Given the skills and conditioning it takes to play water polo, not everyone is cut out for it. But one local girl churning up success in the pool is Mission Bay High junior Jesse Grigolite.
Seeing time as an attacker and sprinter, Grigolite has been quite a find for water polo coach Lyndsay Sutterley.
“Jesse is an invaluable athlete to her team,” Sutterley said. “Her teammates can rely on her offensively and defensively. Teammates know they can count on her, in and out of the pool. Everyone on the team not only adores her, but respects her. She knows how to bring the team up and motivate those around her.”
Grigolite carries a 4.5 grade point average. She is also the vice president of the Climate Kids club and a member of the school’s Eco club.
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Grigolite for an email Q&A. BBP: How did you get interested in water polo? Grigolite: I originally went into my winter season of freshman year with the intention of playing soccer for Mission Bay. Once in the pool, I knew this wasn’t an opportunity that I could turn a blind eye to. However, the game, coaching staff, and my teammates were the determining factors that made me stick with this sport and come to love it so much. Mission Bay provides a welcoming environment to all beginners and pushes each player to become better. B&BP: What do you see as your biggest contributions? Grigolite: Personally, I see the whole team as one unit so it is hard to pick out individual contributions. However, if I had to pinpoint my personal strengths, I think they would consist of drawing positioning ejections, endurance in the water, providing consistent effort in all I do and being able to ask questions. In addition, I try to offer some guidance in the water as far as driving and defense for the less experienced players, but our coaches Lyndsay and John as well as our captains help a great deal with that also. B&BP: Outside of water polo, what do you enjoy? Grigolite: For the summer, I work as an intern for San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program and I have the intention to be an ocean lifeguard next year. I am also on the Mission Bay surf team. In addition, I am apart of Eco Club, which has done great work reducing Pacific Beach’s single-use-plastics and volunteers in various ways throughout our community. I also help to run Mission Bay’s Climate Kids club as the vice president; our mission is to educate children as well as the community about the crisis of climate change. B&BP: Any advice for any girls thinking about coming out for the team? Grigolite: If any young girls have interest in trying out for the program I would highly encourage them to. It is not only great exercise and a fun game, but it provides an opportunity to build friendships and meet new people on campus. It is the opportunity to become a part of something bigger than you. B&BP: Do you see yourself doing water polo in college? Grigolite: I would be ecstatic to go to the academic school of my choice and play club. This would be a great balance for me and allow me the opportunity to keep getting to do something that makes me very happy. Editor’s note: If you know of a MBH winter sports athlete who would make a good feature story, please email: [email protected]