High School Illustrated High School Sports Magazine
Head Coach Kevin Ricks of Costa Mesa was named the 2012-2013 CIF-SS, Division II, Coach of the Year after leading the Eagles to the CIF-SS Division II Championship, a Trinity League Championship and a 25-6 overall record. The overall record goes down as the second best all-time in Eagle’s history. Coach Ricks has a career record of 188-145 as the head coach of the SMCHS Girls Water Polo Program.
Junior Haley Wan of Irvine was selected the CIF-Southern Section, Division II, Player of the Year following her standout performance in the CIF Championship Game. Haley tallied five goals, 2 assists and 4 steals leading the Eagles to their second CIF Championship in girl’s water polo.
Senior Emily Loughlin of San Clemente and junior Kacey Avalos of Lake Forest were recognized on the All-CIF First Team. Emily’s spectacular performance in the semifinal against El Toro HS where she scored the first four goals of the game sealed the Eagles’ trip to the finals. Kacey Avalos is in many ways the unsung hero of the team. Kacey’s consistent contributions at the defensive and offensive end were in many cases the difference in games. Kacey’s passes are made with laser-like precision and she tallied a school record of 72 assists this season.
Senior Morgan Martinez of San Juan Capistrano and junior Kelli Bamgardner of Laguna Niguel were selected to the All-CIF, Second Team. Morgan’s performance in the Trinity League showdown between the Eagles and the Mater Dei Monarchs was impressive. She made five field blocks on the night denying several key opportunities to the Monarchs. Kelli Baumgardner had a breakout season for the Eagles and she steadily improved her play at both ends of the pool becoming a critical component of the team. She scored once in the CIF Championship Game while making two key assists in the victory.
Senior Jackie Villarreal of Laguna Hills was recognized on the All-CIF Division II, Honorable Mention list. Jackie is a tremendous talent whose physical defense and lightening shot allowed her to contribute throughout the season in all facets of the game. She will be attending San Diego State in the fall to continue her playing career.
(Photos: Robert Russell Photography)
