2013 FINA World Championships
MEDIA REQUESTS: Media requests and information regarding the 2013 USA World Championship Team in Barcelona should be directed to Jennifer LOWERY for diving; Karen LINHART and John MARTIN for swimming and open water swimming; Dax LOWERY for synchronized swimming; and Greg MESCALL for water polo UNITED STATES AQUATIC SPORTS MEDIA OFFICER www.usaquaticsports.org Gregory EGGERT 69 Old Clinton Road Flemington, New Jersey 08822-5706 625 856 658 Local Cell Phone in Barcelona (908) 432-0005 USA Cell Phone For Viber ONLY
[email protected] NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY MEDIA OFFICERS USA Diving Media Officer in Barcelona: Jennifer LOWERY, Senior Public Relations Director 132 E. Washington Street, Suite 850 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (317) 237-5256 office (317) 361-6745 cell (317) 237-5257 fax
[email protected] www.usadiving.org * Will be in Barcelona July 15-29 USA Swimming in Barcelona: Karen LINHART, Public Relations and Social Media Director 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909 (719) 866-3588 office (719) 440-2424 cell LMJOIBSU!VTBTXJNNJOHPSHŢXXXVTBTXJNNJOHPSH * Will be in Barcelona July 19-August 5
USA Swimming in Barcelona: John MARTIN, Sports Communications Manager 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909 (719) 866-3603 office (719) 362-6422 cell KNBSUJO!VTBTXJNNJOHPSHŢXXXVTBTXJNNJOHPSH * Will be in Barcelona July 24-August 5 US Synchronized Swimming Media Officer (will not be in Barcelona): Dax LOWERY, Press Officer 132 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (317) 287-9403 cell (317) 237-5705 fax NFEJB!VTBTZODISPPSHŢXXXVTBTZODISPPSH USA Water Polo Media Officer in Barcelona: Greg MESCALL, Media Relations 2124 Main Street, Suite 240 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 ( 714) 500-5455 office (732) 895-1833 Cell HNFTDBMM!VTBXBUFSQPMPPSHŢXXXVTBXBUFSQPMPPSH * Will be in Barcelona July 18- August 4 PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images is the “Official Photo Partner” for USA Swimming, at the 2013 FINA World Championships. Getty Images coverage of this event will include all aquatic disciplines with live feeds to editorial clients worldwide throughout the World Championships. To view Getty Images coverage visit: www.gettyimages.com/editorial For information about Getty Images archives or wire services, contact Janey Marks at (323) 202-4162 or via email at:
[email protected]
USA WATER POLO
2013 USA WATER POLO FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE
2012 Olympic Gold Medalists
USAWP
USA WATER POLO
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About Water Polo BY DEFINITION No other team sport combines as many diverse physical and tactical elements as water polo—often described as a combination of swimming, soccer, basketball, hockey, rugby and wrestling. The game is fast paced and vigorous, requiring its players to be strong, quick and extremely accurate. WATER POLO HISTORY During the mid 1800’s, as swimming became a popular recreation in England, several water sports emerged bridging the gap between land and water sports. Among them were water football, water rugby, water handball, and water polo. As the game developed and European rules were adopted, the sport quickly spread to several countries by 1900 including First published illustration of an American water polo game by T. de Thelstrup, Harper’s Weekly Magazine, February 28, 1891 Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, and Belgium. Water polo had its official start in the USA in 1888. By 1900, water polo had become so popular that it earned the distinction of becoming the first team sport added to the Olympic program. THE GAME A team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The goal of the game resembles that of soccer—to score as many goals as possible, by throwing the ball into the team's goal net while preventing the opposition from doing so at the other end of the pool. TIME CLOCKS As in basketball, two clocks are used to time a water polo game. One indicates the time remaining in the quarter, and the other, called the possession (shot) clock, indicates how much time remains for the offensive team to shoot the ball. STARTING Each quarter is started with the teams lined up on opposite goal lines. On a signal (whistle) from the referee, the teams sprint toward the center pool for the ball. The team gaining possession of the ball advances it towards its offensive end of the pool by swimming, dribbling or passing the ball. FOULS There are two types of fouls in water polo. Ordinary fouls account for approximately 80% of the whistles during the game and personal fouls (exclusion and penalty fouls) the remainder. Ordinary fouls include: touching the ball with two hands; taking the ball under water when tackled; impeding an opponent in possession of the ball who is not holding the ball; pushing off of an opponent; and, stalling (failing to advance the ball into a better scoring opportunity). Major fouls include exclusion and penalty fouls. Exclusion fouls include: kicking or striking; deliberate splashing in the face; an ordinary foul committed by the defense; interfering with a free throw; misconduct or disrespect to the referee; holding, sinking or pulling back an opponent not holding the ball. A player who receives three personal faults (major fouls) will be excluded for the remainder of the game with substitution.
USA WATER POLO
USA Olympic Games Finishes Year
Location
Men
1904
St. Louis, Missouri
1st
1920
Antwerp, Belgium
4th
1924
Paris, France
3rd
1928
Amsterdam, Netherlands
7th
1932
Los Angeles, California
3rd
1936
Berlin, Germany
9th
1940
CANCELLED WWII
1944
CANCELLED WWII
1948
London, England
1952
Women
USAWP 3
USA World Championships Finishes 2009
Rome, Italy
4th
1st
2011
Shanghai, China
6th
6th
USA Men’s World Cup Finishes Year
Location
Place
1979
Belgrade & Rijeka, Yugoslavia
2nd
1981
Long Beach, CA, USA
4th
1983
Malibu, CA, USA
4th
11th
1985
Duisberg, Federal Republic of Germany
2nd
Helsinki, Finland
4th
1987
Thessolonika, Greece
4th
1956
Melbourne, Australia
5th
1989
West Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany 8th
1960
Rome, Italy
7th
1991
Barcelona, Spain
1st
1964
Tokyo, Japan
9th
1993
Athens, Greece
4th
1968
Mexico City, Mexico
7th
1995
Atlanta, GA, USA
4th
1972
Munich, Germany
3rd
1997
Athens, Greece
1st
1976
Did not qualify
1999
Sydney, Australia
6th
1980
Boycott
2002
Belgrade, Yugoslavia
7th
1984
Los Angeles, California
2nd
2010
Oradea, Romania
4th
1988
Seoul, South Korea
2nd
1992
Barcelona, Spain
4th
1996
Atlanta, Georgia
7th
2000
Sydney, Australia
6th
2nd
2004
Athens, Greece
7th
3rd
2008
Beijing, China
2nd
2nd
2012
London, England
8th
1stt
USA Women’s World Cup Finishes
USA World Championships Finishes Women
Year
Location
Place
1979
Merced, CA, USA
1st
1980
Breda, Netherlands
2nd
1981
Brisbane, Australia
4th
1983
Sainte Foy, Canada
2nd
1984
Irvine, CA, USA
2nd
1988
Christchurch, New Zealand
4th
Year
Location
Men
1989
Eindhoven, Netherlands
2nd
1973
Belgrade, Yugoslavia
5th
1991
Long Beach, CA, USA
3rd
1975
Cali, Colombia
8th
1993
Catania, Italy
5th
1978
Berlin, West Germany
5th
1995
Sydney, Australia
6th
1982
Guayaquil, Ecuador
6th
1997
Nancy, France
7th
1986
Madrid, Spain
4th
3rd
1999
Winnipeg, Canada
6th
1991
Perth, Australia
4th
3rd
2002
Perth, Australia
2nd
1994
Rome, Italy
6th
4th
2006
Tianjin, China
4th
1998
Perth, Australia
7th
8th
2010
Christchurch, New Zealand
1st
2001
Fukuoka, Japan
7th
4th
2003
Barcelona, Spain
6th
1st
2005
Montreal, Canada
11th
2nd
2007
Melbourne, Australia
9th
1st
USA WATER POLO
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Men’s Outlook 2013 marks a new era for the USA Water Polo Men’s Senior National Team. Following the 2012 Olympic Games longtime head coach Terry Schroeder stepped down from his post, returning to lead the Pepperdine University Waves. With a berth in the 2013 FINA World Championships still hanging in the balance, the United States turned to legendary USC Head Coach Jovan Vavic to lead the team on an interim basis. Vavic came through, piloting the United States to a Silver Medal at the 2013 UANA World Aquatic Championship Qualification Tournament. With a berth in Barcelona secured, Vavic returned to USC. Team USA found a permanent head coach on May 7 in Dejan Udovicic. A highly accomplished coach who led the Serbian Men’s National Team to Bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games and a World Championship in 2009, Udovicic also led VK Partizan to great success for nearly a decade. With Udovicic at the helm, Team USA has undertaken a youth movement, as only five athletes return from the 2012 Olympic Games and six overall with Olympic experience. Well-seasoned in building and rebuilding programs, Udovicic will turn to some of the best young talent the United States has to offer to complement veterans with big-game pedigrees. In addition to new athletes, the rest of the coaching staff has been altered, as Udovicic is joined by former Pepperdine Head Coach and current USC Assistant Coach Jack Kocur, who will take on an assistant coach role for Team USA. Team Manager Rick McKee remains for his eighth year of service. A host of athletes will (or will have an opportunity to) suit up for Team USA in 2013. Some 24 hopefuls were chosen to compete at the qualification tournament for the FINA World League Super Final. From that group, 17 athletes will train in the lead-up to the World Championships, with 13 selected to compete in Barcelona. It’s a new time for men’s water polo in the United States, and it starts now. GOALKEEPERS The man guarding the cage brings a host of experience and confidence that will be essential for any major success. Incumbent starter Merrill Moses (Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) has anchored the net for the USA in all the major tournaments since 2007. A breakout star of the 2008 Beijing Games and named to the Olympic AllStar Team, Moses is a sturdy last line of defense, blessed with quick instincts and a solid feel for the game. Currently an assistant coach with the Pepperdine Men’s Water Polo Team, Moses returns in 2013 with two Olympic Games under his belt. The back-up role falls to veteran Andy Stevens (Villa Park, CA/LMU/NYAC). Stevens started every match for Team USA at the recent FINA World League Super Final and continues to improve with each tournament. DEFENDERS With veterans Layne Beaubien, Jeff Powers and Jesse Smith retiring from the National Team in 2013, veteran Tim Hutten (Seal Beach, CA/UC-Irvine/Newport WPF) is called up to lead this group. A physical presence, Hutten has competed for the United States at the last two Olympic Games and adds an outside touch to his defensive responsibilities. A rising star will join Hutten in Chancellor Ramirez (Pasadena, CA/UCLA/Rose Bowl). Ramirez was considered the top high school prospect in 2012 and will head to UCLA this fall. CENTERS Four-time Olympian Ryan Bailey, a mainstay at the center position, retired from Team USA following the World Championship qualification tournament last February. In his stead are two athletes with Olympic experience and one newcomer. John Mann (Newport Beach, CA/California/NYAC) served as Bailey’s backup in London a year ago and anchored the center spot for Team USA at the FINA World League Super Final last June. A standout at Cal, Mann was a key to the United States’ run towards Gold in the 2007 Pan American Games. JW Krumpholz (Santa Ana, CA/USC/NYAC) won Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and returns in 2013, vying for the starting spot at center. Undersized for the position, Krumpholz brings speed and aggressiveness to the position that helped him win consecutive Cutino Awards in his collegiate days. Rounding out the center spot is newcomer Alex Obert (Loomis, CA/Pacific/Sac Polo) who just completed his sophomore season for the University of the Pacific Tigers. A second-team all-MPSF selection in 2012, Obert brings a 6’5” frame and good energy to the squad. ATTACKERS Team USA’s longest-standing member—and easily most accomplished—is team captain Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC). Azevedo burst on the Olympic scene in 2000, just a few months removed from his senior prom, and has shown no signs of slowing down. He completed his fourth Olympic Games last summer in London, has been a mainstay for the Senior National Team, and has carved out an impressive career competing for clubs all across Europe. An outstanding shooter, Azevedo won a Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. The player who’s become synonymous with USA Water Polo will be called upon once again to lead the USA offense come summer. Joining Azevedo is 2012 Olympian Shea Buckner (Villa Park, CA/USC/NYAC). No stranger to winning from his championship days at USC, Buckner has worked himself into top-notch shape and has been a key member of the squad over the last three years. The rest of the attacker group includes athletes with a host of national-team pipeline experience as well as others who’ve recently made their debuts with the United States. Alex Bowen (Santee, CA/Stanford/Stanford), Matt DeTrane (Moraga, CA/Pepperdine/Waves), Michael Rosenthal (Miami, FL/USC/NYAC) and Janson Wigo (Fort Lauderdale, FL/Stanford/NYAC) round out this group. Bowen finished his sophomore season at Stanford this past December and is one of the high scorers for the Cardinal. Listed as an attacker he has the ability to play a variety of positions. DeTrane—one of two left-handers on the team—just completed his senior season at Pepperdine where he was second on the Waves in scoring. Rosenthal capped an historic run at USC, winning five NCAA Championships, and was the leading scorer for Team USA at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final. Wigo is the other left-hander on the team and trained with the squad in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games. The younger brother of United States legend Wolf Wigo, Janson has the potential to be one of the most prolific scorers for the United States in 2013.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 5
