Devynn Stein (2nd from the right) became the first Charter Oak High School water polo player to sign with a Division I school, Charter Oak officials said.
Last Wednesday was full of fanfare and celebration for Charter Oak high school as five students signed National Letters of Intent to their universities of choice.
The scholarship signing Nov. 12 included baseball player Nick Hernandez (Cal Poly Pomona), gymnast Aubree Rosa (University of Kentucky), sotfball players Christine Pinela (Azusa Pacific University) and Kalie Chavez (Biola University).
But Charter Oak High School athlete Devynn Stein holds the special distinction of being the first water polo player in school history to sign to a Division I school.
Devynn will be playing at California State University, Bakersfield. The International Baccalaureate student has been involved in water polo since the 8th grade, having started with the Foothill Water Polo Club.
During her time at Charter Oak, Devynn has played under many coaches, each influencing her in different ways. Coupled with the rigors of being an IB student and athlete, Devynn became a role model for her fellow swimmers, said Devynn’s high school coach Doug Lindsey.
“I was very nervous,” Devynn said of signing day. “I didn’t expect to be but I realized that I was the first COHS water polo player to sign D1. That to me is a big weight on my shoulders because I know that the polo players look up to me,” Devynn said in an email interview.
Once the jitters disappeared, Devynn was excited as she looks forward to attending CSU Bakersfield.
“It’s comforting to know that all my hard work has payed off,” Devynn said and credits her father Mitch Stein for introducing her to water polo and for his unwavering support.
“When you work hard and do the right thing … the rewards will happen,” Mitch said. “Devynn has been through a lot at Charter Oak and most kids would not do well being in the spotlight, but Devynn shined. Her step father (Hugo) and I are very proud of the way she has handled herself and this is just another example of her being an exceptional person.”
Although excited, Devynn remains humbled by her accomplishments and accolades from Charter Oak High School Athletic Director Dominic Farrar and coach Lindsey and knows her future looks bright.
“To hear both of these men that I look up to say that, I felt very humble and I wish to make them proud,” Devynn said.
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Photo courtesy of Charter Oak High School
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