California State University at Northridge
Alumni
Friendly Competition: CSUN Women's Water Polo Alumnae Battle the Current Team
3/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
Northridge, Calif. –
Splash, splash! CSUN's women's water polo alumni jumped in and had some competitive fun against CSUN's current water polo team at the annual reunion match this past Saturday afternoon. Running the show most of the game, CSUN's current water polo team showed off their skills but, proving they've still got it, the alumni caught up and tied the game, leaving the final score 11-11.
"Once a Matador, always a Matador," current senior attacker Katie Kammer said.
On Saturday, both alumni and current players were keeping score, giving pointers and screaming for their team from the sidelines. Kammer described the team's bond as phenomenal and as more than just a team, but a family.
"Water polo is a family-oriented program," said Kammer. "We keep in regular contact with all our alumni and we're all on a first name basis."
Most CSUN sports host annual reunion events, and to water polo head coach Marty Matthies and Kammer, Saturday's event was special.
"It helps us remember how the program started and why we play," Kammer shared.
The friendly yet competitive game is a way to keep the alumni involved in the program and for alumni to see how the current girls are playing. CSUN Water Polo is 16 years old, fairly young in comparison to other sports at CSUN, and the program is determined to maintain a tight bond with its alumni while continuing to build its brand.
"The alumni game is a great opportunity for the current girls to learn the history of the program and it's a good bonding experience," Matthies says.
Feeling accomplished and proud of the success of the team in just his first year at CSUN, Matthies was all smiles as he talked about the season. This year's team is 12-8 overall and 1-0 in Big West play so far.
"We're currently 1-0, ranked eighth in the country, and I'm really happy with how the season is going. We've accomplished a lot, but we definitely still have a lot to accomplish. I'm excited to see where the season's headed," Matthies shared.
Adding on and equally happy about the season so far, Kammer added, "We've worked hard to get where we are and we're happy with the way our school and administration support us."
"It's always fun seeing everyone and getting the chance to play water polo again," said CSUN Water Polo alumna Jenny Jamison. "They're doing awesome and it's totally a different style of playing this year due to Coach Matthies, but it's working. They're 1-0, succeeding and making a name for themselves."
Having only graduated last year, Jamison is now coaching water polo and swimming for a high school and club team and enjoying every minute of it.
The success of the CSUN Women's Water Polo Team is speaking for itself, and the newly-rebranded Matador Pool area has brought more attraction and buzz to the team.
"We play for the love of the sport and the connection we build with our team, said Jamison. "The better they do, the more people will learn about the program."
