Water polo player Bridget Miller and wrestler Jake Topartzer have been recognized by the Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) as “Athletes of Character.” The annual award honors top performing high school athletes. 

Receiving a varsity letter as a freshman, Miller played center all four years of high school. The senior is committed to play for UC Davis, and says her love for water polo comes from her family’s history with the game. 

“I’ve been playing water polo since I was 10, and it runs in the family. My brother plays water polo at USC,” said Miller.  

Miller’s teammates say that she is an asset to the program, in and out of the pool, as a dependable leader for fellow students.

“Bridget is very outgoing and she gives the best advice. She sees a solution to every bad case. She is such an asset to our team and a key player. I look up to her and idolize her so much,” said sophomore water polo player, Lily Padilla. 

The “Athletes of Character” award recognizes students that make positive contributions to their team, beyond just the sport itself.

“I think I try to focus on sportsmanship the most. I think sports are supposed to be a fun thing to do so you shouldnt be angry if you lose or someone makes a mistake, you just have to continue to focus on the game,” said Miller. 

On the wrestling mat, in 6th grade, Topartzer decided Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was his future. With eight years of training in Jiu Jitsu, and two years of wrestling experience, Topartzer was thrilled when he found out he could apply his skills to SJHHS’ new wrestling program.