El Capitan High water polo star heading to UC Merced to continue her playing career
The opportunity to be part of a newer water polo program making the jump to Division II was appealing for El Capitan High senior Kiryn Wicker.
Plus, the added bonus of staying close to home was too much to pass up.
So Wicker signed her national letter of intent to play water polo at UC Merced.
“I think it’s good for our community to see someone local stay home,” Wicker said. “UC Merced is giving everything I need in a college. I think it’s cool to show you don’t have to travel far to be apart of of good program. We have one right here.”
UC Merced is set to make the jump from an NAIA program to Division II. The Bobcats men’s and women’s water polo programs will join the Western Water Polo Association.
UC Merced adds one of the top water polo players in Merced County in Wicker.
The Gauchos senior was named the Central California Conference Offensive Player of the Year after leading El Capitan with 80 goals in 27 games this season. Wicker helped lead the Gauchos to a CCC co-championship with Buhach Colony and helped El Capitan reach the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship game.
Wicker plans to major in human biology with plans of joining a nursing program. She compiled a 4.28 GPA at El Capitan.
El Capitan High held a signing ceremony for Wicker on Wednesday afternoon in the gym.
“That was great to see everyone who cares about me there to support me,” Wicker said. “I’m so grateful for everything they have done for me. It really was a great day.”
Wicker came into high school more focused on softball. However, a knee injury steered her into the pool.
“I played water polo more for fun because it was during the offseason,” Wicker said. “Then I hurt my knee and I felt water polo was safest for me and my body. I found out I was the most happiest I’ve been playing water polo.”
During her sophomore year water polo became Wicker’s primary sport.
“At that point, I loved water polo and I realized this is what I want to do,” Wicker said.
Now she’s ready for the challenges of playing at the next level and join a new program at UC Merced.
“I’m so excited,” Wicker said. “I’m thrilled. I love high school water polo but I’m ready to go on to the next level. I”m nervous, but I’m super excited to join a whole new team, meet new people and for the opportunities ahead.”
