Senior Alicia Brightwell delivered an outstanding performance at the UC Santa Barbara Winter Invite last weekend that earned her the recognition of Kap 7 MPSF Player of the Week, announced the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
“I felt pretty honored,” the Australian native said.
Brightwell transferred to ASU this semester and has already made quite an impact on the water polo program.
Brightwell netted 16 goals in just five games, setting the tone for the Sun Devils’ winning streak in Santa Barbara, Calif.
However, her story started before her time in Tempe.
The 2000 Olympics sparked Brightwell’s interest in water polo. She was previously a swimmer who wanted to find a way to channel her skills into something new.
From there, she joined high school and club teams as well as state teams in Australia, which led her to compete with the University of Sydney and the Australian Senior National Team. Brightwell described her time with the national team as the best water polo experience she’s had.
“I learned a lot from the coaching and teammates,” she said.
Although she enjoyed her stay in Australia, Brightwell had her eye on ASU.
“I heard of the coaching, and Annabelle (Carter) had good things to say about the program,” Brightwell said.
She described the training at ASU more difficult and intense, but felt the change was well worth it.
“She’s a very explosive player,” coach Todd Clapper said. “She’s got a great quick shot and her sense of the game is good. Teams didn’t know what to expect at first, so they’re going to have to watch her a lot. She does well in pressure situations.”
Senior Annabelle Carter is a teammate and longtime friend of Brightwell.
“I knew Alicia back home since we were about ten,” Carter said. “I knew she would fit in really well here. It’s kind of weird, actually, because she’s only been here a month and it feels like she’s been here for years.”
Brightwell is also quite the entertainer outside of the pool, whether she’s joking around with teammates, rocking out to “Semi-Charmed Life” before a game, or quoting lines from her favorite movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“She’s hilarious, probably the most sarcastic person I’ve ever met,” Carter said.
Clapper agreed.
“She has a good sense of humor outside the pool, but works when she’s in the pool,” he said. “She’s made a big difference.”
Clapper first noticed her work ethic, her quick release on her shot and her abilities to drive and set up a defender.
Brightwell hustles up and down the pool every time and remains engaged in the game and her teammates.
“In the pool, she’s a bit of a star,” Carter said. “She’s a smart player and knows exactly what she’s doing.”
Her performance has certainly made an impression on the program early on, and there is no doubt Brightwell will continue to be a valuable player this season.
Reach the reporter at fawade@asu.edu
Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
