSU club sports

The Women’s Club Water Polo team is housed within the SDSU Sport Club program.

SDSU Sports Clubs consist of 19 competitive teams. Each club team is developed, organized and managed by students with guidance from the Intramural and Sport Club Coordinator and the Intramural and Sport Club Supervisor.

Each club team's success is determined by the collective efforts and organization of the student athletes. Sport clubs enable students to enhance their collegiate experience and serve an excellent setting for the development of athletic skills, student leadership and social outlets

SDSU women win club water polo championship

The No. 2 seeded San Diego State University women’s water polo club team, coached by Solana Beach resident Jamie Cassidy, left, topped the University of Michigan May 4 to become the school’s first National Collegiate Club Champions. 

REGION — The San Diego State University women’s water polo team topped the University of Michigan 10-9 in a double-overtime, sudden-death game May 4 to become the school’s first National Collegiate Club Champions.

Meghan Harder scored the game-winning goal with less than 7 seconds on the clock in the final game of a three-day tournament in Geneva, Ohio.

“It’s still kind of sinking in,” coach Jamie Cassidy, a Solana Beach resident, said the day after returning home.

It was the Aztecs’ second appearance in the national club-team championships since joining the Collegiate Water Polo Association six years ago. Last year the team placed fifth, losing to California Polytechnic State University.

When Cassidy began coaching four seasons ago, there were 10 girls on the roster, and the team finished “in the middle of the pack” in the CWPA’s Pacific Coast Division.

“That first year was pretty rough,” she said.

This season, with 21 players, Cassidy was able to roster two teams and is the sole coach for both. “We’ve really grown in size and dedication,” she said. The girls were undefeated in league play and had only one loss in a tournament during the approximately 20-game season.

“I knew right away we had a very good shot at going to the championship tournament and going deep,” Cassidy said. “But you don’t know about the other teams you’ll be playing.”

Cassidy, who was named coach of the year for SDSU club sports, said she had about seven girls who could have played Division 1 but opted not to for various reasons.

“They really advanced everyone to the next level,” she said. “That pushed everyone to work harder.”

She said camaraderie is also a key to the team’s success.

“They are all friends. They all live together,” Cassidy said. “When anyone wins (an award) the girls are so excited for each other. There’s no jealousy and no one’s upset. They realize they needed each other for this to happen. Their one common goal was to win it all. It didn’t matter who scored the winning goal.”

The roster includes Morgan Klingfus, Kathryn Enstad, Nina Escobedo, Jessie Espera, Madeline Schwartz, Bailey Wickliffe, Mary Abary, Meghan Harder, Kelli Boling, Tara DeRosier, Kathryn Andrews, Natalie Parker, Addison Gosslein, Jenny Waters, Allison Tester, Carolina Conway, Kim Fraisse, Nicole Ryder, Agy Socha, Bridget Poland and Allie Jackson.

All are Californians except Tester, who is from Texas. San Diegans include Escobedo, DeRosier, Andrews, Waters and Ryder. Several coach at area high schools such as Canyon Crest Academy and Scripps Ranch and Grossmont College. Parker referees high school games.

Cassidy said the athletes play to stay in shape, meet new people — especially the freshmen — or make lifelong friends. Her goal is to have them look back and realize the benefit of being part of the team.

“I want to help them grow,” she said. “I try to help them with internships so they leave as well-rounded individuals. I want them to know they have someone in their corner when they get out of college.”

To that end Cassidy plans to bring in guest speakers — most likely female professionals — to guide the players with future career goals.

“I wish I had something like that in college,” she said.

Cassidy currently works at Pear Sports, a Solana Beach company that produces a “mobile training intelligence” system.

She coaches at night and is paid, but not a lot. She played water polo and swam in high school and college, but the sport is more of a hobby now, she said.

“I enjoy it. The money’s not important. I just want to give back,” she said.

The team receives a small stipend from the university, but club members, unlike Division 1 athletes, pay to play. The cost is $250 for the first semester and $300 for the second semester, which is club season for women.

Teams don’t know until about three weeks before the tournament if they will be going so the last-minute plane tickets were pricey — $780 each. Other expenses included hotel rooms, transportation, food and an entry fee. The ladies had to come up with at least $250 each.

Fundraising efforts took in $10,000 and included donations from parents and Division 1 water polo players.

“Some girls didn’t go because of work, the money and finals,” Cassidy said. “But I don’t want money to be a problem.”

