CORRECTION: A previous version of the story included incorrect punctuation.
The top scorers of the 2025 LBCC women’s water polo season were Mar Bernal and Irene Pueyo Caballero.
They didn’t just bring goals to the Vikings, they brought an entirely different style of play shaped by years of competing in Spain’s high level club system.
Bernal, from Madrid, and Pueyo, from Barcelona, both grew up in families where water polo was already part of the household.
Pueyo began playing at the age of 11, inspired by her father who was a water polo coach, and her brother, who now competes at Cal State Long Beach.
Bernal started even earlier, taking swimming lessons before transitioning into water polo at age 8.
Coming to the U.S. was a major shift for both girls, as Spain’s water polo culture is known for its intensity, countless club teams, faster style of play, and deep competition at every level.
“In community college, there are a lot of teams with a lower level than what we’re used to in Spain. Back home, the competition is stronger, and even the referees let the game be more physical. Here they stop the game for things that would be normal in Spain,” Pueyo said.
Bernal added that the contrast became even clearer when LBCC faced top programs throughout the season, especially during regional play.
“When we played bigger universities, we felt the difference right away. The speed, the pressure, everything reminded us of what we were used to back home,” Bernal said.
Despite the adjustment period, both players said competing in the U.S. has helped them grow mentally and technically, playing at regionals this year, they said, pushed them to another level.
“We looked at the states teams all season to see how they were playing, how they were winning. Last year we lost by a little, and this year we wanted to change that,” Pueyo said.
Both players credit LBCC’s coaching staff with helping refine their game.
“The coach here is very technical and knows what he’s doing. We learned a lot and trained really well,” Bernal said.
They explained that Spanish water polo focuses heavily on discipline and tactics, while American play challenges athletes with speed and endurance.
At regionals this season, they said the level of competition felt closer to what they experienced in Spain, where every match is fast paced and intense.
“We spent the season watching how the top state teams played and how they kept winning. Last year we lost by a little, so this year we came in wanting to change that,” Pueyo said.
Off the pool deck, both athletes have found success academically.
Bernal’s favorite class this semester is economics, while Pueyo said she struggled with learning English, only being in the U.S. for a couple of months.
“We want to be seen, improve, and play at the highest level we can. Being here has helped us do that,” Bernal said.
As the 2025 season closes, Bernal and Pueyo leave behind not only impressive stats but also an international impact on LBCC water polo, one defined by discipline, passion, and the unmistakable grit of Spanish competition.
