Thursday, February 20, 1997
W. WATER POLO:
Nicolle Payne’s work ethic, talent are team’s foundationBy Tim
Yun
Daily Bruin Contributor
"Speak softly and carry a big stick."
There is no phrase more fitting for UCLA goalie Nicolle
Payne.
The junior is a two-time member of the U.S. National Team, led
UCLA to the national championship a year ago and was voted the 1996
National Player of the Year.
But, in this era of superstars who constantly remind the public
of their greatness, Payne is a breath of fresh air.
At first glance, one would never know that Payne is widely
considered to be the premier goalie in women’s water polo. She is a
mild-mannered and modest individual who is quick to divert
attention away from accolades.
"She is a very quiet individual, but she is a big time player,"
head coach Guy Baker said. "She is the foundation on which we build
our team. Her character and tremendous work ethic is evident in the
pool day in and day out."
That work ethic is what has developed Payne into the player that
she is today.
She started early, competing in junior high and high school, but
the turning point of her career came in her freshman year at
UCLA.
Playing on a team that was not great defensively, to say the
least, Payne had to battle through some tough games. In the end,
she led the team to a respectable finish.
"During her freshman season, we went 11-10 and she took all
kinds of tough shots," Baker said. "During a game she would
(defend) six or seven shots, the kind of which a goalie should see
only once or twice a game. I think that her resiliency is what has
made her a great player."
Her play with the national team provided her with the additional
training and experience that made her into one of the most
dominating players in the nation.
Leaning on that experience, Payne returned for her sophomore
season as a smarter, better player.
With the help of Payne’s 3.07 goals against average, the Bruins
plowed through the season, which culminated in a 29-1 finish and
the national championship. In addition, Payne was voted the
national player of the year.
However, as her personality dictates, she is quick to point out
that one player does not win games. She continually stresses the
importance of teamwork.
"It is a really close team; everyone kind of works together and
helps each other out," she said.
Regardless, Payne is expected to be the key in UCLA’s effort to
defend its national title this season.
"She is the glue that holds the team together," Baker said. "She
has tremendous strength of character out there in the pool."
But Payne is not worried about the pressure on her or on the
team. She just wants to enjoy it while she can.
"I play, not because I am out to win the national championship,"
she said. "But I play because I love the game and because I want to
win and strive to be the best.
"It’s a new season, and we have new challenges ahead of us. I
play not because we have to defend anything, but because I want to
win again."
If the Bruins do fall short of the national championship this
year or next, Payne won’t have any regrets about her year-round
training schedule and the lost time spent in the pool.
"It’s hard physically, but I think that it is cool to go places
and spend time with a bunch of your best friends," she said.
"Although we may be competitive at times, I think that all of
the people in the pool are just having a good time."
Payne hopes that the good times won’t end with her graduation
two years from now.
She hopes to pursue a career in water polo beyond college. In
addition to her regular practice schedule, she is training for the
1998 national team, where she aspires to make a name for herself on
the international level.
"She is working hard for the next level of water polo," Baker
said. "She is training to become one of the best in the world."
But right now, she’s focused on the current season. With
Saturday’s noon contest against UC Santa Barbara at the men’s gym
pool, Payne is anxious for the home portion of the schedule to
begin for the Bruins (4-1).
"During the season, I really don’t think about the national
team," Payne said. "When we’re in season, UCLA takes priority."
JUSTIN WARREN/Daily Bruin
Junior Nicolle Payne is a two-time member of the U.S. National
Team and 1996 National Player of the Year.