LA MIRADA --- The third season in program history is fast approaching for the Biola men's water polo squad. The team showed incredible improvement in 2022 and looks to take another step forward with the help of its five newest student-athletes. 

The group is comprised of four true freshmen and a junior transfer. The mix of athletes come from central and southern california, making for a relatively short trip to La Mirada.

A pair of incoming freshmen in Roman Saroyan and Ryle Hibbard are both from Clovis, California but played at rival schools. Roman played at Clovis North and Ryle at Clovis High but the two still became good friends. The duo was named Co-MVPs of the TRAC and they ultimately played on the same club team "Royal 559" throughout the offseason.

Head coach Rick Nordell will enter his third season at the helm and has helped the team to its first appearance at the top of the WWPA Preseason Poll released last week. Nordell loves the potential of the incoming group inside and outside the pool.

"They bring with them a variety of skills, talent and potential to help our team continue its upward trajectory of competitiveness," said Nordell. "I am very excited to not only see the impact they will have on our team, but also what they will bring to Biola and the Christian community it is so well known for."

Eric Hizon 
Coach Nordell: "Eric comes to us from a premier water polo high school in the San Diego area, Cathedral Catholic High School. He is a quick and explosive player that will help our transitional speed both offensively and defensively. He has a good ball and team awareness. He seems to find his role and play it well for the betterment of the team."

Ryle Hibbard
Coach Nordell: "Ryle is another player that comes to us from Clovis, CA. He is a great blend of size and speed and knows how to use both of those to his advantage in the pool. His presence in the water is seen immediately as he can establish position for shots close to the cage, as well as being a shooting threat around the perimeter. He will no doubt be part of a deeper and more skilled player in the pool this year."

Gavin McKenzie 
Coach Nordell: "Gavin comes to us as a true center position player. He has the size, experience and drive to make an impact on our team… along with a great sense of humor! He has an effective presence in the water in the 2M position and has a proven track record as an outstanding and productive player at the collegiate level. Gavin will be redshirting this year, but will help our team reach its goals the next two years."
 
Ryan Previch
Coach Nordell: "Ryan is an extremely versatile player. He comes to us as a true team player who plays both ends of the pool equally well. He has a persistent and aggressive defense and is always looking to contribute where needed offensively. He is a selfless player who will do whatever it takes to make our team better."

Roman Saroyan
Coach Nordell: "Roman comes to us from Clovis, CA which is known for producing fantastic aquatic athletes. We have had our eye on Roman for a while and feel blessed to have him here at Biola. Roman is a well rounded player who will come in this year and help to contribute to our team's success. Roman is a scoring threat from any position in the pool. His quick and physical play will no doubt turn some heads this season."