Sage Creek’s girls hope to follow boys’ success in water polo

CARLSBAD — During its first season of existence, Sage Creek High School’s boys water polo team held weekly gatherings at a local taco shop.

There was more than Mexican food on the menu.

“There was the dedication to each other, the bonds that we shared, that we built,” said Bobcats junior Wesley Bodensteiner, considering the start of team traditions. “That was also a big part of all of it.”

Aside from three club water polo veterans, Sage Creek had players from seniors to freshmen with little or no experience when preseason practices began.

They all came together to reach the CIF San Diego Section Division 3 final as the third-seeded team this fall, finishing the season 16-9 with playoff wins over Ramona and Mater Dei Catholic.

Among the spectators at games and into the playoff run were seniors Zephyr Pierson and Carli Jordan, who were about to dive into the inaugural season for the Sage Creek girls this winter.

“It’s definitely something to look up to,” Pierson said. “Also, it’s great to know that our coaches are capable of taking them so far like that.”

A coach’s blueprint

Mike Mulvey played water polo at Carlsbad High School and competed at the U.S. Naval Academy. He left Palomar College after five seasons as the men’s coach and dropped anchor at Sage Creek, a 13-year-old school located in Carlsbad.

Mulvey has followed the same blueprint in building both programs from the ground up.

“It’s just trying to get better every day, and really being supportive of your teammates,” Mulvey said. “It’s enjoying the process more than the games, just that experience of being together with your friends and family and working really hard together. Then you enjoy the fruits of that labor at the end.”

A trip to the section finals was hardly expected in Year 1. The bigger question was what the turnout would be.

Seventeen boys went out for the team, allowing for varsity and JV play. The girls’ roster has 20 players, again making two squads possible.

The water polo programs started as a student’s idea. Midway through his freshman year, Bodensteiner pursued the idea through school channels with support from families and administration forthcoming. Approval would come a year later.

Also helping to drive the movement were sophomore Sasha Wright and senior Curtis Goodrich.

With Bodensteiner, they became team captains and drew from their club experience.

While Goodrich held forth in goal, Bodensteiner and Wright spearheaded the attack.

“We could play, but we didn’t really know for sure who was going to show up,” said Bodensteiner, who also wrestles and swims at Sage Creek. “But I was super stoked when I walked in on the first day of practice and there were about 20 people there.”

Wright, who moved West from Michigan in 2022, knew the appeal of water polo.

“For our first year, my expectations were ensuring my teammates had a fun time learning a new sport,” said Wright, who has adapted some tactics from his former days in youth hockey. “I wasn’t sure what to expect with wins and losses; just having a team was a big win. We had a really good group of guys who were willing to take a chance and try a sport that looks intimidating from the outside.”

Senior Doug Turner, a newcomer to the sport, scored the winning goal for a 9-8 overtime victory in the section quarterfinals. The Bobcats later lost to Mar Vista 12-5 in the title contest.

“It was the most fun three months of my life,” Wright said. “We had all these new guys learning the game. Getting to see them learn and grow, and to experience that with them, was incredible.

“We also built a culture of positivity and encouragement, which led to all the memories we made, from triumphs and milestones to the mistakes and comedic moments we’ll look back at for years.”

‘I like being on a true team’

Jordan didn’t need any prodding to join the girls’ team.

“If water polo was at my school my freshman year, I would have definitely done it,” she said. “So I was super happy to hear about it. I was definitely all in right away.”

Jordan figures to be a top shooter in water polo given her throwing arm in softball. Once a catcher, she expects to split between first base and third in her fourth varsity season this spring.

“Honestly, I just love being in the water and getting to play with some of my new and great friends,” Jordan said. “I’m learning so much from the coaches, and it’s just a great workout.”

The girls’ team has placed an extra premium on learning fundamentals in the early going and establishing a set lineup.

The Bobcats opened the season 1-2, recording their inaugural victory over Valley Center, before heading into the winter break. The next match is on Wednesday at Poway High School.

Sage Creek’s water polo teams are based out of the Brooks Street Pool in Oceanside. There’s hope of someday finding a home at one of Carlsbad’s two municipal pools.

Pierson has brought a swimming background to water polo. A year ago, she competed in the San Diego Section meet in the 200-yard freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

Water polo brings a change from the swim format that draws a team score from individual events.

“I like being on a true team where we always work together, we’re talking to each other, we’re passing to each other,” Pierson said. “It’s just great to have that connection. I mean, I’ve become so much closer with so many people I never even thought I would talk to.

“There’s that team-building, and obviously, it’s all super fun.”