Championship pedigree has been born and bred in water polo at Malibu High School. Check out this stat: Between the girls and boys programs combined, Malibu water polo is sitting on a streak of 11 consecutive league championships. But the wins and losses don’t start in the pool; like brothers and sisters, the water polo programs are one big family affair, with everyone supporting and cheering on each other.
With the boys going 30-1 and claiming a fourth consecutive Tri-Valley League title during the fall, the girls now get their chance to add to their own streak in winter athletics. After winning an astounding seven straight league titles, the girls have undertaken their quest for the “Great Eight.”
Hayden Goldberg, who served as the top assistant to Malibu boys’ coach Mike Mulligan, has taken over the girls program. It fulfills a longtime dream for Goldberg to become a head coach at his alma mater.
“I am really privileged to be a part of this. It’s real exciting for me,” said Goldberg, a 2004 graduate who played under Mulligan and assisted him the past eight years. “This is what I’ve wanted to do. I love coaching and teaching the girls the sport. I’ve trained some of these girls since youth water polo. I’m looking forward to a successful year and hopefully another league title.”
After graduating league MVP Linda Brown and talented players in Jenny Hill-Carta and Rae Jackson, the Sharks will have some rebuilding to do in order to win their eighth consecutive league title.
Goldberg will rely on senior captains Sara Toussieng and Christine Karaghossian to lead by example while instilling the belief and confidence into the younger players.
Toussieng begins her third season as the starting goalkeeper. Prior to her sophomore year, she had never played water polo. In three short years, Toussieng has emerged as the league’s best goalie after recording more than 120 blocks last season.
“I’m really excited because I’ve been looking forward to this the whole year,” Toussieng said. “Watching the boys and going to their games and practices was great. Now it’s our season and I just want to have fun. I want to win league but most importantly to enjoy the season.”
Toussieng played a major role in the Sharks’ success last year when they went 16-11 overall and 9-1 in league. Malibu has shared the league title with Carpinteria the last two seasons.
It has become a personal quest for Toussieng and her teammates to win league and win respect from around the region.
“People not in our league kind of look down on us,” she said. “So once we get into league we get fire in our eyes to win and prove ourselves. That pushes us so much more.”
Malibu recently participated in the prestigious “Mistletoe Classic” at Newbury Park High School, where the Sharks went 1-3. They defeated Nordhoff, 6-4, but lost to Cabrillo, 15-5, Moorpark, 6-2, and Atascadero, 8-6.
“So far we’ve been progressing and I’ve been happy,” Goldberg said. “We’ve focused on their swimming, their shooting ability and knowledge of the game. I want to keep the same style and way as we have been with the boys.”
Joining Toussieng on the defensive side is senior Emma London. A standout at two-meter defense for the past two years, London provides the security net before opponents challenge the unflappable Toussieng in goal.
The Sharks will be on the offensive with Karaghossian at two-meters and seniors Allyx Teel and Sophie Peterson at driver. Teel, a three-year varsity starter, was a second-team all-league selection last season, with Peterson being named honorable mention.
“I want to lead and help the other girls. Not just as one of the older players but as a friend,” said Karaghossian. “I love our new coach. He’s really going to help us. I think we are going to have another great season.”
Goldberg has been impressed early on with junior Raine Murray, who currently leads the team in scoring, and freshman Zoe Detweiler.
Malibu begins defense of its league title on Jan. 10 against Cate. The Sharks have matches versus Carpinteria on Jan. 17 (away) and Feb. 5 at home.