The Golden Coast Conference (GCC) is an NCAA Division I collegiate conference that Loyola Marymount University (LMU) women’s water polo won in their 2024-2025 season. Due to the ring delay, caused by a production error, the athletes received their rings on Oct. 20th.
In the recent championship, LMU defeated the four-time champions, Fresno State. With the win in their back pockets, the LMU women’s water polo team is determined to be two-time GCC championship winners.
Senior sociology major and psychology minor Katherine Wastila, a utility player, ended her final season with a championship ring on her finger. To her, the delay made it even better, getting to reunite with the team and the girls who had graduated at the end of last season.
Wastila described the ring as a representation of the team’s determination, focus, and quality of play throughout the season. She explained:
“The ring represents family. I look at the ring and think of the fun times and memories from over the years. It was so special that for my last year I was able to come out on top with the team. It was the cherry on top to the end of my water polo career,” she said.
Wastila also reflected on the lessons she learned competing on such a competitive team, an experience she says makes the ring even more rewarding.
“That season is a constant reminder of my grit; it was tough, and I went through a lot of trials and tribulations. But receiving the ring proved that effort matters the most and you will come out on top if you put effort in,” Wastila said.
She added, “Hard work and focus are essential in succeeding in life. That was evident in our practices, and that’s why we were able to come out on top. That ring represents our determination, our focus, and our quality of play.”
Sophie DeMattia, a senior mechanical engineering major with a minor in mathematics and a left-handed attacker, is ecstatic for this season, and so is the team.
“We have a standard to uphold. It is motivation for our program to continue this winning legacy and to get another conference title this year,” said DeMattia.
The team is off to a strong start this season, holding a 20–12 overall record. Though they have faced tough teams in their conference, DeMattia knows that they will come out on top. The team lost nine key players to graduation at the end of last season, but with a new dynamic, she remains confident in their gameplay.
DeMattia said, “We have been training and focusing on our play, which will help us lead into fall games. Playing games together will help us learn each other’s playing styles.”
With the pressure of a championship title comes high expectations, but DeMattia said last year’s win only pushes her harder to finish strong.
“Last year’s success is pushing me to want to win even more because it is my last year, and the feeling we had in April of jumping in that pool is unmatched,” she said.
Already deep into GCC play, the LMU women’s water polo team is carrying the pride of last season’s title into every game. The recent ring ceremony served as a reminder of what this group of student-athletes can achieve.
For LMU, the ring is more than a reward; it’s a reminder of why they continue to play the sport and what can be accomplished when you are determined.
Follow the LMU women’s water polo team on Instagram (@lmulionswwp) for more updates, as well as the official LMU Athletics website.