USA Men’s Roster Name
Position
Ht.
Hometown
Education
Club Affiliation
Tony Azevedo ^”*!
Attacker
6’1’’
Long Beach, CA
Stanford 2004
NYAC
Alex Bowen
Attacker
6’4”
Santee, CA
Stanford 2016
Stanford
Shea Buckner!
Attacker
6’5”
Villa Park, CA
USC 2010
NYAC
Matt DeTrane
Attacker
6’5”
Moraga, CA
Pepperdine 2013
NYAC
Tim Hutten*!
Defender
6’5”
Seal Beach, CA
UC-Irvine 2008
Newport WPF
JW Krumpholz*
Center
6’3”
Santa Ana, CA
USC 2010
NYAC
John Mann!
Center
6’5”
Newport Beach, CA
California 2007
NYAC
Merrill Moses*!
Goalkeeper
6’3”
Palos Verdes, CA
Pepperdine 2000
NYAC
Alex Obert
Center
6’5”
Loomis, CA
Pacific 2015
Sac Polo
Chancellor Ramirez
Defender
6’2”
Pasadena, CA
UCLA 2017
Rose Bowl
Michael Rosenthal
Attacker
6’3”
Miami, FL
USC 2013
Raider
Andy Stevens
Goalkeeper
6’3”
Villa Park, CA
LMU 2011
NYAC
Janson Wigo
Attacker
6’4”
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stanford 2010
NYAC
Head Coach: Dejan Udovicic Assistant Coach: Jack Kocur Team Manager: Rick McKee ^ 2000 Olympian ! 2012 Olympian ” 2004 Olympian * 2008 Olympian
2013 Schedule USA Men's Senior National Team UANA World Aquatic Qualification Tournament—January 30-February 2—Calgary, Canada FINA World League Prelims— May 24-27—Los Alamitos, CA FINA World League Super Final—June 11-16—Chelyabinsk, Russia FINA World Championships – July 22-August 3—Barcelona, Spain
Team USA at a Glance
Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China Silver Medal at the 2008 FINA World League Super Final in Genoa, Italy First place at 2006 ASUA Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fifth place at 2006 FINA World League Super Finals in Athens, Greece Seventh place at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece Sixth place at 2003 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain Third place at 2003 FINA World League Super Finals in New York, N.Y. First place at 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo Sixth place at 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia Sixth place at 1999 FINA World Cup in Sydney, Australia First place at 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada Silver medal at 1984, 1988, and 2008 Olympic Games Bronze medal at 1924, 1932 and 1972 Olympic Games
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 6
Tony Azevedo POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6’1’’ WEIGHT: 198 lbs. HOMETOWN: Long Beach, CA EDUCATION: Stanford 2004 CLUB: NYAC, JUG Dubrovnik BIRTHDAY: 11/21/81 BIRTHPLACE: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil USA Team Captain…One of the top players in the world today…Four-time Olympian…Outstanding scorer INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Recorded ten goals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England... Logged five goals at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final...Scored three goals in the Gold Medal winning match at the 2011 Pan American Games...Helped Team USA to Gold and an Olympic berth at the Pan Ameri-
can Games despite playing in just the final match due to a muscle strain...Tied for team lead with 11 goals scored in sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Led team with eight goals during fourth place finish at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Florence, Italy...Scored at least one goal in every game with 11 goals total as Team USA took fourth at the 2010 FINA World Cup...Took fifth place at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final, scoring a team high of 13 goals...Finished fourth at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy...Led the team in scoring with 12 goals in six matches, added eight steals and six field blocks... Spurred Team USA to a Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, the first Olympic Medal in 20 years...Scored 17 goals to lead the United States in scoring at the 2008 Olympic Games...Led team to Silver Medal finish at 2008 FINA World League Super Final with 16 goals including seven in victory over China… Scored three goals in upset of #1 ranked Croatia on May 31… Tallied four goals at 2007 FINA World League Super Final… Led Team USA with 15 goals en route to gold medal at 2007 Pan American Games in his native Brazil…Named top scorer at 2007 World Championships in Melbourne after tallying 19 goals despite not advancing to the medal rounds…USOC Athlete of the Year three times...Led the team with 18 goals at the 2005 FINA World League and 13 at the 2005 FINA World Championships… Ranked 2nd in scoring percentage at the 2005 FINA World Championships…. Led the U.S. with 15 goals (ranked 2nd overall) at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece including a hat trick to help the team qualify for the 7th place game...Became one of the highest paid players in water polo when he signed to play professionally for Italian club team, Bissolati Cremona...Scored a tournament high 33 goals during the 2003 Pan American Games... Finished as the top scorer in the 2003 FINA World League with 12 goals...Led the team in scoring at 2003 U.S. Cup with eight, including three versus Australia… Was named as the world’s seventh-best male athlete in the June 2003 edition of Men’s Journal…Scored 12 goals in four games in Team USA’s first place finish at 2003 French International…Led Team USA in scoring with 29 goals in the first year of the FINA World League, including seven in the season opener against Croatia in Los Alamitos (Calif.)…Was sixth in the league in scoring, but was only player in top six that didn’t advance to the Super Final…Was the only U.S. player to net at least one goal in each game…Leading scorer at the 2001 World Championships in Japan…Led team in scoring with 14 goals in Japan despite playing with a broken ear drum…Scored 13 goals in outstanding Olympic debut at the Sydney Games in 2000, the fourth highest scorer in the world...Selected by color commentator Jim Kruse for NBC’s All-World Team following Olympics...Was the high scorer at the Pan American Junior Water Polo Championships in 1998. PROFESSIONAL: Most recently played for Jug in Croatia becoming the first American to advance to the Champions League final...Played professionally in Montenegro in 2009 for V.K. Primorac Kotor…Played for Jug in Croatia in 2008-2009…Led Bissolatti Cremona in scoring for the 2005-2006 season in Cremona, Italy…First in scoring in all of Italy for the 2006 season. COLLEGE: Became the first-ever player to win the prestigious Peter J. Cutino award four consecutive years...Was awarded First-Team All-American honors from 2001-2004...Named MPSF Player of the Year four consecutive years from 2001-2004...Named the 2004 American Water Polo Coaches Association Player of the Year for the fourth straight season... Mountain Pacific Federation four-time winner... Named co-Player of the Year in 2003 NCAA tournament...Scored 80 goals in his senior season...Shattered the prior record by over 100 goals when he became Stanford’s all-time top scorer with 332 goals…Was named as the Player of the Year at 2002 NCAA Tournament…Scored 95 goals in 2002, becoming Stanford’s top singleseason scorer…In 2001, he earned NCAA Player of the Year and All-American Player of the Year…Voted the 2001 NCAA Tournament MVP…Voted Co-MVP of the 2001 MPSF Tournament…Named MPSF Player of the Week twice…Winner of the Stanford Block “S” Freshman Award…The nation’s leading scorer with 68 goals, which was a freshman school record and ninth-best in school history. HIGH SCHOOL: Earned All-American as well as All-Academic Team honors from 1996-99 at Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA...Selected to All-CIF Team from 1996-99 and was CIF Player of the Year three times…Helped Wilson High School earn C.I.F. championship titles all four years…Father Rick was an assistant National Team coach in 2004 and coached Tony throughout his age group career and during his first three years at Long Beach Wilson. PERSONAL: Biggest influence in water polo is his father, Rick Azevedo, former Men’s National Team Coach…Sister, Cassie, was a stand-out water polo player at Cal State Long Beach and now plays professional water polo in Italy...Favorite musical artists are Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen...Says he plays water polo “to win a gold medal for the USA.”… Admits his most embarrassing water polo moment was when he was holding his MVP tournament trophy and broke it while on the podium….Favorite pre-game meal is Pasta Pomodoro. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 8TH PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 4TH PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, ORADEA, ROMANIA, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, PODGORICA , MONTENEGRO, 4TH PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, GENOA, ITALY, 2ND PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, BERLIN, GERMANY, 5TH PLACE 2007 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 9TH PLACE 2006 ASUA CUP, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2006 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, ATHENS, GREECE, 5TH PLACE 2005 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MONTREAL, CANADA, 11TH PLACE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES, ATHENS, GREECE, 7TH PLACE 2004 TORNEO DI NAPOLI, NAPLES, ITALY, 3RD PLACE 2003 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, NEW YORK, NY, 3RD PLACE 2003 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 1ST PLACE 2003 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, BARCELONA, SPAIN, 6TH PLACE 2003 U.S. CUP, STANFORD, CA, UNITED STATES, 2ND PLACE 2003 FRENCH INTERNATIONAL, NICE, FRANCE, 1ST PLACE 2002 FINA WORLD CUP, BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA, 7TH PLACE 2002 TRISTAR INTERNATIONAL, KRANJ, SLOVENIA, 3RD PLACE 2002 EIGHT-NATIONS TOURNAMENT, NICE, FRANCE, 3RD PLACE 2001 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, FUKUOKA, JAPAN, 7TH PLACE 2001 POSEIDON CUP, ATHENS, GREECE, 5TH PLACE 2001 PAN AMERICAN QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT, SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REP., 1ST PLACE 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 6TH- PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 7
