Kyra Christmas '20 received her second consecutive Golden Coast Conference Player of the year honors this week. She also was one of four Tiger women's water polo players to receive All-GCC awards as the team heads to the conference championships.

Water polo player Kyra Christmas garners second GCC Player of the Year

Pacific stand-out water polo player Kyra Christmas '20 garnered her second consecutive recognition as the Golden Coast Conference Player of the Year and All-GCC First Team recipient, announced by the Golden Coast Conference Wednesday morning. Joining her are three other team members recognized for their exceptional efforts in the pool this season. Mariana Duarte, Viktoria Szmodics, Clara Vulpisi, and Brianna Utas each earn an All-GCC Postseason accolade to represent the Orange and Black.

"Congratulations to Kyra, Viktoria, Mariana, Clara and Brianna for all of their well-deserved awards," said Head Coach James Graham. "It's been great watching these players grow throughout the course of the year and their combined efforts have put us in a solid position heading into the GCC Tournament."

Christmas, a junior attacker, has amassed an impressive resume in the pool. The Calgary, Alberta, native led the Tigers with 51 goals, 29 assists, and a shot percentage just under .500 (.490). Her goal total, points total, sprint percentage, goal per game average, and points per game average all rank in the top three or better in the GCC. Christmas and Duarte also garnered the American Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-America honors in 2018. Szmodics recieved her second All-First Team award and Duarte earned her first All-Second Team honor. First-year standouts Clara Vulpisi and Brianna Utas each make the GCC All-Freshman team. Vulpisi also received an All-Honorable Mention. 

Pacific opens up postseason play in the GCC Championships this April 26 with a first-round match against Concordia at 6:45 p.m. at the Fresno State Aquatics Center. The Tigers earned their third consecutive No. 1 seed following a Senior Day victory against Santa Clara on Saturday, April 20, clinching back-to-back undefeated seasons in GCC play. Pacific moves to an overall record of 14-8 and finishes with a perfect 7-0 in conference.  

Follow Pacific Women's Water Polo on Twitter @Pacific_WWP. Follow the Pacific Tigers at PacificTigers.com or @PacificTigers.