The Palm Desert girls' water polo team dominated the Desert Empire League (DEL) this season, clinching the top spot and the championship title. As a result, several members of the Aztecs have been recognized on the all-DEL team, with Jolie Faraci and Nadia Frutkin named offensive co-MVPs and Hayden Trent earning the defensive MVP honor. Palm Desert secured an impressive representation on the all-league first team, showcasing their prowess throughout the season.

By the Numbers
  • Two offensive co-MVPs: Jolie Faraci and Nadia Frutkin, both from Palm Desert.
  • Hayden Trent awarded as defensive MVP, also from Palm Desert.
  • Six additional players from Palm Desert made the all-league first team, totaling eight players recognized.
Yes, But

While Palm Desert's dominance is evident, other teams like Palm Springs and Indio also had players recognized, indicating a competitive landscape within the league. This suggests that while one team may be at the top, emerging talents from other teams could shift the balance in future seasons.

State of Play
  • Palm Desert finished the season with a perfect league record and a championship win.
  • The all-DEL team voting involved coaches from the league, highlighting a collective recognition of talent across teams.
What's Next

As the season concludes, the focus will shift to next year, where rival teams will aim to close the gap and challenge Palm Desert's standing. With several talented players from various schools recognized, anticipation builds for a more competitive season in 2027.

Bottom Line

Palm Desert's sweep of the major awards reflects their exceptional performance this season; however, the emergence of talent from other schools suggests future competitiveness in the league. Maintaining the momentum will be key for Palm Desert as they look to defend their title next year.