Alex Bowen POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6’5” WEIGHT: 220 lbs HOMETOWN: Santee, CA EDUCATION: Stanford 2015 CLUB: Stanford BIRTHDAY: 09/04/93 BIRTHPLACE: San Diego, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored seven goals in helping Team USA to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Added five goals to help the United States to second place and a World Championship berth at the 2013 UANA World Aquatic Championship Qualification Tournament...Member of the Junior National Team that took ninth place at the 2011 FINA Junior World Championships COLLEGE: Attending Stanford…ACWPC All-America First Team (2012)…All-MPSF First Team (2012)…ACWPC All-America Team (2011)…All-MPSF First Team (2011)…MPSF Newcomer of the Year (2011). HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Santana High School…Grossmont North/Valley League Titles (2007-2010)…CIF San Diego Section career goals scored record with 547…CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year (2011)…Section First-Team nods (2009 & 2010)…Selected to Second Team (2008)…Grossmont Noth/Valley League MVP (2008-10)…Grossmont North/ Valley First Team (2007-10)…NISCA All-America Second Team selection (2010)…All-California/Hawaii Sixth Team (2009)…All-California/Hawaii First Team (2010). PERSONAL: Son of Rod and Barbara Bowen…Has a younger brother Eric. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4 TH PLACE 2013 UANA QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT CALGARY, CANADA 2 ND PLACE 2011 JUNIOR WORLD VOLOS, GREECE 9TH PLACE 2010 JUNIOR PAN AMS MIAMI, FLORIDA
Shea Buckner POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6'5" WEIGHT: 215 lbs. EDUCATION: USC 2010 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 12/12/1986 BIRTHPLACE: Huntington Beach, CA HOMETOWN: Villa Park, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Second on the team with eight goals on the way to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super 8, Italy...Scored two goals at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in Nis, Serbia. PROFESSIONAL: Currently plays club in Italy for Latina Pallanuoto in series A1 (first division). COLLEGE: 2008 NCAA National Championship...Undefeated Season with USC (29-0)...2009 NCAA National Championship...All American 1st Team 2008 and 2009...All American Honorable Mention 2007...All MPSF Team 2007, 2008, 2009...MPSF Player of the week 2007 and 2008...USC Leading Scorer 2009...2nd Leading Scorer 2007 and 2008...Best Defender 2008 and 2009. HIGH SCHOOL: Villa Park High School team captain...2004 CIF Player of the Year...2 time First Team All American...2004 Orange County Register Player of the Year....Century League Player of the Year 2003 and 2004...Century League MVP 2003 and 2004. PERSONAL: Has three older siblings (Shannon, Katie and Patrick)...Shannon and Patrick played Water Polo at USC...Father played Water Polo and swam for CSULB. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4TH PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 8TH PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 4TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2010 VOLVO CUP, HUNGARY, 3RD PLACE 2010 FISHER CUP, BERKELEY, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, 6TH PLACE 2006 ASUA CUP, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2005 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MONTREAL, CANADA, 11TH PLACE 2004 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, MEN’S USA JUNIOR TEAM, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE 2003 YOUTH TEAM WORLD TOURNAMENT, ITALY, 5TH PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 8
Matt DeTrane POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6’6” WEIGHT: 215 lbs HOMETOWN: Moraga, CA EDUCATION: Pepperdine University 2013 CLUB: New York Athletic Club (NYAC) BIRTHDAY: 7/24/90 INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: In his first major event for the Senior National Team, scored four goals on the way to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Competed for the New York Athletic Club winning a championship at the 2013 Fisher Cup. COLLEGE: Graduated from Pepperdine University…All-American Honors. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Campolindo High School. NTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4 TH PLACE
JW Krumpholz POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 6’3” WEIGHT: 205 lbs. EDUCATION: USC 2010 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 09/22/1987 BIRTHPLACE: Orange , CA. Helped the University of Southern California to back to back NCAA crowns in 2008 and 2009. Displays tremendous work ethic. NTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Logged one goal at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Score three times en route to a Gold Medal and Olympic qualification at the 2011 Pan American Games...Tallied four goals in helping team to fourth place finish at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Florence, Italy...Registered three goals in helping Team USA take 5th place at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in Nis, Serbia... Scored four goals en route to a fourth place finish at the 2009 FINA World Championships... Earned a Silver Medal at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China...Scored two goals...Tallied a goal during Silver Medal run at 2008 FINA World League Super Final...Member of 2007 Junior World Championship Team in Long Beach , CA … Played at 2005 World Championships in Montreal , Canada COLLEGE: Won 2009 and 2010 Cutino Award as the top college player...Won 2008 and 2009 NCAA Championships at the University of Southern California...Named 2008 National Player of the Year b the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches...Named All-American First Team by ACWPC...Named MPSF Co-Player of the Year...Two-time AllAmerican…First-Team All-NCAA. HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time All-American and Player of the Year in 2004 while competing at Foothill High School in Orange County, CA. PERSONAL: Parents are Kurt and Debra… Has two sisters, Katy and Kari… Father won two NCAA water polo titles as a player at UCLA… Lists Michael Jordan as his biggest sports hero INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 4TH PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO, 4TH PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, GENOA, ITALY, 2ND PLACE 2007 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, LONG BEACH , CA , 6TH PLACE 2005 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MONTREAL , CANADA , 6 TH PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 9
Tim Hutten POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 6’5” WEIGHT: 215 lbs. EDUCATION: UC Irvine 2008 CLUB: Newport Water Polo Foundation BIRTHDAY: 06/04/1985 BIRTHPLACE: Los Alamitos, CA. HOMETOWN: Seal Beach, CA. Earned a Silver Medal at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China scoring three goals...Physical player with great goal scoring ability...In tremendous physical shape. NTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored twice en route to a fourth place finish at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Logged three goals at the 2012 Olympics in London, England... Scored two goals for Team USA at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Second on the team with nine goals scored in helping Team USA to an Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Scored nine goals on the way to a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Was defensive force in helping team to fourth place finish at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Florence, Italy...Punched in 8 goals during Team USA's 4th place finish at the 2010 FINA World Cup in Oradea, Romania...Tallied five goals in helping the US finish in 5th place at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final… Tallied five goals Scored two goals in helping the USA to a fourth place finish at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy...Scoring seven goals during Silver Medal finish at 2008 FINA World League Super Final...Member of the 2006 ASUA Cup Gold Medal Team… Has been part of the National Team program for the last two years. PROFESSIONAL: Has played for N.O. Vouliagmeni, Greece; Jadran Split, Croatia; and currently plays for C.N. Posiliiipo, in Naples, Italy. COLLEGE: Cutino Award Winner (top college player) following 2007 collegiate season...Named First-Team All-American, MPSF Tournament MVP, and MPSF Player of the Year in 2007… Named Second-Team All-American in 2005. HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Los Alamitos High School, earning All-American status and guiding the team to a CIF final. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4TH PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 8TH PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN 4TH PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, ORADEA, ROMANIA, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO, 4TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 4 TH PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, GENOA, ITALY, 2ND PLACE 2006 ASUA CUP, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 1ST PLACE
Famous
water polo players include: PETER UEBERROTH, entrepreneur STEVE SMITH, astronaut SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING, known for his discovery of the first antibiotic: PenicillinJOHNNY WEISSMULLER, Olympic swimmer, water polo player and Hollywood actor famous for roll in "Tarzan" DON FISHER, founder of The Gap
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 10
John Mann POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 6’6’’ WEIGHT: 250 lbs. HOMETOWN: Newport Beach, CA EDUCATION: UC Berkeley 2007 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 6/27/85 BIRTHPLACE: Beverly Hills, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored four goals helping Team USA to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Recorded three goals at the 2012 Olympics in London, England... Notched in two goals against Italy at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Scored six goals in helping team to fourth place finish at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Florence, Italy...Part of the team that took the Silver Medal at the 2008 FINA World League Super Final…Member of team that competed at 2007 FINA World League in Berlin… Scored five goals at 2007 Pan American Games… Tournament MVP and first-team All-American at 2005 20-Under National Championship, leading Lamorinda water polo club to a gold medal in Davis, CA.... First-Team All-American at Men’s Senior Nationals, helping Lamorinda to a bronze medal... Scored nine goals as Team USA captured gold medal last April at ASUA Tournament in Mexico City... Helped US National Team to fourth-place finish at Four Nations Tournament in Hamm, Germany, in March 2005... Leading scorer and MVP at 2004 Junior Pan American Games… Member of USA Junior National Team that traveled to the Junior World Championships in Naples, Italy, in 2003... Scored 10 goals for Team USA at the Junior World Championships… Led US to a gold medal with a team-high 20 goals at 2003 Junior Pan American Games in San Salvador, El Salvador. PROFESSIONAL: Played for Club C.N. Barceloneta for 2009/2010 season. Won the Spanish Cup, and Spanish league title. Finished in the top 8 in Euro-league. COLLEGE: 2006 Player of the Year… 2006 Cutino Award Winner… PAC-10 Medal winner, First-Team All American, All MPSF, and MVP of MPSF Tournament in 2006… First-Team All-American and All-MPSF in 2004 and 2005, leading Bears in scoring for 2005 ... In 2003, finished with 22 goals as a true freshman and was the Bears’ top scorer in six matches...Featured as a top freshman athlete in September 9, 2003 and March 25, 2004 issues of Sports Illustrated’s On Campus. Finished as Cal's second all time leading scorer. HIGH SCHOOL: Led Corona del Mar High School to CIF Southern Section championship game in 2002, while earning First-Team All-CIF and First-Team All American honors...Orange County Player of the Year, scoring 109 goals as a senior... Won three CIF titles in water polo during his time at Corona del Mar. PERSONAL: International Relations major... His father John played football at Purdue… Favorite pre-game meal is steel-cut oats. NTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4TH PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 8TH PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 4TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, PODGORICA , MONTENEGRO, 4TH PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, GENOA, ITALY, 2ND PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, BERLIN, GERMANY, 5TH PLACE 2007 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2005 FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT, HAMM, GERMANY, 4TH PLACE 2005 ASUA CUP MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2004 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE 2003 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, NAPLES, ITALY, 11TH PLACE 2002 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, BOCA RATON, FL, 1ST PLACE
The standard field of play for men's competition is 30m x20m x two meters deep.
