Jillian Kraus

Jillian Kraus (born December 18, 1986 in Newport Beach, CA) is a water polo player who helped the UCLA women's water polo team to four consecutive NCAA Championships, including the latest title in May 2008. She, a native of Tustin, CA, has earned All-MPSF Academic Team recognition [ [http://uclabruins.cstv.com/sports/w-wpolo/spec-rel/061108aaa.html UCLA's Kamaile Crowell, Jillian Kraus Earn All-MPSF Academic Honors] ] . After four years of college, Kraus graduated with a degree in political science.

During the 2008 season, this defender scored 57 goals on 141 attempts, with 41 steals and 10 assists. The 178 goals in her four seasons placed her as the fourth-highest career goals total in program history, according to the university. Kraus has been named to the All-MPSF Academic Team for three straight years and was selected as the MPSF Co-player of the Year this season with teammate Courtney Mathewson. She was on the All-American First team.

She was a finalist for the 2008 Peter J. Cutino Award, which is presented annually to the outstanding female and male collegiate water polo players in the United States. [ [http://www.ncaa.com/waterpolo-womens/article.aspx?id=228604 Cutino Award Finalists] ]

Kraus and UCLA's national champion teams of 2007-2008 visited the White House Tuesday, June 24, 2008. She received a kiss on the cheek from President George Bush.

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