Nov. 18, 2016
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Freshman Ben Hauschild was named as an honorable mention All-Golden Coast Conference selection on Friday, November 18.
"We're really excited for Ben," said Spartans' head coach Bruce Watson. "It's a big accomplishment for him and our team to have a freshman recognized in our second year back as a program."
Hauschild announced his presence to the collegiate water polo world by racking up a conference high 49 steals in the regular season. That mark is also third most in the nation.
The Santa Barbara native also finished in the top ten in the conference in goals scored and assists with nine and 12 respectively.
"Ben worked really hard this season," said Watson. "He played less and less like a freshman each time out and is an important part of our team. It's been fun to watch him develop."
Hauschild recently had one of his best games of the season against #5-Pacific on November 11, putting away two goals, notching three assists, his season high, and recording a steal. On October 13, against the GCC regular season champs, #4-Santa Barbara, he tallied a season high four goals.
"It means a lot to be recognized at this level," said Hauschild. "This season we've played against Olympians and players that I looked up to when I was in high school so it's a huge honor."
Named a Junior Olympics All-American in 2014, Hauschild was also a First Team All-Channel League selection at San Marcos High School (Coach Jeff Ashton) in Santa Barbara, Calif. after helping lead the Royals to their first league championship in 20 years. He played club water polo for Santa Barbara Premier (Coach Paul Wilson).
The full list of 2016 honorees can be found on the GCC website.