UC Davis women's water polo team received significant recognition with five players earning Big West awards. Redshirt senior Gianna Nocetti and junior Chelsea Johnson secured spots on the All-Big West Second Team. Redshirt sophomore Eva Stein and junior Ashley Wallin were honored with honorable mentions, while freshman HanaLora Abel was named to the All-Freshman Team. This marks a career milestone for Johnson and Nocetti, as both have received conference honors for multiple consecutive years, with Nocetti achieving awards every year of her career. Their standout performances, including record-setting stats, helped the Aggies excel in the 2026 season.

By the Numbers
  • Chelsea Johnson scored a career-high 50 goals on 121 shots, surpassing her previous best of 26 goals.
  • Gianna Nocetti tallied 47 goals and 41 assists, surpassing 100 career goals and 200 total points.
  • Eva Stein recorded 223 saves, nearly double her previous high of 128 saves.
  • Ashley Wallin set a new school record with 62 assists, exceeding her personal best of 27.
  • HanaLora Abel made a notable debut with 11 goals, 6 assists, and 17 steals.
State of Play
  • Gianna Nocetti and Chelsea Johnson lead the team with a history of consistent performance, earning multiple honors over the years.
  • The Aggies showcased a strong showing in the 2026 season, elevating their competitive edge through individual successes.
  • UC Davis is preparing for a transition to the Mountain West Conference next season, which may influence future player recruitment and performance.
What's Next

As UC Davis transitions to new conference competition, they will look to build on this year's awards and player development. The growth of younger talent like HanaLora Abel suggests sustained success could be on the horizon. Ongoing recruitment efforts will likely focus on bolstering the squad further as they adapt to new challenges in the Mountain West Conference.

Bottom Line

The accomplishments of these Aggie athletes highlight the program's potential as they prepare for future challenges. Sustaining this momentum will be essential as they aim to maintain their competitive edge and secure more honors in forthcoming seasons.