This year, there were a pair of impressive newcomers in the Long Beach high school ranks, both of whom will be making headlines for years to come.
Camille Lindsay, Cross Country, Long Beach Poly
It’s difficult to make history at Long Beach Poly, but that’s what freshman Camille Lindsay did this year for the Jackrabbits’ girls’ cross country team. Lindsay won the Moore League individual championship, the first time a frosh girl had done so since 2006. She won the other two league meets as well, earning three Athlete of the Week awards in the Fall. Lindsay won every league meet by at least 30 seconds, and was 56 seconds faster than the second-place finisher at the league finals, completing the three-mile Heartwell course in 17:43. Lindsay’s plans to dominate the distance races in the Spring on the track didn’t materialize because of the COVID-19 shutdowns, but she’s got three more years to make some major history in Long Beach.
Maya O’Dea, Water Polo, Wilson
Maya has a bright future ahead of her at Wilson High playing for her dad, head coach Barry O’Dea. The freshman had an immediate impact with the Bruins in her debut season, and will be leading a talented young core of Bruins over the next three years. O’Dea has received plenty of attention from USA Water Polo and is already in the Olympic pipeline. Last spring, she was one of 29 players from across the country named to the 2019 Women’s Development National Team.
