The Women's Water polo Team gathers together before the match against UC Davis to encourage each other and focus on success. / Photo by Rebecca Harper
Women’s Water Polo Defeats UC Davis in Their Final Game of the Season
Gaels outscore Aggies 13–6 and celebrate the Class of 2025 in their senior recognition ceremony.
The Gaels hosted their final match of the 2024–25 season against the UC Davis Aggies on Sunday, April 27, at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. Saint Mary’s parents, friends, fans, and supporters flooded the pool deck to support the team and cheer them on to a 13–6 victory.
The Senior class of 2025 was recognized in a special ceremony as well. Kaylie Mini ’25 has played with the team for two years and shares that she has met her closest friends playing on the team. Mini transferred to SMC from Foothill Community College, and on the and joining the team she found friendships as well as teammates. “As a transfer student, joining the Women's Water Polo team allowed me to meet people and play the sport I love,” she says.
“As a transfer student, joining the Women's Water Polo team allowed me to meet people and play the sport I love.”
—Kaylie Mini ' 25
Jane O'Dea '25 has also played water polo at SMC for two years. She has enjoyed being on the team and creating memories. “I have enjoyed spending time as a team, whether at practice, in the vans traveling to tournaments or just hanging out,” she says.
“I have enjoyed spending time as a team, whether at practice, in the vans traveling to tournaments or just hanging out.”
—Jane O’Dea ’25
A four-year SMC athlete, Haley Zafiropoulo ’25 has been encouraged by her teammates over the years. “They have been the backbone of support while supporting and teaching each other how to be a better teammate,” she says. “I have had such a fulfilled experience with this team and have made lifelong friends.”
“I have had such a fulfilled experience with this team and have made lifelong friends.”
—Haley Zafiropoulo ’25
Tori Navarro '25 was the leading scorer during the match against UC Davis, leading the way victory. Navarro is also a transfer student and has so much gratitude for her teammates for helping spark her love for the game again. “I have been able to make a family with the girls on the team and I am grateful for all the support,” she says.
“I have been able to make a family with the girls on the team and I am grateful for all the support.”
—Tori Navarro ’25
The game ended in a victory for the Gaels. Along with that, it was a special and rewarding finish for the four graduates who have already begun celebrating their success at Saint Mary's College. Congrats to the Class of 2025!
Story updated May 1, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Pacific.
