ATHLETIC GOALIE NICHOLS GROWING IN HIS SKILLS.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - Kenny Nichols refuses to play favorites. But he'll play just about anything else.

Nichols can't decide which sport he likes best, so he plays as many he can fit into his schedule, standing out on Royal High's boys' water polo, volleyball and basketball teams. His competitive nature is particularly valuable this fall as he is needed to take on a leading role for a water polo team featuring its least experienced roster in years.

``He's going to be counted on a lot,'' Highlanders coach Steve Snyder said of the senior goalkeeper.

``And it's not just what he does for us in goal. With a team this young, this inexperienced, they'll be looking to him. ... He's got a great work ethic. He's a leader by example.''

Nichols is the lone senior starter and one of only two returning regulars from last season's team that finished in second place in the Marmonte League. That means he'll have plenty of directing to do and lacks the luxury of a defense used to playing at this level.

``I'd say it's really good to have someone back there that experienced,'' Royal junior Tyler Diamond said.

``He worked really hard in the offseason, going to camps and stuff. He's gotten better. We're confident in him.''

Handling challenging roles with the water polo team is not new to Nichols. The Highlanders are traditionally known for talented goalkeepers, but Nichols had the daunting task of following in the footsteps of one of the region's best ever. He was preceded by Southern Section career saves record holder Tom Onyshko, who now plays at Long Beach State.

``It was kind of intimidating having everyone looking at Royal expecting this great person,'' Nichols said. ``I just approached it as I'd just be myself and try to do my best and not worry about what other people thought. I knew I wasn't going to come in and be as good as (Onyshko) right away.''

Nichols spent almost every day of his freshman season practicing with Onyshko, calling the experience one of the most valuable of his career.

``I learned a lot,'' Nichols said. ``He taught me almost everything I know about goalkeeping. He's the one I try to be like as a goalie.''

In addition to the acquired tricks of the trade, Nichols is aided by his size, as his 6-foot-3 frame provides a lengthy arm span. The strong legs and leaping ability that make him a valuable middle blocker on the volleyball court made him a natural choice for goalkeeper when he joined his first team. His mindset also is ideal for someone who is the last line of defense.

``That's something I enjoy, that pressure feeling,'' Nichols said.

As well-suited as he seems for his role in the pool, Nichols, 17, didn't begin playing water polo until the eighth grade, long after he was competing in other sports.

He never considered specializing in one sport and said his coaches have never pressured him to commit more time to their sport. He practices with each of his three teams during the summer, then focuses on whatever sport is in season during the school year.

``I like them all,'' said Nichols, who hopes to play at least one of the sports in college and remains active as an avid outdoorsman when he is not participating in team sports. ``I don't know which one is my favorite. I'm lucky I haven't had to choose yet.''

Heather Gripp, [phone]

heather.gripp(at)dailynews.com

NICHOLS FILE

Name: Kenny Nichols

Team: Royal water polo

Position: Goalkeeper

Year: Senior

Quote: ``I see myself being a leader and having to guide the younger players. I like that leadership role. I like that responsibility.''

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NICHOLS FILE (see text)