#GCCWATERPOLO – Fresno State has been picked to win the Golden Coast Conference in the 2025 season, according to the annual Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday. The eight GCC head coaches gave the Bulldogs 47 points, two better than second place LMU.

Fresno State has won four straight GCC tournament titles and three of the last four regular season titles. LMU won last year’s regular season title, with Fresno State holding off the Lions 13-12 in overtime of the tournament championship game. 
Fresno State earned five first place votes to LMU’s three to claim the top spot in this year’s preseason poll.

A pair of Player of the Year winners pace the Bulldogs and Lions into 2025 and to the top of the GCC Coaches’ Poll. Fresno State’s Brooke Ochoa is back for her senior season after earning MVP of last year’s GCC tournament and Player of the Year honors in 2023. The Lions are led by 2024 GCC Player of the Year Ruth Arino Ruiz. 

Rounding out the poll is Pacific (36 points) at third place, San Diego State (30) in fourth, Azusa Pacific (25) in fifth, California Baptist (21) in sixth, Santa Clara (11) in seventh and Concordia (9) in eighth.

A pair of first-team All-GCC selections paced Pacific and SDSU to third and fourth, respectively. Pacific is led by junior Dora Alaksza while leading the Aztecs is junior Claudia Valdes.

Experience will be the key for all eight teams in 2025. Leading Azusa Pacific is senior Maritza Ochoa, while graduate transfer Kyra Kahahawai leads California Baptist. Junior Hannah Edwards leads Concordia while senior Kate Rodman will be the player to watch for Santa Clara. 

The 2025 season begins this Friday and will culminate with the 2025 GCC Championship at LMU April 25-27.

2025 Preseason Coaches’ Poll:
1. Fresno State - 47 points (5 first place votes)
2. Loyola Marymount - 46 points (3)
3. Pacific - 36 points
4. San Diego State - 30 points
5. Azusa Pacific - 25 points
6. California Baptist - 21 points
7. Santa Clara - 11 points
8. Concordia - 9 points