Varsity girls water polo secures first CIF Open Division win in program history

Makaylah Gerling, Editor-in-Chief • March 4, 2025

The varsity girls water polo team (18-12) holds up a big ‘W’ after making program history. Defeating Grossmont High School (18-9) on Feb. 18, this was the first time in girls and boys program history that a team won a CIF Open Division playoff game. Left to right top row: Brandon Carman, Madeline James (10), Lily Greene (9), Ryland Smith (12), Finn McNamara (11), Madeline Fletcher (10), Brianna Warren (10) and Taylor Arnett. Left to right bottom row: Eva Petroski (9), Jazmyn Modir (10), Audrey Kormylo (12), Campbell Bushh (12), Kaiah Smith (10) and Ella Gataric (10). Photo courtesy of Ella Gataric.

This season, the varsity girls water polo team (18-12) made history by securing their first CIF Open Division playoff win in girls and boys program history against Grossmont High School (18-9) on Feb. 18, with a 12-9 victory.

“It took a lot of preparation leading up to the game,” utility player Ella Gataric (10) said. “We all focused on understanding our roles, executing our game plan and staying mentally and physically prepared. Everyone was locked in on what needed to be done, and that focus led to our success. As well as everyone working hard, not to win for themselves but for the whole team.”

This year, the team entered the CIF Open Division playoffs as the sixth seed. While they reached the play-in final, their CIF journey fell short after a 5-8 loss to La Jolla High School (17-11) on Feb. 22.

“It was an incredibly proud moment,” Gataric said. “Just two years ago, [we] won the Division II title, and now competing and winning games in Open Division just shows how far the program has come. Being a part of that progress is truly special.”

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In just a few years, the team transformed from a low-tier Division II team into a top competitor in the San Diego area. When head coach Brandon Carman joined the staff four years ago, the team was recovering from a sharp decline in roster size following the COVID-19 pandemic. In his first season, the team finished last in Division II. Since then, they have won the CIF Division II Championship, CIF Division III State Championship and entered last season’s CIF Open Division playoffs as the eighth seed. According to MaxPreps, the team is currently ranked No. 36 in the nation.

“The team has grown so much in the past couple of years,” Gataric said. “Every day at practice, my teammates push me to become the best version of myself, and I see that same level of dedication from everyone. The overall skill level and team chemistry have improved significantly, which has been amazing to be a part of.”

While hours in the pool and weight room were key contributors to the team’s success this season, the bonds they forged and the connections they made were just as vital.

“It was amazing to be part of this program for the past four years,” Ryland Smith (12), University of Michigan girls water polo commit and team captain, said. “Seeing the growth we have made and the friendships that have formed on this team was so great to see. Everyone on the team put in so much hard work and to see it pay off was very rewarding. Especially as a senior who has been a part of the building of the program, I am proud to leave knowing that the team has a strong foundation for future seasons.”

While the team’s season ended on Feb. 22, it’s clear they will build on the connections and achievements made this season.

“I think the biggest change that we made was actually building a stronger team culture,” Carman said. “I think everyone has a really, really strong work ethic now and everyone has a great attitude. I mean, I have no complaints about anyone this year. They have all really worked hard.”

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About the Contributor

Makaylah Gerling, Editor-in-Chief

Last year, best year. The 2024-2025 school year will serve as Makaylah Gerling’s third and final year as a so-called “Falconerd,” as she rises to the challenge of Editor-in-Chief for the nationally-ranked, award winning publication, the Falconer. Gerling is excited to contribute to the immense success of the Falconer and hopefully gain national recognition once again. Last year, Gerling made her mark in the newsroom as the sports editor, as she connected her love for athletics with her growing interests in the journalistic world. During the slight chance that she makes it out of room 311, you can find her competing on Ed Burke field as a senior captain and fourth-year member of the varsity women’s soccer team. Despite the growing infestation of senioritis, she is determined and focused to make her last year at TPHS worthwhile by challenging herself with courses aligned with her future career as a registered nurse, following in her mothers footsteps. Outside of TPHS, she can be found in navy blue scrubs as a Palomar Health Pathmaker Intern and a bright orange jersey as a head coach for Soccer Shots. While excited for her next adventure, Gerling is sad to say goodbye to the community she has had the pleasure to call home for these past few years.