With only two graduating seniors, Cassidy is looking forward to another successful season next year and is hoping to secure sponsors to help fund future trips Ohio.

Anyone interested in sponsorship information can contact Cassidy at jamievessey@gmail.com.

OFFICIAL LINK

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Huge thank you to Bianca at the Coast News for writing an article about the team! The girls and I really appreciate it. 

Experience of a Lifetime!

Sweet 16

Sports are in my blood. I have had the privilege to attend some awesome sports events in my short lifetime. Of course I still have many that I want to be able to check off my list. One of the events I always wanted to see was March Madness- especially when it gets down to the last few teams surviving the winner go home event.

I can officially say I have attended the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8 of Men’s Basketball. The experience was even more amazing because I got to watch my Aztecs play in the Sweet 16. I also got to experience a little of Brennan’s home state team Wisconsin.

Brooke and I went to the Sweet 16 together. I have to thank my mom for getting me the awesome birthday present of tickets to watch.  Brooke and I made a little half day of it all. We stopped off for lunch at the Irvine Spectrum.  Then we headed down to the Honda Center to experience the Sweet 16. On our way into the game it was amazing to see all the San Diego State fans. It just amazed Brooke and I. We have attended some of the biggest SDSU events and never did we feel so at home with the rest of our Aztec family. 

SDSU taking the court

Since the Aztecs were playing the second game of the night, many of the Arizona and Aztec fans came in a bit later. Not Brooke and I, we really wanted to take in the whole experience. That included getting to watch Wisconsin play Baylor. Sadly it was not that competitive of a game Wisconsin took down Baylor without much effort.  

After the Wisconsin win half of my dream Elite 8 was set in place. After allowing the teams to warm up, it was time for the main game of the night. All of a sudden the Honda center was packed full of loud fans. I have never experienced the cheering that took place. If U of A cheered, SDSU fans countered it.  The entire game was spent with both fan bases in their own locked battle of wills to out cheer the other. It was amazing. I can say Brooke and I got into the cheering and were fully engaged in the game.  I even got to see my teammate and good friend Erin Lester at half time of the game.

What a game it was worth every penny my mom spent. Only sad part was the Aztecs ended up losing a true battle. For a team that everyone claimed would be “building” I saw a team that competed. The game went back and forth just working so hard. In the last three minutes Arizona was able to get a bit hot and ended our season.

We may have lost but the experience was worth it. Also showed Brooke and I that there are Aztec fans out there. Hopefully this run into the tournament keeps them excited and they attend more events in the future.

As Brennan says "Go Aztecs!". Brooke and I left there with no voices and headaches, but as very proud San Diego State Alumni. Honored and proud to be part of Aztec Nation. 

Aztecs Warming Up

Tip Off

With time winding down. The end of a great season!

Elite 8: 

Wisconsin warming up

Sadly, my dream Elite 8 wasn't in the cards. Great news was that Brennan’s home state of Wisconsin was being represented on the West Coast. Saturday, Brennan and I headed back up to Anaheim to watch Wisconsin take on Arizona. At this point I was all Wisconsin, Go BUCKY!  We thought it was great the people behind us were Wisconsin fans- till we found out how annoying the one woman could be! Though it was funny because for the first time Brennan was able to hear the accent they had. While that made me laugh cause they sounded like all his relatives. Brennan had many jealous family members and friends back home in the snow, wishing they could be with us. It was fun to see him texting with all of them. Having them help tell us stuff we missed and us doing the same.

Wisconsin wins by 1!

Arizona got away quick but Wisconsin in true mid-west fashion fought for everything. It was a true home crowd for Arizona with their fans yelling just dominating the Honda Center. It did not keep Wisconsin down; they fought and won the battle to advance to the Final Four. It went down to the wire with Wisconsin winning with no time on the clock and by one. It was amazing to see the excitement of advancing. Then there is also the anguish of defeat. All of which is part of playing the game, but still hard to witness. 

A huge thank you to my mom!! You always make such amazing things happen, the our seats could not have been any better. You never cease to amaze me with the birthday gifts you have given me over the years.  You gave Brooke and I another special and amazing experience together! Then I got to have another experience that was completely different at the Elite 8 with Brennan. Plus he got to see Wisconsin play.  

Check the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 off my list of amazing sporting events that I want to attend.  Do not get me wrong, when San Diego State makes it back.. I just might be there in my Red and Black! 

