JoJo White, Malibu High School, Girls Water Polo
By Dick Dornan / Special to The Malibu Times
Jordan White, known as “JoJo” to her peers, made the most of her water polo career at Malibu High School as she led the Sharks to the CIF Championship game in her sophomore and senior seasons. Though Malibu finished runner-up each time, White brought notoriety to the small school and set the standard for future women goalies across the Southland with her outstanding performances each game.
The recipient of The Malibu Times Athlete of the Week on Jan. 26, White concluded her high school water polo career by being named the CIF Division VI Player of the Year and receiving a partial scholarship to Indiana University. White set two CIF Southern Section records as she rewrote the girls’ water polo record book.
White, the 2011 Tri-Valley Player of the Year and first-team All-Tri-Valley League selection all four of her high school years, set the CIF-SS record of 413 saves in a single season and the CIF-SS and CIF state record of 1,385 saves for a career. She never lost a single league game in her career as the Sharks have won 76 straight league contests, including seven consecutive undefeated league seasons.
Malibu finished 23-10 this season as they advanced to the CIF Division VI Finals where they lost a hard-fought game to Warren, 8-7. In White’s four years as a starting goalie, the Sharks went 94-33.
She joins a Hoosiers program that finished sixth in the NCAA Championships and won a single season record-tying 26 games this year.
The Malibu Times met with White recently as she spoke about her career at Malibu and her future at Indiana University.
When did you begin playing water polo?
I began when I was 13 and in the seventh grade. My best friend played and got me interested. I was influenced by my family and friends. My mom and dad were both swimmers. I tried swimming but never fell in love with the individuality of it so I played soccer and softball in between. Then I found water polo and just fell in love with it.
Talk about your four years at Malibu and the special plaque the school gave you for your accomplishments.
It’s taught me a lot. I have so many memories with this program. They care about how everyone does. This plaque [see photo above] is the most meaningful to me. It means a lot to every kid who gets one. Everyone cherishes them. It’s worth more to me than a trophy.
What memories will you carry from your senior year?
My senior year has been my most successful one. I thought it would be my sophomore year but we pulled it off and got back to the CIF finals again. Even though we lost by only one goal, it was very meaningful to make it back. Just to make it that far is something I will always remember for the rest of my life.
What did it mean to you to be named the CIF Player of the Year in Division VI?
It’s something meaningful to me; especially for a goalie to get that recognition. A goalie doesn’t do much with shooting and scoring. To know I have that many saves that became a record is really awesome. I never thought it would reach 1,385 saves. I thought I might reach 900, but never in the thousands.
What are the special skills that made you successful as a goalie?
My hand-eye coordination and leg strength. That is something you really need to have. I did a lot of leg conditioning. You also need the mentality that you know how to block a shot. It takes a lot of preparation too. I was also good at the breaststroke and egg-beatering in the water.
Why did you commit to Indiana University?
Through the help of my club team [Los Angeles Water Polo Club], I was able to open up and move on from the little bubble. I got a broader perspective of water polo. I got to meet a lot of new people and play against great competition. Colleges came out last summer and saw me play. I also looked at Hawaii and UC Davis. But Indiana just felt right. The coach reminds me of my dad and I love my dad as a person. I want that same personality. When I went back there, I felt like this is the place I wanted to go.
What are your plans for the summer before heading off to Indiana?
I really need to train and physically get in shape for next year. I will continue to play with my club team and maybe help with the high school team because I don’t want to leave this place. I want to help the younger girls for next year. I want the program to remain successful and be known for water polo.