As the women’s water polo team looks for its third straight national title and the school’s 100th this weekend, it’s understandable that the Bruins aren’t focusing on the unprecedented accomplishments of their leader and top scorer, Kelly Rulon. They’ve got plenty on their minds.
But that doesn’t mean that Rulon’s achievements aren’t remarkable and historic.
The redshirt senior could set the all-time UCLA scoring record Friday at the NCAA Championships, as she is just two goals short.
But it’s evident that Rulon is barely aware of the records she sets, and is intent on winning an unprecedented fourth title in five years at UCLA.
“I actually had no idea when I scored my 200th goal,” Rulon said earlier this year. “But it was exciting.”
Coach Adam Krikorian feels the same way.
“To be honest, I could care less right now (about the record), and I don’t think that she really cares,” Krikorian said.
“If she had a choice between winning the championship and setting the record I’m sure she would take the championship seven days a week.”
Making the story all the more remarkable is the fact that the school record ““ 235 goals ““ is held by current Bruin assistant coach Coralie Simmons.
“Coralie and Kelly are two of my favorite players I have ever coached.” Krikorian said.
“They are both two of the best players that have ever played in the world.”
Rulon has scored 66 goals in 27 games this season to bring her career total to 233.
She will be a significant weapon for the Bruins’ offensive attack this weekend. And she enters the tournament as the MPSF player of the year and the MVP of the conference tournament.
Over the year, Rulon and Simmons have formed a bond, and it’s obvious that each has provided valuable leadership for the team.
“To have them both here on the pool deck ““ Coralie as a coach and Kelly as a player ““ has been really special for me,” Krikorian said.
“They have a lot of respect for one another.”
Krikorian sees Rulon as an important vocal leader for his team, and he believes that she is one of many current Bruins that could find a future in coaching.
“She could easily wind up in coaching,” Krikorian said.
“She has that kind of leadership and is so knowledgeable about the game. If that’s what she wanted to do, she could do it.”
UCLA begins the NCAA tournament Friday against Pomona-Pitzer, an NCAA Division III school.
Rulon will try to repeat the four-goal performance she posted against top-seeded Stanford in the MPSF championship as she tries to lead the team to yet another national title.