The standard field of play for women's competition is 25m x 20m x two meters deep.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 11
Merrill Moses POSITION: Goalkeeper HEIGHT: 6’3” WEIGHT: 205 lbs. HOMETOWN: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA EDUCATION: Pepperdine 2000 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 8/13/77 BIRTHPLACE: Harbor City, CA
INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Recorded 63 saves at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England... Started every match and logged 58 saves at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Posted 36 saves stopping over 65% of shots faced on the way to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Logged 61 saves and started every match in a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Collected 56 saves in anchoring teams defense during fourth place finish at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Florence, Italy...Blocked 52 shots during the 2010 FINA World Cup in Oradea, Romania...Had 54 saves at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in Nis, Serbia. Named Most Valuable Player of 2010 USA Water Polo Men’s National Championships with the New York Athletic Club…Stopped 51 shots on the way to a fourth place finish at the 2009 FINA World Championships...Earned a Silver Medal at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China serving as starting goalkeeper… Halted 70 shots throughout the tourney and was named to Olympic All-Star Team… Piled up 37 saves as starting goalie during Silver Medal run at 2008 FINA World League Super Final…Split time in the cage at 2007 FINA World League Super Final… Led Team USA with 30 saves during 2007 Pan American Games… Starting goalkeeper at 2007 FINA World Championships…Named Best Goalkeeper at 2006 ASUA Cup… Highest number of saves in 2006 Premier League Division I… Was named the Most Valuable Goalkeeper at the 2003 U.S. Cup at Stanford…Posted a game-high 13 saves against Slovakia at 2003 French International…Was named as the 1st Team All-American goalkeeper with New York at the 2002 Men’s Senior Nationals…Had 63 saves in six games during the 2002 FINA World League, including back-to-back 13stop efforts against Russia. PROFESSIONAL: In 2008-2009 played for Sibenik, Croatia, earned 3rd place in the Croatian league that year and won the Yellow Cap award for being the most consistent player in the league. Also lead this team to play in Euro league championships for the first time in club history and made it to the top 8….In 2009-2010 played for Nervi, Italy, coming to the team half way through the season with the squad in danger of dropping to divisions two. In the second half of the season he lead his team to 17 points and brought the team to the playoffs. In 2010-2011 Played for Nervi, Italy and kept his team in the first division for a second straight year. COLLEGE: In 1998, he earned 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-American honors at Pepperdine...Earned 1st Team All-American distinction in 1997...Was MVP at the 1997 NCAA Championships for Pepperdine. PERSONAL: Currently serves as Assistant Coach for the Pepperdine Men's Water Polo Team...Co-Head Coach for Pepperdine Men's Water Polo for the 2012 season...Enjoys snowboarding, scuba diving and cooking…Played the saxophone and viola during high school…Likes having Jamba Juice before a big game because you can’t be too full as a goalie… Got involved with water polo during the summer before his freshman year of water polo because he didn’t want to play football in the heat. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 8TH PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 4TH PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, FLORENCE, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, ORADEA, ROMANIA, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 4TH PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, PODGORICA , MONTENEGRO, 4TH PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, GENOA, ITALY, 2ND PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, BERLIN, GERMANY 5TH PLACE 2007 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 9TH PLACE 2006 ASUA CUP, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2006 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, ATHENS, GREECE, 5TH PLACE 2003 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA, 8TH PLACE 2003 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS, NEW YORK, NY, 3RD PLACE 2003 U.S. CUP, STANFORD, CA, UNITED STATES, 2ND PLACE 2002 FINA WORLD CUP, BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA, 7TH PLACE 2002 UNICUM CUP, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, 4TH PLACE 2001 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, FUKUOKA, JAPAN, 7TH PLACE 1999 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, PALMA DE MALLORCA SPAIN, 4TH PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 12
Alex Obert POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 6’6” WEIGHT: 225 lbs HOMETOWN: Loomis, CA EDUCATION: University of the Pacific 2015 CLUB: Sac Polo BIRTHDAY: 12/18/91 BIRTHPLACE: Yorba Linda, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Competed in his first major event with the Senior National Team at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Scored two goals in helping the United States to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final. COLLEGE: Attending University of the Pacific…Scored 51 goals in his sophomore season...Third Team All-American…Second Team All MPSF...Transferred from Sierra College. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Del Oro High School …Section MVP…League MVP. PERSONAL: The son of David and Kristin Obert. He has one sister, Isabelle, who plays volleyball at Butler. Obert’s hobbies include hanging out with friends and swimming. He plans to pursue a degree in Bio Engineering and desires to become an engineer. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4 TH PLACE
Chancellor Ramirez POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 6’2” WEIGHT: 197 lbs EDUCATION: UCLA CLUB: Rose Bowl Water Polo BIRTHDAY: 10/1/94 INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: USAWP Fisher Cup Team, MJNT (2013, 2012)…USA Pipeline National Training Team, MPNT, (2013, 2012)…USA Men’s Junior National Team, MJNT (2013, 2012)…USA Men’s Youth National Team, MYNT (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008)…XII Memorial 24 Giugno 2000, Catania, Italy: All-Tournament Player (2012)…USAWP ODP Pacific Coast Regional Championships: All-Championship Team(2012) USAWP National Junior Olympics, All American Honorable Mention (2010)…USAWP ODP Southern California All-Regional Team (2010)…U16, US Club Championship, TURBO All-Tournament Team (2010)…USAWP MJNT Co-Captain (2012)…USAWP MYNT Co-Captain (2012, 2011)…XI Memorial 24 Giugno 2000: USA MYNT leading scorer; 14 goals (2011)…Coastal California Zone Team Captain (2012, 2011, 2010)…RBAC (Rose Bowl Aquatics Center): “Water Polo Champion” Award (2012)… RBWPC, 10 year Captain/Co-Captain (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004). COLLEGE: Entering his Freshman year at UCLA. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Loyola High School… All C.I.F.-SS D1, First Team(2012)… All-Southern California Water Polo, First Team (2012)…LA84 Foundation, All C.I.F.-SS D1, First Team (2012) … Mission League, D1, “Player of the Year”(2012)…Loyola HS, Varsity MVP, and Captain’s Award…(2012)… All C.I.F.-SS D1, First Team (2011)… All-Southern California Water Polo, First Team (2011)…LA84 Foundation, All C.I.F.-SS D1, First Team (2011)… California-Hawaii All-American, Second Team (2011)…All Mission League, D1, First Team (2011)… Loyola HS, Varsity MVP, Offensive (2011)…USAWP ODP Southern California All-Regional Team (2011)…All C.I.F.-SS D1, Third Team (2010)…All Mission League, D1, First Team (2010)… North vs. South HS Water Polo Challenge (2012, 2011, 2010)… Loyola HS, Monogram Club Leader/Captain (All-Sport LHS Letterman’s Club) (2012-2013)…Loyola HS, Monogram Club 3yr Member (Varsity Letter + 3.0 GPA Req.) (2010-2013)…Loyola HS, Captain ( 2012, 2011)…C.I.F.-SS, D1 Semifinalist (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)…C.I.F.-SS, D1, Varsity Mission League (undefeated) Champs (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009). PERSONAL: NISCA/Speedo Boys All-America Water Polo Team, Third Team (2012)… Water Polo All-American: NISCA/Speedo Boys, Third Team (2011)… U16, IRONMAN League, MVP(2010)… USAWP Coastal California ODP/Zone Team (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008)…USAWP National Junior Olympics (2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004)…USAWP Speedo Cup (2008, 2007)…US Club Championships (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)…South Florida International (club) Tournament (2011, 2010, 2009, 2008). INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 USA MJNT: 17TH WORLD MEN’S JUNIOR WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIP, SZOMBATHELY, HUNGARY 2012 USA MYNT: 1ST FINE WORLD YOUTH WATER PLOL CHAMPIONSHIPS, PERTH, AUSTRALIA 2012 USA MYNT: HUNGARY, SZOMBATHELY 2012 USA MJNT: XII MEMORIAL 24 GIUGNO 2000, CATANIA, ITALY 2011 USA MYNT: XI MEMORIAL 24 GIUGNO 2000, CATANIA, ITALY 2009 LOYOLO HS: HUNGARY (BUDAPEST, EGER, PECS)
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 13
Michael Rosenthal POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6’4” WEIGHT: 200 lbs HOMETOWN: Miami, FL EDUCATION: USC 2012 CLUB: Raider Water Polo BIRTHDAY: 5/20/90 BIRTHPLACE: Houston, TX RESIDENCE: Orange County INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Led Team USA with 10 goals on the way to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Won the 2013 Fisher Cup competing with the New York Athletic Club. COLLEGE: Graduated from USC…Five NCAA Championships…Finals MVP (2012)…First Team All-American (2012). HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Ransom Everglades…State Champions (2008). PERSONAL: Parents Dan and Meredith both were swimmers at USC... Has one sister, Madeline, who also plays water polo at USC... Enjoys playing beach volleyball in his free time... Lists Mike Eruzione as his biggest sports hero INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4 TH PLACE
As the model for the bronze male torso sculpted by Robert Graham for the Olympic Gateway monument at the entrance to the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1984, four-time Olympian and two-time silver medalist, Terry Schroeder will forever represent the epitome of all Olympic athletes.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 14
