BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The 2022 season was a memorable one for the LIU women's water polo team, and for junior attacker Elena Camarena.

The Sharks finished their campaign with a No. 20 ranking in the final CWPA poll, after hovering around that ranking the entire season.

Camarena was named MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year along with being named first-team all-conference.

She also was named an ACWPC honorable mention All-American, becoming the first player in LIU women's water polo history to earn the recognition.

"Elena plays with a very high water polo IQ," head coach Gabby Juarez said. "She led the team in steals and is a very defensive-minded player."

Camarena appeared in 27 games for LIU last season. She scored 59 goals on 114 shots and dished out 13 assists.

The MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year also had 42 steals and three field blocks.

"Her well-rounded game, attitude and her desire to win are the biggest reasons she is one of the best players on the East Coast," Juarez said. "I'm very happy the ACWPC was able to recognize that and allow her and LIU to receive this tremendous honor."