A dominant performance has cemented Birmingham High School's position as a leading force in L.A. City Section girls' water polo. The team secured its second consecutive championship, marking the third title in four years. This latest victory, an 18-9 defeat of Granada Hills on Wednesday night at Valley College, underscores a growing legacy in the sport.
The team's success is built on consistent effort and dedicated practice. Reports indicate the team practices extensively, with players emphasizing shared commitment and rigorous training. This focus on skill development and teamwork appears to be a key element in their sustained performance, allowing them to consistently contend for and win championships.
Season Highlights and Championship Run
Birmingham's path to the championship was marked by strong performances throughout the season. The victory over Granada Hills in the West Valley League rivalry game capped a season where Birmingham established itself as the premier team in the City Section.
Read More: Alysa Liu Wins First US Olympic Figure Skating Gold in Milan on February 19 2026
Championship Match: Birmingham defeated Granada Hills 18-9.
Key Players: Sophomore Joliette St. Hubert was a standout, scoring eight goals. Freshman goalie Eli St. Hubert, Joliette's sister, made 10 saves. Alejandra Barragan contributed six goals.
Historical Context: This win marks Birmingham's sixth L.A. City Section title, with the last two being in the Open Division. This follows a pattern of success, with Palisades holding three titles and Cleveland two.
Supporting Performances and Broader Context
While Birmingham celebrates its championship, other teams also saw significant achievements. Granada Hills secured its first-ever City Section girls' water polo championship in Division 1, defeating Cleveland 13-7. This highlights a competitive landscape within the city's water polo scene.
In a previous season (2019), BCCHS reached the City Section Championship but ultimately lost to Palisades 13-8. Reports from that game suggested that referee calls contributed to frustration among the BCCHS team.

Team Development and Player Contributions
The commitment to player development is evident in the detailed practice regimens. For instance, the BCCHS girls' water polo team practiced five days a week, with sessions lasting at least two hours during the school week and longer on Saturdays. This intensive approach, described as "everyone works the same and no one is given slack," focused on improving teamwork and technical skills.
Read More: Los Angeles County Confirms Fourth Measles Case in 2026 From Traveler Exposure
A Look at Past Performance
Birmingham's current success follows a trend of strong showings in the L.A. City Section championships:
2025 Open Division: Birmingham defeated reigning champion Palisades. Jocelyn Cruz, a senior, scored six goals in this match. Birmingham had previously lost to Palisades in the 2024 Open Division final.
2019 City Section Championship: BCCHS reached the final but lost to Palisades.
Expert Analysis and Outlook
The consistent success of Birmingham suggests a well-structured program. The mention of a "new dynasty" in City Section girls water polo indicates that Birmingham is viewed as a team likely to remain competitive for the foreseeable future. The contributions of key players like Joliette St. Hubert, who is a sophomore, further support this outlook.
Conclusion
Birmingham High School's recent victory in the L.A. City Section girls' water polo championship reinforces their status as a top-tier program. The team's dedication to rigorous training, strategic play, and the contributions of key athletes have led to a sustained period of success, including multiple titles. While other teams like Granada Hills are also achieving significant milestones, Birmingham's current trajectory points towards continued dominance in the coming years.
Read More: Formula 1 Drivers Worry About 2026 Car Rules, CEO Asks for Calm
Sources:
BCCHS Girls’ Water Polo City Champions! (bcchspatriotpost.com) - Provides details on BCCHS's championship win and practice routines.🔗 https://bcchspatriotpost.com/5571/sports/bcchs-girls-water-polo-city-champions/
Joliette St. Hubert helps Birmingham win another girls' water polo title (latimes.com) - Reports on Birmingham's latest championship victory, highlighting key players and the score.🔗 https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2026-02-18/birmingham-girls-water-polo
Birmingham wins fifth L.A. City Section girls water polo title, first in Open Division by defeating reigning champion Palisades; Granada Hills grabs first Division 1 crown (sportstarsmag.com) - Details Birmingham's Open Division win, Granada Hills' Division 1 title, and past results.🔗 https://sportstarsmag.com/2025/02/2025/birmingham-wins-fifth-l-a-city-section-girls-water-polo-title-first-in-open-division-by-defeating-reigning-champion-palisades-granada-hills-grabs-first-division-1-crown/
Girls water polo takes loss in City Section Championship (thepearlpost.com) - Describes a previous City Section Championship final where BCCHS lost to Palisades, mentioning officiating concerns.🔗 https://www.thepearlpost.com/21648/showcase/girls-water-polo-takes-loss-in-city-section-championship/
Note: Article 4 (Water Polo News and Blogs), Article 5 (City of Birmingham Waterpolo), Article 7 (GIRLS WATER POLO MID-SEASON REPORT), and Article 8 (Girls Water Polo High School News, Scores, Videos, Rankings) did not provide specific details relevant to the L.A. City Section championships or Birmingham High School's recent title wins and were therefore excluded from direct citation in the main body.