Andy Stevens POSITION: Goalkeeper HEIGHT: 6'3" WEIGHT: 205 lbs EDUCATION: LMU 2010 CLUB: New York Athletic club BIRTHDAY: 12/04/1987 BIRTHPLACE: Arcadia, CA HOMETOWN: Orange, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Recorded 51 saves and started every match in helping Team USA to fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Helped the United States qualify for the 2013 FINA World Championships earning silver at the 2013 UANA World Aquatic Championship Qualification Tournament...Logged 12 saves serving as the backup goalkeeper in a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Made four saves at the 2010 FINA World Cup in Oradea, Romania...Collected 11 during the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in Nis, Serbia...Had 18 saves at the 2010 Eight Nations Tournament in Syracuse, Italy...Helped NYAC place second at 2010 Fisher Cup. COLLEGE: Named Top Goalkeeper 2008-2010 in College Water Polo on NCAA.com...Four-time ACWPC Division I All-American 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010...Voted First Team AllNCAA Tournament 2008, 2009, and 2010...Four-time WWPA Champion 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010...Two-time WWPA Conference Player of the Year 2008 and 2009...Three-time First Team All-WWPA Conference...2008, 2009, and 2010, Three-time MVP of WWPA Conference Tournament...2008, 2009, and 2010 HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time First Team All-CIF at Villa Park High School...Two-time First Team All-American...2005 CIF Finalist...2005 Century League MVP... 2005 OC Register's AllOrange County Team Goalkeeper. PERSONAL: Has one brother named Tommy...Got into water polo around age seven because he was tired of swimming lap after lap at his swim club. NTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4TH PLACE 2013 UANA WORLD AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT, CALGARY, CANADA, 2ND PLACE 2011 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, SHENZHEN, CHINA, 4TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, ORADEA, ROMANIA, 4TH PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, NIS, SERBIA, 5TH PLACE 2010 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, QUALIFIED 2010 WORLD LEAGUE PRELIMINARIES, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, QUALIFIED 2010 VOLVO CUP INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN HÓDMEZŐVÁSÁRHELY, HUNGARY, 3RD PLACE 2009 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, BELGRADE, SERBIA, 6TH PLACE 2009 VOLVO CUP INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT, EGER, HUNGARY, 4TH PLACE 2007 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, LONG BEACH, CA, 6TH PLACE 2007 LOW TATRAS CUP, NOVAKY, SLOVAKIA, 2ND PLACE 2007 L.E.N. ZAGREB CUP, ZAGREB, CROATIA, 4TH PLACE 2006 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, MONTREAL, CANADA, 1ST PLACE 2005 SIX NATIONS WATER POLO TOURNAMENT, COSENZA, ITALY
Janson Wigo POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 6’4’ WEIGHT: 190 lbs. HOMETOWN: Ft. Lauderdale, FL EDUCATION: Stanford 2010 CLUB: NYAC BIRTHDAY: 10/7/87 BIRTHPLACE: New York, NY INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored seven goals on the way to a fourth place finish at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Helped Team USA to a Gold Medal at the 2012 Pan Pacifics...Was part of a fourth place finish at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China...Took sixth place as a member of the Junior National Team at the 2007 FINA Junior World Championships...Member of the New York Athletic Club winning multiple National Championships. COLLEGE: Four time All-America at Stanford University 2006-2009...Four time All-MPSF selection 2006-2009...Part of second place team at 2008 NCAA Championships...Named to NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2008. HIGH SCHOOL: Won the Florida State Water Polo Championships in 2005 and 2006 at Northeast High School... Placed third in the Florida State Swimming Championships in the 4x50 relay and fifth in the 100 breakstroke...Also named a Scholar Athlete. PERSONAL: Older brother Wolf Wigo played for Team USA in three Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004) and captained the squad in 2004...Has a twin brother Drac who played collegiately at Stanford University and was a member of the 2011 World University Games squad... Father, Bruce, former head of USA Water Polo, currently is the president of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA, 4TH PLACE 2011 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, SHENZHEN, CHINA, 4TH PLACE 2007 FINA MEN'S JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, LONG BEACH, CA, 6TH PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 15
USA Men’s Coaching Staff Dejan Udovicic, Head Coach Dejan Udovicic was named Head Coach of the Men's Senior National Team on May 7, 2013. Udovicic, the former head coach of the Serbian national team, joined USA Water Polo after leading Serbia to a Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, his 16th medal in his last 17 major championship events. The most successful coach in Serbian team sports, Udovicic has compiled nearly 500 victories while winning more than 80 percent of all matches. Most recently he led the Radnicki Water Polo Club to a Euro Cup title and an appearance in the Serbian National Championship final in the squad’s first year of competition. Udovicic was named head coach of the Serbian National Team in June 2006 following the separation of Serbia and Montenegro. In the succeeding six years he built Serbia into a water polo powerhouse. To wit: a FINA World Championship in 2009, two FINA World Cup titles in 2006 and 2010, two European Championships in 2006 and 2012, two bronze medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, and five FINA World League Super Final titles. In addition to his duties with the national team, Udovicic was also the longtime coach of VK Partizan, one of Serbia’s top water polo clubs. From 2000 to 2009 he led the club to four national championships, four national cups, and an appearance in the Euroleague final four. No stranger to the action inside the pool, Udovicic played for Partizan along with neighboring VK Beograd, in a playing career that spanned more than a decade. His first major as head coach of Team USA saw the team take fourth place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final. Jack Kocur, Assistant Coach Jack Kocur joined the Men’s Senior National Team as a video scout coach for the 2012 Olympic Games and was part of the interim staff at the 2013 UANA World Aquatic Championship Qualification Tournament. He joined the full-time staff under new Head Coach Dejan Udovicic in the Spring of 2013. The former head coach of the Pepperdine Men’s Water Polo Team, Kocur is an assistant coach for the USC Men’s Water Polo Team and helped the Trojans to their fifth straight NCAA Championship in 2012. In his time at Pepperdine, Kocur led the Waves to an overall record of 95-78 (.549), including winning records in three of his six seasons. In 2008, Kocur was named MPSF Co-Coach of the Year as the Waves went 21-7, earning a No. 2 national ranking. Prior to becoming head coach, Kocur was an assistant coach at Pepperdine for four seasons under Terry Schroeder. As a player, Kocur was a first-team All-American and a member of Pepperdine’s 1997 national championship team. He also competed in more than 125 international games with the U.S. National Team. Rick McKee, Team Leader Rick McKee was named team leader in 2007 after many years as a water polo coach and referee in the Southern California area. McKee was head coach at Tustin High School from 1995 to 2001 and Laguna Beach High School from 2002 to 2006. In addition he’s served as a referee since 2000. A graduate of Anderson College with a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, McKee starred for Buena Park High School, garnering MVP and AllAmerican honors. McKee resides in Tustin with his wife and four daughters.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 16
Women’s Outlook The USA Women’s Water Polo Team captured Olympic Gold for the first time in the Summer of 2012 and a dream was realized—and not just for the 13 women on the podium that August day, but for every woman that wore a USA cap and had hoped for such a moment. A six-month celebration kicked off after the Americans topped Spain 8-5 in that final match. Gold medals were on display at major awards shows, professional sporting events, elementary school assemblies, backyard barbecues, and much more. The team also said farewell to many veterans, some who’ve been as synonymous with USA Women’s Water Polo as long as the sport has been played at the Olympic level. Four-time Olympians Brenda Villa and Heather Petri retired as the most-decorated women in international competition of all time. Two-time Olympic medalists Jessica Steffens, Lauren Wenger, and Elsie Windes also retired from international water polo, each leaving with a Gold and a Silver Olympic medal. The departure of those five athletes, along with longtime assistant coach Heather Moody, left Team USA with several holes to fill as it embarked on a new quadrennial and a defense as reigning Olympic champions. Luckily for the United States, several returning athletes combined with an infusion of young talent, mean the prospects for success are as high as ever. Looking forward to 2013 and beyond, Head Coach Adam Krikorian, signed on earlier this year to lead the team through the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is joined once again by assistant coach Dan Klatt and a new addition, two-time Olympian and former USA Men’s National Team captain Chris Oeding. The trio, along with team manager Jen Adams, will set about trying to continue the success of the Women's National Team—success that has seen three Olympic medals, three World Championships, three Pan American Games titles, and one World Cup crown in the last dozen years. With the 2012 Olympic Games now in the past, a new four-year era begins for the USA Water Polo Women’s National Team GOALKEEPERS Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) resumes her veteran post as one of the best goalies in the world. Named the top goalkeeper at the 2012 Olympic Games she has piled up honors in recent years, including female water polo player of the year honors from Swimming World Magazine in 2009 and FINA in 2010, while starting in goal through all the major tournaments. She turned in perhaps her finest work at the 2011 Pan American Games, recording double-digit saves and posting two penalty-shot blocks in the Gold Medal final, to help Team USA to victory. She followed that with a stellar run in London, helping to secure Gold by limiting Spain to just five goals and recording a penalty-shot stop in the final. Tumua Anae (Newport Beach, CA/USC/Trojan) returns as the heir apparent to Armstrong, serving at the backup keeper for all of 2011 and 2012. Anae saw action in all the major championships over the last two years and split time with Armstrong at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final. An NCAA Champion at USC, Anae provides strong depth at this crucial position. DEFENDERS With the retirement of Elsie Windes and Jessica Steffens, all four defenders from the 2008 Olympic Team have now moved on, including Natalie Golda and Alison Gregorka. Coach Krikorian will merge two of the rising stars for Team USA with newcomers to develop a new group of defenders. Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) was the breakout star of the 2012 Olympic Games. At just 19, Steffens was named the MVP of the Olympic Games after setting records for most goals in a tournament, most goals in a game, and most goals in an Olympic debut. Her seven goals in her first-ever Olympic match vs. Hungary would be especially memorable if it weren’t for the five goals she scored on Spain in the Olympic final to help win Gold. In her first collegiate season at Stanford, Steffens helped the Cardinal back to the NCAA Championship final and was a finalist for the Cutino Award. The Cutino Award went to Stanford teammate, Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford), who turned in perhaps her best college season after filling a variety of roles for Team USA in 2012. Listed as a defender, Seidemann has the ability to post-up, shoot from the outside, or deliver a quick pass. Like Steffens, she helped Stanford reach another NCAA final and did it all before picking up her college degree this June. Joining the Stanford duo are two newcomers in KK Clark (Menlo Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC), and Kelly Mendoza (Danville, CA/USC/Diablo). Clark is a recent graduate of UCLA where she won an NCAA National Championship. At 6 feet 2 inches Clark is one of the tallest players on the squad and uses her height to make life difficult for offensive players. Mendoza is coming off of the collegiate season with USC. Mendoza came up big for the Women of Troy in the 2013 post-season, helping USC get past Stanford to claim the NCAA Championship. Not as big as her fellow defenders, Mendoza makes up for it with aggressiveness. Water Polo most definitely runs in the Mendoza family—her mother is 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Maureen O’Toole. CENTERS Much like the goalkeepers, not much has changed for Team USA at the center position. Fresh off a professional season in Australia where she scored more than 60 goals, Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara WPF) returns to anchor the United States at two meters. Craig has proven among the very best at center over the last four years, and she’ll be a key piece for the United States moving forward. Hardly an understudy to Craig is Stanford junior Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) who enters her fifth year with the Senior National Team. After winning two NCAA titles at Stanford, Dries redshirted her junior year to train with Team USA in the lead-up to London. Back at Stanford in 2013, she joined Steffens and Seidemann in pushing the Cardinal to the NCAA Championship final. At more than six feet tall, Dries brings the size and strength to be a force at two meters. ATTACKERS With the departure of mainstays Brenda Villa and Heather Petri, the veteran leadership among the attackers falls on a couple of former UCLA teammates—Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) and Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC). Rulon—a 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist in addition to winning Gold in 2012—brings both excellent passing and shooting ability to this group. A veteran of international water polo, Rulon played for many years in the Italian pro league. Mathewson is another Cutino Award winner who made a name for herself at the 2011 Pan American Games, helping to keep Team USA afloat in the Gold Medal match with a barrage of goals. The ability to score in bunches highlights Mathewson’s talents. Lauren “Lo-Lo” Silver (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) returns in 2013 after being one of the final cuts for the 2012 Olympic Team. Like Mathewson, Silver brings instant offense and is coming off a professional season in the Netherlands where her club team picked up a league championship. Jillian Kraus (Santa Ana, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) and Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/Santa Barbara WPF) return in 2013 after two years out of the national team program. Always in top physical condition, Kraus has good size and an outside shot to help bolster the offense. Neushul—a 2012 Cutino Award winner after helping Stanford to an NCAA title— is one of the most talented players in the college game today. Rounding out the attackers is newcomer Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL). Fattal had a banner freshman season, earning MPSF Newcomer of the Year honors at UCLA.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 17
USA Women’s Roster Name
Position
Ht.
Hometown
Education
Club Affiliation
Tumua Anae^
Goalkeeper
5’11”
Newport Beach, CA
USC 2010
SOCAL
Betsey Armstrong *^
Goalkeeper
6’1”
Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan 2005
NYAC
KK Clark
Defender
6’2”
Menlo Park, CA
UCLA 2012
NYAC
Kami Craig *^
Center
5’11”
Santa Barbara, CA
USC 2010
Santa Barbara WPF
Annika Dries^
Center
6’1”
Laguna Beach, CA
Stanford 2014
SET
Rachel Fattal
Attacker
5’9”
Seal Beach, CA
UCLA 2016
SOCAL
Jillian Kraus
Attacker
5’10”
Santa Ana, CA
UCLA 2008
SOCAL
Courtney Mathewson
Attacker
5’7”
Anaheim Hills, CA
UCLA 2008
NYAC
Kelly Mendoza (alternate)
Defender
5’9”
Danville, CA
USC 2015
Diablo
Kiley Neushul
Attacker
5’8”
Goleta, CA
Stanford 2015
Santa Barbara WPF
Kelly Rulon”^
Attacker
5’11”
San Diego, CA
UCLA 2007
NYAC
Melissa Seidemann^
Defender
6’0”
Walnut Creek, CA
Stanford 2013
Stanford
Lolo Silver
Attacker
5’9”
Long Beach, CA
Stanford 2009
NYAC
Maggie Steffens^
Defender
5’8”
Danville, CA
Stanford 2016
Diablo
Head Coach: Adam Krikorian Assistant Coach: Dan Klatt Assistant Coach: Chris Oeding
Team Leader: Jen Adams Trainer: Ashley Pierce
2013 Schedule: USA Women’s National Team FINA World League Prelims—May 24-27—Los Alamitos, CA FINA World League Super Final—June 1-6—Beijing, China FINA World Championships—July 21-August 2—Barcelona, Spain
Team USA at a Glance:
Currently ranked first in the world Won first ever Olympic Gold Medal in 2012 Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2008 World League Super Final Only country in women’s water polo to win medals at the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Games In 2005, became the country with the most overall medals in women’s water polo (FINA Junior and Senior events) First place at the 2006 Holiday Cup in Los Alamitos, CA, sixth consecutive year First place at the 2006 World League in Cosenza, Italy Silver at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, Canada Gold at the 2005 Junior World Championships in Perth, Australia Bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece First place at the 2004 World League in Long Beach, CA Silver at the 2003 Junior World Championships in Calgary, Canada Gold at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santa Domingo Gold at the 2003 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain Silver at 2002 World Cup in Perth, Australia Silver at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, the first Olympics to feature women’s water polo as an official sport Gold at the first ever World Cup in 1979
” 2004 Olympian * 2008 Olympian ^2012 Olympian
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 18
Betsey Armstrong
POSITION: Goalkeeper HEIGHT: 6’1” HOMETOWN: Ann Arbor, MI EDUCATION: University of Michigan 2005 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 1/31/83 BIRTHPLACE: Ann Arbor, MI RESIDENCE: Huntington Beach, CA
Brings great size and speed to the position of goalkeepers… Arguably the top goalkeeper in the world… Only player on team to hail from and attend college outside of California ... Gold Medal recipient at the 2012 Olympics in London, England INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Started three games and stopped 29 shots en route to a bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Recorded 53 saves at the 2012 Olympics, helping Team USA win its first gold medal... Named top goalkeeper at the 2012 Olympc Games...Logged 44 saves in helping Team USA reach first place at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Posted 28 saves in helping Team USA to a Gold Medal and Olympic qualification at the 2011 Pan American Games...Record 13 saves including two penalty shot stops in the 27-26 championship victory over Canada at Pan American Games...Logged 49 saves during a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Anchored Team USA's defense during their Gold Medal run at the 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China. Named to tournament All-Star team...Armstrong helped anchor Team USA's Gold Medal run at the 2010 FINA World Cup, registering 55 saves... On the way to the Gold, she recorded 47 saves during the 2010 FINA World League Super Final…Named to the All Tournament Team and Top Goalkeeper at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final…Named FINA Aquatics World Magazine Female Water Polo Player of the Year for 2010…Logged 20 saves during 2009 Holiday Cup in Newport Beach, CA...Chalked up 67 saves during the Gold Medal run at the 2009 FINA World Championships... Named Swimming World’s Female Water Polo Athlete of the Year…Posted 50 saves during Silver Medal run at 2008 FINA World League Super Final… Earned Silver Medal at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China as starting goalkeeper turning aside 49 shots… Named top goalkeeper at the 2008 FINA World League Super Final… Denied 30 shots in three and a half games at 2007 Holiday Cup in Long Beach, CA… Recorded 38 saves in Gold Medal run at 2007 Pan American Games…Tallied 13 saves in limited action (illness) at Super Final 2007… Named outstanding goalkeeper at 2007 FINA World Championships… March 2007 runner-up for USOC Female Athlete of the Month… Selected to Senior National team after attending open tryouts in May 2006…First Senior National team appearance at 2006 FINA World League…Starting goalkeeper on Junior National team (2000-01) ... Rookie of the Year (1998). COLLEGE: 2005 Academic All-Big Ten Conference ... Two-time U-M Athletic Academic Achievement award recipient (2002, 2005) ... 2004 Cutino Award Finalist ... 2004 AWPCA AllAmerican second team ... 2005 AWPCA All-America third team ... Two-time AWPCA All-America honorable mention (2002-03) ... 2003-04 CWPA Division MVP ... Four-time CWPA AllDivision First Team (2002-05) ... Two-time Eastern Championship MVP (2002, 2005) ... Three-time All-Eastern Championship first team (2002, 2004-05) ... Six-time CWPA Player of the Week ... U-M's career leader in blocks (1,267), minutes (3,329), goals against average (5.64) and save percentage (.654) ... Michigan record holder with 350 saves in 2004 ... Michigan record holder with 24 saves vs. Indiana (3/6/04) ... Michigan record holder with 20 games with 10 or more saves in 2004 ... Has 68 career games with 10 or more saves, including two with over 20. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Huron High School (2001)… Three-year letterwinner ... MWPA Player of the Year (2000) ... MWPA MVP (2000) ... Two-time all-state first team (2000-01) ... Eastern Region MVP (2000) ... Eastern Region first team (2000). PERSONAL: Served as Assistant Coach for the University of Michigan Women's Water Polo Team in 2013...Earned degree in English Language and Literature…Enjoys reading, going to the beach, yoga, eating sushi, learning to surf, concerts, and watching movies... Older sister also played water polo. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1 ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, SAN DIEGO, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 1ST PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, KIRISHI, RUSSIA 1ST PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TENERIFE, SPAIN, 2ND PLACE 2007 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, MONTREAL, CANADA, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2006 HOLIDAY CUP, LOS ALAMITOS, CA , 1ST PLACE 2006 FINA WORLD LEAGUE, COSENZA, ITALY, 1ST PLACE 2000 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, BARQUISIMETO, VEN, 1ST
