Another Belden dons Bruin blue

Natalie Venegas

The UCLA tradition runs in Katherine Belden’s blood, so it’s no

surprise the former Newport Harbor High water polo star chose to

follow the path of her mother, father and brother, and continue her

water polo career as a Bruin.

Belden, who is a junior at UCLA, began playing water polo as a

goalie in the fifth grade after persuasion from her mom. She

continued on at Newport Harbor, where she played on the varsity for

four years.

During her freshman year, the varsity team already had talent at

the goalie position, so Belden began playing in the field, which is

where she continues playing.

At Newport Harbor, she competed on the varsity swim team all four

years, but made her mark in water polo, where she joined an exclusive

group of three Newport-Mesa females to be named All-CIF Southern

Section four times in the same sport.

As a senior, she led her water polo team to a Sea View League

championship and the CIF Division I quarterfinals, in which the

Sailors fell to Foothill.

Belden was also Newport Harbor’s Female Athlete of the Year and a

two-time Sea View League Player of the Year.

Belden attributes a great deal of her success to the Newport

Harbor water polo program, which prepared her physically and mentally

for her collegiate future.

“It really prepared me by showing me discipline and time

management, especially Coach [Bill] Barnett,” Belden said. When her

high school career ended and the decision to choose a college came,

Belden was hesitant to follow the path her family had taken.

As soon as she saw the campus, however, her decision was made

clear.

“I loved the balance of academics and athletics, and it just

clicked,” she said. “When I saw the women’s team it stood out --

there was camaraderie and so much tradition.”

Since becoming a Bruin, Belden said the adjustment needed going

from a team leader to playing on a team that had six members on the

USA Olympic roster was difficult. But she manages.

She scored 12 goals and added nine steals and three assists as a

freshman in 2002-03, helping the Bruins win the NCAA title and go

23-4.

During her sophomore year, Belden started all 27 games. She posted

33 goals, 20 steals and 12 assists as the Bruins went 22-5. She was

recognized as a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Scholar-Athlete.

However, now that the Olympians have returned to UCLA, Belden once

again must adjust to a reserve role.

In 22 games this season, Belden, a 5-foot-9 driver, has produced

13 goals, 10 steals and nine assists for the top-ranked Bruins

(30-0), who will play for the NCAA title, beginning Friday in Ann

Arbor, Mich.

The Bruins’ roster also includes sophomore Brittney Bowlus, a

Corona del Mar High product.

“It’s amazing,” Belden said. “Every practice I’m in awe of all the

girls, and they’re so willing to help out. They’re so skilled and

have moves I try to imitate.”

UCLA Coach Adam Krikorian thinks highly of Belden.

“She has improved tremendously,” he said. “She has a natural

instinct a lot of players don’t have. She’s very talented,

competitive and a team favorite.”