May 21, 2017
Sophomore Carla Toha Vilanova and juniors Katelynn Thompson and Klaudia Paradi were named "Most Valuable Offensive Player" and "Co-Most Valuable Defensive Players,"respectively, at the annual San Jose State University women's water polo team awards banquet.
Toha Vilanova led the Spartans in scoring with 38 goals. The sophomore from Barcelona, Spain finished tied for 17th in scoring among Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) players.
Paradi was San Jose State's one representative on the 23-player All-MPSF first, second and honorable mention all-conference selections. The junior from Eger, Hungary, was an honorable mention honoree. Typically assigned to guard the opponent's best player, Paradi still was third on the team in scoring with 23 goals.
Thompson was one of the busiest goalkeepers in the MPSF this season. She was credited with 168 saves in the 26 matches she played. In four matches, Thompson was credited with at least 10 saves.
Senior Vanessa Elgohary, a 2-meter player, was named the team's Most Improved Player. Sophomore Sierra Painter accepted the Coaches Award. Co-captains Cara Robinson and goalkeeper Tayler Peters were recognized for their leadership roles as team captains.
Robinson also received the LouStrong Award, named after former head coach Lou Tully, who died at age 70 in 2013. Mr. Tully was the program's first head coach and led the Spartans to 250 victories and 11 top-10 season-ending national rankings.
Elgohary, Robinson, Donia Momen and goalkeeper Sara Northam were recognized as the seniors on the 2017 team.
The Spartans finished the season with a 10-19 overall record and were ranked 20th in the final Collegiate Water Polo Association coaches poll.