Rachel Fattal POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5’8” HOMETOWN: Seal Beach, CA EDUCATION: UCLA 2016 CLUB: SOCAL BIRTHDAY: 12/10/93 BIRTHPLACE: Los Alamitos, CA RESIDENCE: Seal Beach, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Was an alternate for the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...A member of the Women's Junior National Team, taking eighth place at the 2011 FINA Junior World Championship. COLLEGE: Just completed her freshman season at UCLA helping the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament…Named MPSF Rook of the Year (2013). HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Los Alamitos High School. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2011 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, TRIESTE, ITALY, 8TH PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 19
Kelly Mendoza (alternate) POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 5’9” HOMETOWN: Danville, CA EDUCATION: USC 2014 CLUB: Diablo BIRTHDAY: 3/21/92 BIRTHPLACE: Long Beach, CA RESIDENCE: Los Angeles, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Competed for the USA Women's Junior National at the FINA Junior World Championships in 2011 and 2009, winning bronze in 2009. COLLEGE: Entering her senior year at USC…Helped USC to an NCAA Championship in 2013...Transferred from Cal. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Monte Vista High School…NCS Champions for all four years. PERSONAL: Mother, Maureen O'Toole regarded as one of the greatest to ever play women's water polo. A USAWP Hall of Fame inductee she played on the national team for many years and earned a silver medal in the Sydney Olympics (2000). INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2011 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, TRIESTE, ITALY, 8 TH PLACE 2009 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KHANTY-MANSIYSK, RUSSIA, 3RD PLACE
Kami Craig POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 5'11" HOMETOWN: Santa Barbara, CA EDUCATION: USC 2011 CLUB: Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation BIRTHDAY: 7/21/87 RESIDENCE: Huntington Beach, CA Earned a Silver Medal at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China… One of the top centers in women’s water polo… Played her first professional season in Greece in 2011... Gold Medal recipient at the 2012 Olympics in London, England...Played professionally in Australia in 2012-2013. INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored eight times en route to a bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Recorded six goals for Team USA at the 2012 Olympics in London, earning a gold medal... Second on the team with 10 goals for Team USA at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Second on the team with 12 goals scored in helping Team USA to a Gold Medal and Olympic qualification at the 2011 Pan American Games...Scored six goals shooting 75% from the field in a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Tallied four goals during team's Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China….Added seven goals during the Gold Medal run at 2010 FINA World Cup ... Earned a spot on the 2010 FINA World Cup All Tournament Team...Fired nine goals to help the US take home the Gold during the 2010 FINA World League Super Final... Made the All Tournament Team at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final…Posted two goals at 2009 Holiday Cup...Scored nine goals during Gold Medal run at 2009 FINA World Championships, tied for second most on the team... Scored six goals at the 2008 Olympic Games…Scored four goals during Silver Medal run at 2008 FINA World League Super Final… Registered four scores during 2007 Holiday Cup including two in defeat of Italy 12-8… Anchored Women’s Junior National Team to fourth place finish at 2007 FINA Women’s Junior World Championships…Scored 11 goals during 2007 Pan American Games, including a team high six in 21-3 defeat of Venezuela… Tallied four scores during Super Final 2007… Scored two of USA’s nine goals in the championship game of the 2006 FINA World League… Won gold at 2006 Holiday Cup and 2007 World Championships…As a member of the U.S. Junior National Team, won gold at the 2005 Junior National Championships... Won gold at 2004 Pan-Am Junior Championships... A member of the Youth National Team from 2003-6. PROFESSIONAL: Competed in 2012-2013 for the Perth Torpedoes in Australia...Played her first professional season in Greece in 2011 with Olympiakos. COLLEGE: Winner of the 2009 and 2010 Peter J. Cutino Award as college game’s best player...Capped her career with 36 goals in her senior season…Scored 38 and 40 goals in her sophomore and junior seasons…Fourth in scoring for USC during her freshman season making 38 goals from the tough center position...Named to 2006 MPSF All-Freshman Team… Received All-American honorable mention HIGH SCHOOL: Holds the Santa Barbara High School record for single-season goals (123) and the most goals scored in one game (9)... Named Player of the Year by the LA Times and Santa Barbara News Press... Named CIF MVP and All-American first team as a senior... Won league championship as a freshman at Santa Ynez High School and as a junior at Santa Barbara High... Won CIF title her junior and senior years PERSONAL: Craig majored in Sociology and minored in Occupational Therapy... Has two brothers, Jeff and Tony...Favorite pastime is spending time at Refugio Beach...She started swimming at age 4 and learned to play polo when she was 12…She continues playing the game because she loves the game, loves competing, and feels that she has so much more to learn as a player. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, SAN DIEGO, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 1ST PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, KIRISHI, RUSSIA, 1ST PLACE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA, 2ND PLACE 2008 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TENERIFE, SPAIN, 2ND PLACE 2007 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, PORTO, PORTUGAL, 4TH PLACE 2007 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, MONTREAL, CANADA, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2006 HOLIDAY CUP, LOS ALAMITOS, CA , 1ST PLACE 2006 FINA WORLD LEAGUE, COSENZA, ITALY, 1ST PLACE 2005 JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, PERTH, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2004 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE 2004 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 20
Annika Dries POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 6'1" EDUCATION: Stanford 2014 CLUB: SET BIRTHDAY: 02/10/1992 BIRTHPLACE: San Diego, CA HOMETOWN: Laguna Beach, CA RESIDENCE: Laguna Beach, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Added eight goals, helping secure a bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Scored two goals, assisting to gain Team USA's first Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympics... Scored eight goals in helping Team USA to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Second on the team with ten goals scored as part of a sixth place finish for Team USA at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Tallied three goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Recorded seven goals at the 2010 FINA World Cup...Tallied four goals en route to winning the Gold Medal at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final... Scored 5 goals at 2009 Holiday Cup with Team USA...Won the Women's 20 and Under National Championships with SET (Saddleback El Toro) Water Polo in 2008...Took 4th Place in 2008 and 2nd Place in 2007 at Speedo Top 40. COLLEGE: Currently a member of the Stanford University women’s water polo team…Scored 35 goals in her red-shirt junior season and was named a finalist for the Peter J. Cutino Award...Redshirted the 2012 season to train with Team USA...Named Peter J. Cutino Award winner in 2011...scored a team leading 65 goals in her sophomore season...tallied 35 goals in her freshman campaign. Led Stanford to the 2011 NCAA National Championship…Named MVP of 2011 NCAA Championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Laguna Beach High School...Division II CIF Champions in 2009 and runner-up in 2007...Division II CIF MVP in 2009 and OC Register Player of the Year in 2009. PERSONAL: A jazz pianist who loves music Dries has an interest in science... Majoring in Human Biology at Stanford...An advocate for breast cancer awareness and research she is active in the community with the Pink Ribbon Club Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure effort. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, LA JOLLA, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KHANTY-MANSIYSK, RUSSIA, 3RD PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, KIRISHI, RUSSIA, 1ST PLACE 2008 18U GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2008 20U GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, 1ST PLACE 2007 YOUTH INTERNATIONAL SERIES, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2006 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, MONTREAL, CANADA, 1ST PLACE
Tumua Anae POSITION: Goalkeeper HEIGHT: 5'11" EDUCATION: USC 2010 BIRTHDAY: 10/16/1988 BIRTHPLACE: Honolulu, HI HOMETOWN: Newport Beach, CA RESIDENCE: Newport Beach, CA Member of the Gold Medal Team at the 2012 Olympic Games...Goalkeeper with great eye for the ball...started training with the National Team in 2010 INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Started three games and recorded 32 saves on the way to third place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Assisted Team USA to first place at the 2012 Olympics in London, England... Recorded sixteen saves at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Tallied seven saves in a backup role, helping Team USA to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Logged eight saves as backup goalie en route to a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Recorded eight saves as backup goalie during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China. COLLEGE: Competed for the University of Southern California...Finalist for 2010 Peter J. Cutino Award...2010 NCAA Champion...1st Team All-American...NCAA Tournament 1st Team 2008 and 2009...MPSF All-Tournament 1st Team 2008 and 2009. HIGH SCHOOL: 2005 and 2006 CIF Water Polo Champions Division II...2004 and 2006 CIF Swimming Champions Div II. PERSONAL: She has one sister Jordan who played Water Polo at USC...Co-founder of AnEye 4 AnEye Sports Challenge TV Show. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 21