Water Polo with Mikayla

Saturday we tripped it down to LMU to see the second day of the LMU invite. Traveling with Brooke and Sean always has its excitement. Plus you add in LA traffic and well the excitement of being dead stopped grows on you. 

After rushing to the pool, we managed to only miss the first quarter. During the start of the fourth quarter KK got in. It was awesome to see her play. In that time she was all over the place. On a 50/50 ball she swam hard. Then from there she made a great pass for a goal. Mark up a great assist cause of not giving up on the play. Then a few possessions later she almost scored a goal. KK got up on a counter and got the pass late, then just missed the cage. 

During the break in games was probably the best part of the day. KK was able to give us a tour of the campus. I had been given a tour earlier in the year. But Sean and Brooke had not yet. It was great we saw where she would be living next year. A few of the building that she has classes in, the different type of restaurants available on campus. Plus she showed us UHal which is an awesome building with one heck of a view of LA. It was pretty clear for an LA day and we could see about 2 or 3 miles. Since KK needed to be back early to warm up for her next game we dropped her off. Then the rest of us headed down to the marina to have a small lunch and wasting sometime before the next game. Luckily the Aztecs were on TV as well. It worked out nicely since we were able to watch the first half before leaving to head back to the pool. Great news is the Aztecs advanced to play in the Sweet 16.

After the game we waited for KK to have her final meetings. The tournament ended with the Lions ending 2-2. Then it was off to dinner. We headed to a great little pizza place right off campus. They had TV's which allowed us to catch the last few basketball games of the day. During this March Madness you never know who is going to be the winner, you just gotta watch the games. Plus watching sports with my family is one of my favorite hobbies. Spending Saturday all together was amazing, the older we get the less it happens. So just getting to be in a relaxed restaurant hanging out is time I am thankful for. Saturday was a lot of fun! Being with the family is always a pleasure. Mom took this great picture of us all. Look even Dad got into the day with a smile! 

Great job playing KK we are all so very proud of you! Thanks for giving us all a reason to see your beautiful campus and hangout. I have the best parents and siblings anyone could ask for! 

Simply Irresistible Cakes and Catering by Jenna Main

Jenna & I in Hawaii with water polo

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting my good friend Jenna Main's new bakery that she opened with her Aunt. It is called Simply Irresistible- Cakes and Catering located in La Habra. Congratulations Jenna on such an awesome accomplishment and a beautiful shop.

Jenna & I during the Final 4 with NCAA

Jenna and I played against each other in high school. Then we both went to San Diego State to play water polo. Freshman year we were roomed in the same suite in our dorm. Then a few more years spent as roommates. Over those college years we had many amazing memories and experiences together.

In the last few years Jenna got serious about food and desserts. After graduation she headed off to culinary school. I do wish she would have had some of that cooking training all those years we lived together. As we were normal college students, eating not the best food! Over the past few years I have had many of Jenna's amazing desserts, plus her Aunts amazing food! Making me even more excited to see her dream in person, her own shop! I was so excited to visit her shop. The store had been open a little over a month and I have been trying to get down to Los Angeles area to see it in person. Plus Saturday she does fresh baked Cinnamon Rolls- which I have been dying to try!

Front of the shop

On our way to see KK play water polo at LMU we made a small detour to the shop. Sean and Brooke were great and excited to visit the shop as well. Plus they knew they would be getting some great treats. As soon as we entered the shop it smelled AMAZING! Instantly made me want to eat everything. It was great to see Jenna as well. After spending some time chatting with Jenna and meeting her employee's. We got to sit down and really chat. During the time we were there it was great to see the business and customers. A woman ordered a cake, lady called in a cake and a few people dropped in for some Cinnamon Rolls. Which I have to say are worth the trip and make a great breakfast Saturday morning. The three of us managed to order four cinnamon rolls, 6 mini cupcakes and Brooke order some crazy brownie chocolate pecan desert. That desert was amazing. After spending about an hour hanging out with Jenna and getting fat- we headed along to LMU.

Inside the bakery

Please do not think that we eat all those deserts just the three of us. Each of my family members got a mini cupcake. We had six different flavors and everyone loved it. We have mini cupcakes of double chocolate, ho-dad, vanilla, red velvet. Each person loved there flavored cupcake!

