Sept. 3, 2014
SAN DIEGO - Starting with the first week of classes back in late August, we began to look at every varsity women's water polo team in school history, which spans 20 seasons. This week we take a peek at the second group - the 1996 squad. The Aztecs qualified for the National Collegiate Championships where they ultimately finished in third place nationally. A season after going 24-8, the 1996 team posted a 27-8 record and a 4-2 mark in its first season in the MPSF under the direction of head coach Deena Schmidt.
Where are they now?
Teri Mullins was a four-year letterwinner with the Aztecs and was a member of the first team in school history (1995). She completed her eligibility in 1998, and left as a 1997 Honorable Mention All-American and three-time all-MPSF performer. Mullins earned the nickname "Trade" or "Trademark" because she had the prettiest T-Shot around.
Questions for Teri:
1. What are you up to these days? Where are you living and what career have you chosen?
"I currently live in Long Beach, California, right on the water and love it. I have been married for six years and have two amazing dogs (no kids!). I recently changed jobs and now work in Long Beach for SCS Engineers, a Waste Management/Environmental Engineering firm, as a Senior Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Data Analyst. I spend as much time as possible outside playing golf, cycling, swimming, playing water polo or traveling. Life is good and it just keeps getting better!"
2. Can you recall one of your favorite games, road trips or tournaments while playing at SDSU? What made it so memorable?
"It's hard to recall a favorite game or tournament because so many of them were memorable. After transferring from Slippery Rock to San Diego State in January 1995, I joined an amazing team that immediately became my extended family. Before each game we would get each other pumped up by listening to our favorite motivational songs on the van rides to the pool, we even let Dougie (assistant coach Doug Peabody) throw one in. It was awesome, especially when everyone would start singing along to artists such as Tupac Shakur and Sonique. Each teammate from the SDSU squad from 1995-1998 had an impact on my life in one way or another. I have amazing memories in the pool and outside of the pool. We accomplished so much as a team and really helped develop women's collegiate water polo. We had amazing wins and hard losses, but we always stuck together as a team and believed we could do anything."
3. Which team do you play water polo for and what other sports have you taken up since graduating from San Diego State? What is the most recent competition you have done and where?
"I absolutely still play polo. For some reason I take a break and then keep going back. I can't give it up. I play on the West Hollywood Aquatics team, which has been such a fun team to be a part of and while playing with them I have been able to travel all the way to Paris to compete in the IGLA competitions. Next year the West Hollywood team is hoping to take a team to Stockholm, Sweden, for another international competition. The WEHO team is mostly guys and me, and a lot of fun, almost like having a bunch of big brothers. I also play on the OC Riptide women's team. I compete each year with them at Masters Nationals. This year I played 30's with the OC Riptide team finishing 2nd and 40's with the OMBAC team finishing 3rd. Yes, that means I am getting old!
"In addition to water polo I have taken up cycling. This year I had set a goal to do a century ride (100 miles) before I turned 40. In February 2014, I completed the Palm Springs Century and now have signed up for another Century in April 2015. I love it!!"
Stay Connected with SDSU Water Polo
Make sure to stay updated with Aztec water polo by liking them on Facebook, and following them on Twitter and Instagram.
Former Aztecs can also stay connected with other former student-athletes through the Aztec Varsity Club. For more information on the newly formed athletics group, visit goaztecs.com/avc or contact Johanna Pfeiffer at (619) 594-6444 or aztecvarsityclub@mail.sdsu.edu.
A Look Back at 20 Years of SDSU Water Polo: 1995