Laguna Beach Celebrates Two Sisters Joining USA Women’s Water Polo Team

Laguna Beach, CA--Two sisters from Laguna Beach are hitting the pool for Team USA’s Women’s Water Polo team this year. Mackenzie Fisher, a 6' 1" defender, who graduated Laguna Beach High School in 2015, and Aria Fisher, a 6' center who will be a LBHS senior in 2016/17 school season.

The city of Laguna Beach held a press conference today, acknowledging this achievement, with family, friends and coaches. The support of the community was evident with hundreds who showed up for the community night.

Aria and Mackenzie Fisher, together with their coaches and family, were honored in this event.

“I was speaking at a similar event almost 4 years ago, after 2012 games, when we gathered to celebrate one of our former players, Annika dries, winning gold medal,” Laguna Beach High School Water Polo coach Ethan Damato said. “When thinking about speaking today, I was reminded how cool it was that our little town with our little school, tiny water polo program has produced 3 Olympic athletes.”

Coach Damato expanded on the grit that it takes to prepare to become an Olympian.

“Over next 4 years, I coached both sisters in high school and club water polo,” he said. “I’m so proud of them, so happy to be a part of it.”

Under Damato’s coaching, the Laguna Beach High School Women’s Water Polo team won back to back CIF tournaments.

“Having players like (Aria and Mackenzie) raises the level of play,” he said. “It made me push myself to be the best I could for them, every day. We are one of the best water polo programs in the country because of them.”

According to their coach, the girls are unique but share common traits that set them apart from average. Driving to and from practices for both high school and national teams, the girls often had to study in the car with book lights, and still managed to maintain straight A averages in school.

“No matter how big the stage, they always come home,” he said. “They had the courage to chase their dream, and the drive to reach their goal. And the support system of their parents to get them there.”

National team coach Bradley Schumacher spoke on the girls’ behalf, recalling his own Olympic experience.

“For me, as a two-time Olympic medalist, I’m really excited for you to go on this journey,” Schumacher said. “Stop to shake people’s hand. Enjoy every single moment.”

The girls father, Eric Fisher, thanked the community for their support.

“Every time the girls put on their caps, they will be doing it for you, back home,” he said.

Mayor of Laguna Beach, Steve Dicterow encouraged the girls to drink it all in.

“No matter what else happens in your life, always remember this honor,” he said. “I have two hopes for you. That you can appreciate the magnitude of what is going on, and that you have fun and enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

Damato reflected on the desire that drives an athlete to excel, recalling a quote by Mia Hamm that he encouraged every young athlete to ponder.

“Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her.”

“I had two of the best players in the entire world coming back to Laguna Beach High School,” he said, with pride, adding with a laugh, "Aria, glad you're coming back for one more year."

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