If you are in the area and need a cake, cupcakes, other deserts or catering I highly suggest Jenna and her shop! Jenna made the deserts for her OWN wedding, that's how dedicated and awesome she is with baking. It was also my pleasure to have Jenna bake my wedding cake. We had so many compliments on how elegant and beautiful it was. Plus it tasted like a small piece of heaven!

Congratulations Jenna on an amazing bakery! I wish you all the best with your business. I plan on making it a normal detour on my LA route! Love yea girl.

Jenna & I at my wedding! She made my beautiful cake. 

Simply Irresistible Information:
Location: 2408 W. Whittier Blvd La Habra, Ca 90361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyirresistiblecakesandcatering
Website: http://www.simply-irresistible.com/

Pictures from the last few days

Day light savings time allowed me to be coaching with a little sun light. While it also gave me this amazing view with such beautiful colors. Picture taken at the Aquaplex.

That same night I got home from practice to find Moose (he keeps the notes for us). The note itself was awesome and then he was also guarding a little sweet treat! Which I love to have after practice! Thanks Brennan for being amazing. I love you!

I have been trying to get back into cycling with a good push from Brennan. The last few weeks I have been doing a ton of trainer workouts at the gym to build my leg strength. In the hopes that Brennan wont drop me so easily. But the riding outside is still a bit scary for me. With that being said the last few weekends I have been riding with Brennan. I am still a little tentative and nervous, but with Brennan's patience it has been fun to be out together again. He even claims I am getting better and a much stronger rider. 

Last Sunday evening Brennan and I walked down to the beach to meet up with some friends. We weathered the terrible winter weather of 80 degrees to see a beautiful sunset!Cannot complain living in California with the man of my dreams. 

Alyssa's November Wedding

Wedding Season:

Only about a month after my wedding I had the absolute pleasure of being in my best friend Alyssa’s wedding. It was to be held in Temecula, California. 

Alyssa and I have been friends since our sophomore year of high school when she transferred to RHS from Yucaipa. Since it was before she could drive she used to come home after school. Eat a ton of microwavable meals my dad’s specialty before swim practice. She would be working on all her AP classes, while I worked through the normal student classes. She was one of my biggest supporters during water polo season. Then for college she went to Wagner in Staten Island. This was a place I had never even heard of. Thankfully senior year I got to visit during spring break. We stayed friend over the years by snail mailing letters and pictures. Since graduation she has stayed living in the area. So we do not see each other much. 2013 was much different. She was out for some wedding planning and showers allowing us to finally get to hangout. Then she was in my wedding and a few weeks later I was in her wedding. It was so great to see her every few weeks.

Back to her actual wedding. I headed up to Temecula Friday morning, meeting an old friend Kimie who was also in the wedding party.  We did the normal things got our nails done, finalized some wedding details. Then went off to rehearsal for the ceremony at the church.  Alyssa has a ton of very cute nieces and nephews that kept everything interesting! After the rehearsal at the church we headed over to old town Temecula to an amazing BBQ place. Where we had a great night and I got to hang out with some other old friends from our swimming days.

Friday night I would get the pleasure of staying with Alyssa. It was so great to just spend time together and keep her from getting to nervous. Even better was I had just been her three weeks earlier and really understood. I can’t say that we slept a lot. Then it was Saturday morning and the day was in full swing. She had the hair and makeup people come to us. Which was nice! We all got dolled up and we were off. Brennan had driven down and was meeting my parents at the church.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Alyssa was a stunning bride. Chris her husband looked great. The ceremony so beautifully included there family and friends! After the ceremony it was pictures and then off to the reception that was being held at the Falconer winery. Temecula is a rapidly growing area and I would love to spend more time out there with such beautiful wineries. The reception was a ton of fun with everyone dancing the night away. Brennan and I even made a stop off in the photo booth. My parents also found that to be a lot of fun!

After the reception we took the party bus back to the hotel and partied a little more in the hotel bar! It was great, Alyssa was still in her wedding dress. Everyone was just having a grand time together. I know how stressful the entire day can be as a bride and bridesmaid but just fun to see her sooo happy!

Sunday we would meet for a late breakfast. I got to see Alyssa for a little longer. It was an amazing weekend. Congratulations to Chris and Alyssa. It was a pleasure to be a part of your special day. You have been an amazing friend over the years. I hope that the future bring us more visits together with a little less stress! 

Probably my favorite picture of the entire wedding. Alyssa's confusion with my look is classic us. To many I think they wondered how we were such good friends with such very different goals and minds. But we work and these faces are why- we balance each other out.