FRESNO, Calif. - Former Fresno State water polo goalkeeper and graduate assistant coach Paula Nieto Jasny has signed her first professional contract, beginning the next stage of her water polo career with CN Terrassa in Spain. Nieto Jasny played for the Bulldogs from 2020-24, and spent an additional year as a graduate assistant.
"I am not trying to do it as a hobby. I am trying to go as far as I can," said Nieto Jasny on starting her professional career. "So, if I really want to do it, I have to do it now."
Nieto Jasny spent the 2025 season as a graduate assistant with the Bulldogs, working with the goalkeepers. She played her final season of collegiate eligibility in 2024, graduating as Fresno State's most decorated goalkeeper, earning program records in career saves (862) and single season saves (216).
She was a two-time first team All-Golden Coast Conference selection in 2023 and 2024, leading the Bulldogs to four consecutive GCC titles and NCAA appearances.
"Fresno is home for me, so it's kind of like I am ready but I am not ready at the same time," added Jasny. "I think it was good for me to take a break this year to see where I am at right now with life, and at the end of the day, we are young athletes and you are only an athlete once. You have to pursue it as much as you can."
Born into the sport at the Marbella Water Polo Club, Nieto Jasny soon stood out for her qualities under the sticks, which led her to join CN Sant Andreu. With the Barcelona team she made her debut in the Women's Division of Honor and competed in the Queen's Cup, becoming one of its most outstanding figures at just 17 years old.
With the Spanish youth team, Nieto Jasny achieved one of the most notable successes of her career so far: the gold medal at the World Youth Water Polo Championship in 2018.
"My dream before coming to Fresno was always being an Olympian. My maximum goal is being in Los Angeles in 2028. I want to be one of the 'Dogs being a part of the Olympic games."
The standout Bulldog came to Fresno to pursue a collegiate water polo career under head coach Natalie Benson, with hopes of taking the young program to new heights. The Spain native was a transformational part of the Bulldogs' success over the years, bringing national attention to the sport and to the Valley.
"I feel like I became more of a leader," said Nieto Jasny when reflecting back on her Bulldog career. "I feel like throughout my years here in Fresno, I was a little shy at first when trying to see how everything works because it is completely different to Europe. The transition from there to here was really hard for me, and I think that helped me to be the person that I am right now and be more like a leader inside and outside of the water. I think after my years here, I feel I can overcome everything and fight for the dream that I want to achieve."
Nieto Jasny will head overseas in late August to begin her professional career and boast a CN Terrassa unit that is already among the leading clubs in the Women's Division of Honor and European competitions. She will join the club with the desire to continue growing and consolidate herself among the best goalkeepers in the league, just as she did when she arrived at Fresno State.
"I feel like I could come back to the states and come back to Fresno whenever I can after that. I am going back to 'home', but still looking to be back in the states after my professional water polo career."