Goalie Brings Fierce Defense To Home Waters

Blake Northey, Staff Reporter

Blake_Northey@csumb.edu

April 7, 2008

Jenna Beer, a CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) senior liberal studies major, is co-captain and goalie of the women’s water polo team. At 6’2” Beer easily defends the Otter net from goal hungry opponents. 

Beer, a Long Beach native who transferred to CSUMB from Long Beach Community College has nine years of water polo experience and numerous awards for her outstanding athleticism. She played water polo at Millikan High School and Long Beach CC. 

“It’s hard to be a goalie, no publicity, but that’s not what you play for,” said Beer.

Beer might not get a lot of publicity but her teammates value her contribution to the sport. Caitlyn “Cookie” Kuzynski, a CSUMB junior kinesiology major who’s a utility player on the water polo team said, “The team gets positive energy from Jenna, she has everyone’s respect.” 

Kuzynski continued her praise of Beer’s defensive skills and credited her with providing the team with “positive encouragement in the water.” 

Currently, the Otter polo team has won 15 out of 22 games and Beer’s saves at the net have helped make this a winning season for the Otters. Beer is hoping to “beat 500” [saves] by the end of the season. 

“In the water, Jenna handles her role [goalie] very well,” said Kuzynski.

Kat Ashley, a CSUMB junior Human Communication major who plays in the attacker position said Jenna Beer is “the glue that holds the team together.” In preparing for a game, Jenna said she gets “mentally ready” so that she can focus solely on the game. 

While the loss to Cal State East Bay on March 15 was a disappointment for the team, they are excited over the remaining six games left in the season. Four of those games will be played at home, and the Otters should do well in their own pool at the Otters’ next game against University California Santa Cruz in Seaside on April 5. 

For more information on the women’s polo team, visit the Otter athletic homepage at otterathletics.com