All-District Water Polo: Wave of success for Oakdale's Stender

Shelby Stender

• SCHOOL: Oakdale High

• GRADE: Sophomore

• POSITION: Attacker/Utility

• IN THE POOL: Shelby emerged from her sister Savannah's shadow, establishing herself as one of the Sac-Joaquin Section's top young talents. The sophomore was named to the all-section Division 2 team after scoring 81 goals, including 11 in the postseason, and leading the Mustangs back to the D2 championship game.

"After we lost (in 2011), we got together the next Monday. For all the girls not graduating, they set a goal. They wanted to get back. They weren't happy we lost," Oakdale coach Diane Kline said. "They put in hours and hours over the summer and we had morning practices all season. They sacrificed a lot because they set a very lofty goal for themselves."

Ultimately, Oakdale lost to Rio Americano 7-3, but respect was paid in full that afternoon. Rio jarred Oakdale by giving its best all-around player all-the-time attention.

"It was frustrating in the middle of the game. Man, I was worked up," said Shelby, the Valley Oak League's MVP and the Bee's Girls Water Polo Player of the Year. "By the end, though, I was kind of happy that we did so well."

• OUT OF THE POOL: High school has helped loosen up this self-described neat freak.

"I used to be so organized. I kept everything in boxes with labels," she said. "Then high school started and now …" Her room is a mess, except on Sundays. The day of rest has now become Shelby's "Day of Mess." It's a chance for her to catch up on rest and homework, laundry and other chores. "It's nice because during the high school season, we usually have Sunday's off. That's my day to sleep in til 2, clean my room until late at night."

• LOOKING AHEAD: Oakdale graduates five starters, so it will be hardpressed to reach a third section final. Shelby and Emily Stolken are the only returning starters.

• QUOTABLE: "She hit all the right marks to step up and be a young leader. She's our offensive threat, our go-to person. We can count on her to keep us in a lead or give us a cushion." — Diane Kline, Oakdale coach.

— JAMES BURNS