A dual-sport athlete who fuels her talent through softball and water polo at Valley.
By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor
As Kristjana Lewis stands tall on the pitcher’s mound, her eyes are fixed on the batter as she winds up for the game’s first pitch. The hours tick by, and she is immersed in the pool, guarding Valley’s net to secure a game-ending victory. For Lewis, it is all in a day’s work.
At Valley College, the 19 year old excels as a dual-sportathlete, demonstrating softball and water polo prowess. Taking after her mother, a former softball player, she aspires to play softball at a high level and become a mentor for aspiring athletes.
“I’ve always wanted to help young athletes,” said Lewis. “Become a coach, and maybe return to the park where I started sports.”
Hailing from Tarzana, Lewis developed a passion for sports at a young age, immersing herself in baseball, swimming, and soccer. Her softball journey began in fifth grade when she joined her local team. With her mother’s guidance, she delved into the art of pitching and later sought professional lessons to sharpen her skills.
During her time at Taft High School, the right-handed pitcher ranked in the top 20 in the Los Angeles City Section, top 7 in Division II, and top 4 in West Valley for her performance of striking out 66 batters in her senior year. Following her high school career, she began at Pierce College, where she played for one season before transferring to Valley. Notably, this year marks her debut in the sport of water polo.
“I chose water polo out of wanting to try something new,” said the goalie. “It was fun when I learned to swim, and starting water polo helped me build bonds in different communities.”
Lewis received goalie training from Clarissa Robles, a former dual-athlete at Valley. Lewis shared the mental challenges of the sport, explaining that she finds it difficult to anticipate players’ moves when blocking shots.
Softball is Lewis’s forte, a sport she has played for around 13 years. As she gears up for a game, she observes the differences between the two sports but attributes her enhanced endurance to her involvement in water polo. This newfound stamina has transformed her performance, enabling her to endure the entirety of the game, in stark contrast to her previous struggle to make it through the middle innings.
“Pitching is easier than being a goalie,” said the sophomore. “You have somebody behind you that can get your flaws, mistakes, and get the runner out.”
Women’s water polo head coach Pete Loporchio is most impressed with the goalie’s outstanding athleticism and open-mindedness to learn a new sport. He emphasized her exceptional hand-eye coordination and her ability to quickly grasp the intricacies of the game, which are proving to be pivotal in her success in her first year playing.
The pitcher is passionate about her softball future and committed to honing her skills. She envisions herself positively impacting younger athletes as she matures, whether through coaching or other forms of mentorship. At this moment, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to commit to a school, and she looks forward to the possibility of entering the transfer portal when the time is right.
“I’m hoping I can find a school that suits me,” said Lewis. “I want Cal State Northridge.”