Mater Dei's Bonanni is 2011 boys water polo player of the year

Bret Bonanni was an unheralded freshman when he arrived at Mater Dei.

As an eighth-grader, he was cut at an Olympic Development Program tryout.

“I didn’t make the first cut,” he recalled. “(The coach) said my shot wasn’t good enough.”

As it turned out, Bonanni’s shot was more than good enough at Mater Dei. And with the Monarchs, he didn’t just make the cut, he set a standard for excellence.

The senior attacker led Mater Dei to an undefeated season in 2011, and for his efforts, Bonanni is The Register’s player of the year for the second consecutive fall.

Last season, he shared the honor with Foothill’s Paul Reynolds.

Bonanni becomes the first player to earn consecutive Register player of the year awards in at least 26 seasons.

2011 All-County boys water polo team

“There have been a lot of great players to come out of Orange County,” Mater Dei coach and 2004 Olympian Chris Segesman said in an e-mail. “Bonanni is arguably the most dynamic player to come out of Orange County.

“I don’t believe Orange County has ever seen someone with his offensive versatility in skills and shooting ability.”

Bonanni also was part of four consecutive CIF championship teams at Mater Dei. He finished his career with 435 goals.

On Monday, he became the first repeat CIF-SS Division 1 player of the year since legendary Long Beach Wilson attacker Tony Azevedo claimed three straight (1997-1999).

“(I) couldn’t ask for a better four years,” Bonanni said. “I’m very blessed.”

Bonanni scored 124 goals this past season to help Mater Dei (31-0) capture its second consecutive CIF Division 1 crown.

He did more than score. The Monarchs’ captain displayed improved defense, passing and offered strong leadership.

In an 8-5 victory against El Toro in the Division 1 final, he had more steals (three) than goals (two). For the season, Bonanni led Mater Dei in steals with 70.

“It just wanted to be the best person I could be and just lead my team,” Bonanni said.

Bonanni committed himself to improving over the years, but he also credits Segesman for helping him develop.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere without him,” said Bonanni, who has narrowed his college choices to UCLA and Stanford. “He took me under his wing right when I came in as a freshman.”

Bonanni quickly contributed. He supplied scoring-punch as a freshman off the bench, including three goals in a Division 2 semifinal against Riverside Poly.

“It was like my breakout game,” he said. “It gave me confidence.”

For four years, Bonanni and Mater Dei never missed a cut when it came to winning CIF titles.