SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Kate Watley has signed with the Fresno State water polo program and will attend the school in the fall.
"I am really excited and it is a great opportunity to continue playing a sport I love," said Watley.
Watley was an All-Delta league first team selection and earned Sac-Joaquin Section second-team recognition after her senior season when she led the Troubadours to the section championship match and a berth in the CIF Northern California Regionals.
"I don't think I ever imagine it would go this far or I would love it this much," said Watley. "I have always dreamed of playing college sports."
Watley made 308 saves over her two-year varsity career with the Troubadours. She joined the program as a sophomore, playing on the junior varsity team. She came over to the sport after playing volleyball her first season at St. Francis and found a home in the net for the Troubies.
"It was natural because of my experience with volleyball and blocking on the front row," said Watley. "It helped but still is not very similar. It was a fluke because one of the other goalies got hurt so I got to play every game. It gave me a lot of practice."
Watley was coached by Heather Moody over her final two seasons.
"Kate will bring enthusiasm and work ethic to Fresno State," said Moody. "Coming into water polo as a sophomore and playing a new sport shows her drive and testament to really accomplish something big. Fresno State is a great opportunity for her to grow under Natalie Benson and be a contributor."
Watley is excited to play for Benson, a former teammate of Moody's on the USA National team.
"She played with Heather on the national team," said Watley. "I have watched her coach many games and they have similar styles. It will be an easy transition. The coaching staff is really great and has been very welcoming."
She will study social work at Fresno State and is happy to stay to play in California and be part of the Bulldog program.
"I like that it is in California," said Watley. "Originally I wanted to go out of state to experience something new. It was unrealistic because it is nice to be close to home. I really want to do social work and they have a huge program that I got admitted to. It happened very naturally. I wanted to have a school with a great football team. It was one of my requirements for college. I really want to go to football games and support the school athletics."
Watley will graduate from St. Francis on May 23.
