Rolling Meadows' Zanocco secures polo future at Lindenwood

Betsy Zanocco, a senior at Rolling Meadows, will continue playing the sport she loves most - water polo - in college.

On Thursday, joined by family, friends and coaches, Zanocco formalized her commitment to join the program at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.

Lindenwood offers a mix of NCAA Division II and club sports; the Lions compete in the Collegiate Water Polo Association.

By any measure, Zanocco has thrived at the high school level.

Last year, playing mainly goalie, Zanocco helped lead Rolling Meadows to the best season in program history with a 22-9 record under coach Kelli Lussow.

This year, Zanocco has split time between goalie and playing the field - with impressive results in both areas. She's already made 65 saves and scored 22 goals this spring.

Zanocco has also excelled in coach Monika Chiappetta's swimming program in her four years with the Mustangs.

An all-conference water polo selection last season, Zanocco is giving Lussow reason to be thankful.

"I am in total awe of Betsy," Lussow said. "She is endlessly dedicated, positive and self-motivated. She is a leader in and out of the water and is the epitome of the next-level athlete. She is fearless in the goal and the field.

"Her signing is such a wonderful tribute to all of her hard work and dedication. She will thrive in a program that encompasses all the values that she has exhibited over the course her high school career. I could not be more proud of her or feel more fortunate to have been her coach for the last four years."