Jan. 19, 2009

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist head water polo coach Ashleigh Jacobs announced on Monday that Kristen Zepeda signed a national letter of intent to play water polo at Marist. Zepeda, a 5'9" driver from Trabuco Canyon, Calif., will join the Red Foxes for the 2010 season.

Zepeda both swims and plays water polo for both Mission Viejo High School as well as Trap Water Polo Club. She is currently in her third season of playing water polo. Named Best Defensive Player for her high school team in 2008, Zepeda led the South Coast League in steals with 77 and was among the top-10 in steals for all of Orange County, Calif. She was named a "Player to Watch" for the 2008-09 season and currently leads the county with 64 steals and is second on her team in scoring with 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists).

"Kristen is a great athlete, a very smart and driven defensive player with a lot of speed. She also has a great outside shot. She has been well coached and carries tremendous raw potential. Kristen will bring much to the table on both ends of the pool and become an impact player on defense early in her collegiate career", said Jacobs.

Zepeda is the President of the Republican Club at Mission Viejo High School and serves as Associate Student Body Pep Commissioner. Active in leadership positions at her school, she was awarded the "Spirit of Diablo" for character, maturity, and achievements.

Marist, the 2008 MAAC Water Polo League Champions, open the 2009 season on February 6 at San Diego State.