FRESNO, Calif. - Three Bulldogs earned Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-America recognition on Thursday. Sophomore Hailey Andress became the program's second-ever second team All-American. Senior Abbey Simshauser and junior Brooke Ochoa earned honorable mention nods.
Three All-American selections in a single season are the most for the Bulldog water polo program. The 'Dogs have had multiple selections now in four seasons (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024).
Both Andress and Ochoa repeat as All-Americans, having earned honors in 2023 with Andress an honorable mention pick and Ochoa a third team selection that season. Although only in her first season with the Bulldogs, Simshauser picked up her second career ACWPC All-American nod as she earned honorable mention honors in 2023 at Wagner College.
In 2024, the trio were All-GCC selections and paced the team throughout the record-breaking season. Simshauser was a GCC All-Tournament selection, while Ochoa repeated as the GCC Tournament MVP. Andress was named to the NCAA All-Tournament second team.
All three individuals set single season program records in different categories throughout the course of the 2024 season.
Andress led the team with 74 goals for the program's new single season program record. The sophomore also added 28 assists, 11 drawn exclusions, and 47 steals. Behind her program record 74 goals was another program record 14 hat tricks on the year. Her 47 steals are second in a season in program history behind Simshauser's mark from 2024.
Ochoa was third in scoring with 50 goals this season, but led the team with 42 assists. She also added 37 drawn exclusions and 39 steals. As Ochoa saw a new-to-her role in the pool in 2024, she remained as impactful as ever, setting the single season program record for assists. Her 50 goals are the sixth-most in a season in program history, all done behind 10 hat tricks.
Simshauser was the team's leader with 109 points coming by 72 goals and 37 assists. She also added 46 drawn exclusions and 54 steals. Her 72 goals are the second-most in a season behind only Andress from this season. Simshauser set the program record with 54 steals on the year. She also tied the program's single game record with six goals scored against Long Beach State on Feb. 24.
The ACWPC All-America award is a prestigious honor that recognizes athletes nationally and throughout all collegiate divisions. This award is presented to water polo athletes who exhibit immense talent in the pool, provide leadership, and have helped build and advance the sport. Recipients are selected by ACWPC member coaches.