Richards signs with new program at Fresno State

Mackenzie Richards, a two-time All-American goalie on SBCC's highly successful women's water polo team, has accepted a scholarship to play for Fresno State in the 2017-18 season.

Fresno State will play its first season of water polo in the spring of 2018. The Bulldogs are coached by Natalie Benson, a three-time All-American at UCLA and a two-time Olympian. Fresno State will play in the Gold Coast Conference, along with San Diego State, Pacific, Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara, Azusa Pacific and Cal Baptist.

Richards played on two WSC championship teams at SBCC and the Vaqueros went 33-2 last year and took second in the state. They went 53-15 the last two seasons and 18-1 in WSC play.

The former Royal High star was the MVP of the WSC as a freshman. Last year, she was first-team All-WSC, All-Southern Cal and All-American with a 29-2 record. She held opponents to 5.1 goals a game with a 57.6 save percentage.

"Makenzie anticipates very well and she's a great communicator in the water," said Vaquero coach Chuckie Roth. "She gives 100% on every play. Every field player has loved playing for her.

"She's the most respectful, courteous and appreciative player I have ever coached. She is truly a pleasure to coach."

Richards has a 3.1 GPA and is currently swimming freestyle on the Vaqueros' talented swim & dive squad that is shooting for a third straight WSC title, starting Thursday at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center in Santa Maria.

"Fresno State will be a great program," Roth added. "They offered her a good scholarship and she felt like she would be happiest there."

How does Roth plan to replace Richards in goal in the 2017 season?

"That is the big question," he acknowledged. "I don't think there is a simple replacement. We have two new goalies who plan to attend next year. Both are eager and want to learn, I think they will do great.

"I will miss Mackenzie a lot. She has been a huge part of this program. She always gives 100% for our program and she's a truly great person."