Jaclyn Myers, junior kinesiology major, attempts to make a pass to her teammate while Meghan Rowland, alumna and former goalie for the Lancers, makes an effort to knock down the pass.
Two California Baptist University alumnae from the women’s water polo team are continuing to play professionally in Germany.
Meghan Rowland and Courtney Menard signed a contract to play water polo professionally for Waspo 98 Hannover, a professional team in Hannover, Germany, as part of the Wasserball- Bundesliga in Germany.
Rowland, who plays goalkeeper, said playing professionally has been a goal for her since she was young.
“It’s been a goal of mine since high school to travel the world and play the sport I love,” Rowland said.
Rowland also said it is a new and eye-opening experience to be able to play overseas.
“It’s so different being in a place where everyone speaks another language but I have enjoyed learning more about the German culture,” Rowland said. “It’s also nice being in a place like Europe where I can easily visit other countries, such as Italy or the Netherlands, if I wanted to.”
Rowland also said she hopes to meet expectations she made for herself before she traveled to Germany.
“I don’t want to let my team down and I also want to help the team win the league championship,” Rowland said. “However, the most important thing is that I have fun and enjoy the experience of being on a new team in a different country.”
Rowland also further commented that water polo in Europe is not too different than water polo in the United States.
Jonathan Miller, head coach of women’s water polo, said he is excited for Rowland and Menard to play professionally.
“It’s exciting for us as a program and also exciting for them as individuals to be able to compete at the highest level in the world,” Miller said. “Being able to represent CBU, take these experiences overseas, and have the opportunity to play professionally after college is something not everybody can do.”
Miller also said it is good for the current players to look for athletic opportunities after competing in college.
“We do not have professional leagues in the U.S. so it seems like professional leagues are not accessible to athletes,” Miller said. “Seeing the opportunities are always nice because we are able to see that professional athletes went to CBU and are able to make it past college.”
Miller also mentioned that he feels this current team is in a good spot right now competitively.
“We have a mix of young talent and veteran women coming back,” Miller said. “We’re just figuring out how to put the team together.”
Miller will continue to train the current Lancers while Menard and Rowland are overseas. Women’s water polo’s schedule has not been revealed yet as they start play in spring.