Jillian Kraus POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5'10" EDUCATION: UCLA 2008 CLUB: SOCAL BIRTHDAY: 12/18/1986 BIRTHPLACE: Newport Beach, CA HOMETOWN: Santa Ana, CA Versatile player that has risen through the National Team pipeline in recent years INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Added two goals en route to a bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Scored 3 goals at 2009 Holiday Cup in Newport Beach, CA... Helped guide the Women’s Junior National Team to medals in 2003 and 2005. PROFESSIONAL: Played for Roma Pallanuoto in Rome, Italy for the 2008-2009 season. COLLEGE: Played collegiately at UCLA winning four consecutive NCAA Championships…Named three-time All-American by ACWPC…MSPF Co-Player of the Year in 2008…Finalist for the Cutino Award…Winner of the Marty Glickman Award for Outstanding Female National Collegiate Athlete. HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Foothill High School…Named CIF Division 1 Player of the Year in 2004…Named Sea View League MVP in 2004…Won 3 consecutive CIF Championships…Named OC Register All-County Team in 2004. PERSONAL: One of Robert and Pamela Kraus' four children...Has served as a volunteer assistant coach with the UC-Irvine Women's Water Polo Team in recent years. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2005 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, PERTH, AUSTRALIA, 1ST PLACE 2004 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE 2003 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ALBERTA, CANADA, 2ND PLACE
Courtney Mathewson POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5'7" EDUCATION: UCLA 2008 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 09/14/1986 BIRTHPLACE: Orange, CA HOMETOWN: Anaheim Hills, CA Won a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games...Strong scoring threat who joined the Senior National Team in 2009. INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored seven goals, helping Team USA to third place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Logged four goals for the team on its way to a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England... Notched four goals for Team USA at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Led the team in scoring with 14 goals on the way to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Scored four goals in the deciding match of the Pan American Games, a 27-26 victory over Canada...Scored five goals as part of a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Tied for team lead with seven goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Tallied six goals at 2010 FINA World Cup...Scored two goals for Team USA at 2010 FINA League Super Final. PROFESSIONAL: Played for Drummoyne Water Polo Club of the Australian National League in 2008-2009…Played for Cablescom EWZ of Zaragoza, Spain in 2009-2010. COLLEGE: Played collegiately at UCLA winning four NCAA Championships…2008 Cutino Award winner…Named MPSF Co-Player of the Year & NCAA Player of the Year in 2008. HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills, CA…Named All-CIF and All-Century League all four years in competition...Played for SOCAL Water Polo club under Dan Klatt and Dave Mikesell PERSONAL: Has one sister, Lauren, who competed on the Loyola Marymount swimming team...Graduated with a Sociology degree…Married to Chris Morinello...Daughter of Sharon and Roger Mathewson. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 22
KK Clark POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 6’2” HOMETOWN: Menlo Park, CA EDUCATION: UCLA 2012 CLUB: NYAC BIRTHDAY: 06/28/90 BIRTHPLACE: Palo Alto, CA RESIDENCE: Long Beach, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Helped Team USA to the bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Won silver competing for the United States at the 2011 World University Games...Played professionally with Roma Pallanuoto (2012-13)…Competes domestically with the New York Athletic Club, starting in 2012. COLLEGE: Graduated from UCLA (2012)...First Team All-American (2012)…First Team All-NCAA Tournament (2012)…First Team All-MPSF (2012)… All-Academic Honors (2012) …169 Goals during her four years at UCLA...Top ten All-Time goal scorer in UCLA history…Fifty-one multiple goal games… NCAA Champions (2009)…Twenty-one NCAA Championship Tournament Career Goals…Three time All-American Honors (2010, 2011, 2012)…Three time All-NCAA Tournament Team (2010, 2011, 2012)…Four time All-MPSF Honors (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)…Played in all 121 UCLA matches during her four years…Team Leader in goals, steals, field blocks, sprints won, goals per game (2012)…Top three MPSF goal scorer with 2.15 goals per game (2012)…Multiple Player of the Week Honors…All-Academic Honors (2010, 2011, 2012)…Daily Bruin female athlete of the year (2012). HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Sacred Heart Prep, Atherton…Two-year varsity water polo and swimming letter-winner under head coaches Ed Samuels and Jon Burke (water polo) and Kevin Morris (swimming)…First-team All-American Honors as a senior (2007)…Two-time first-team All-CIF Central Coast section honoree, scored sixty goals in twenty-four regular season matches as a senior (including 14 goals in six WCAL contests)…total of sixty goals ranked second most among all WCAL scoring leaders…scored two goals in CIF Central Coast Section Division II Championship (2007)…Led team to a 28-1 record (2007)…Guided Sacred Heart Prep to Amanda Invitational title (2007)…Totaled 141 goals through her junior and senior season…Twice honored as the Sacred Herat Prep female co-athlete of the year (junior and senior)…Three-time All-America swimmer as a member of the Sacred Heart Prep’s 200 and 400-meter relay teams…Competed for the Norcal Water Polo Club…Member of U.S. Youth Team (2007)…Member of U.S. twenty and under team (2008). PERSONAL: Full name is Caroline Archer Clark…The youngest of Peter Clark and Jane Dorst Clark’s three daughters…Older sisters, Zizi and Christie, played water polo at UC Santa Barbara…Aunt, Marybeth Dorst, was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Women’s Swimming Team…Uncle, Chris Dorst, was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Water Polo Team and competed for Team USA at the 1984 Olympics…cousins, Lindsay, Rebecca, and Emily Dorst, played or are playing for Cal, UCLA, and Stanford respectively. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 2nd PLACE 2011 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, SHENZHEN, CHINA, 3rd PLACE
W
ater polo is one of the best workouts around, burning a mind-boggling 600 calories per hour according to a recent study in Men's Health Magazine. How's that for tough?
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 23
Kiley Neushul POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5’8” HOMETOWN: Isla Vista, CA EDUCATION: Stanford 2015 CLUB: SBWPC BIRTHDAY: 3/5/93 BIRTHPLACE: Goleta, CA RESIDENCE: Palo Alto, CA INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored seven goals, helping Team USA to bronze at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Served as the alternate at the 2010 FINA World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand...Competed at the 2011 FINA Junior World Championships, finishing in eighth place...Won a bronze medal at the FINA Junior World Championships Khanty-Mansiysk (2009). COLLEGE: Won NCAA Championship with Stanford (2012)…Cutino Award Winner (2012)…ACWPC Player of the Year (2012). HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Dos Pueblos High School… one CIF Southern Section Championship (Div II) ... 3 CIF Southern Section Championships (Div I) ...Four time Southern Section Player of the Year. PERSONAL: Has two sisters named Jamie (18) and Ryann (16)…Her mom, Cathy Neushul, coaches for UC Santa Barbara…Her dad is Peter Neushul. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2011 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, TRIESTE, ITALY, 8TH PLACE 2009 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KHANTY-MANSIYSK, RUSSIA, 3RD PLACE
Kelly Rulon POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5’10" HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA EDUCATION: UCLA 2007 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 8/16/84 BIRTHPLACE: San Diego CA An outstanding scorer who returned to the National Team in 2009. Won a Bronze Medal at the 2004 Olympics and Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Scored five goals on the way to third place at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Recorded four goals at the 2012 Olympics in London... Fired in four goals at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Posted six goals in helping the United States to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Scored twice during a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Tied for team lead with seven goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Registered ten goals at the 2010 FINA World Cup…Tallied six goals, helping Team USA win the Gold at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final… Recorded 4 goals at 2009 Holiday Cup in Newport Beach, CA...Led the offense with 12 goals on 20 shots during Gold Medal run at 2009 FINA World Championships. PROFESSIONAL: Played for Dravolina Nervi in 2008-2009 and was named Foreign Player of the Season for 2008…Played for Roma Pallanuoto in 2007-2008 winning the Len Cup. COLLEGE: Played collegiately at UCLA winning four NCAA Championships (’03, ’05, ’06, ’07)…Redshirted the 2004 season to compete at the Olympic Games...Named Co-Player of the Year in 2005 and NCAA MVP in 2006…2007 Player of the Year and Cutino Award Winner…Holds UCLA and NCAA Record for Most Career Goals. HIGH SCHOOL: Played at University of San Diego High School, now known as Cathedral Catholic High School…Named All-CIF First Team all four years. PERSONAL: Enjoys traveling, the beach, shopping, good music and being with friends and family…younger sister Katie played water polo at UCLA. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1 ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, SAN DIEGO, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROME, ITALY, 1ST PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, KIRISHI, RUSSIA 1ST PLACE 2005 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, MONTREAL, CANADA , 2ND PLACE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES , ATHENS, GREECE, 3RD PLACE 2002 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES , BOCA RATON , FL, 1ST PLACE
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 24
Melissa Seidemann POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 6'0" EDUCATION: Stanford 2013 CLUB: Stanford BIRTHPLACE: Hoffman Estates, IL HOMETOWN: Walnut Creek, CA Gold Medalist of the 2012 Olympics in London, England... 2013 Peter J. Cutino Award winner...Center/Defender with strong post game, defense and ability to hit outside shots INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Tallied seven goals to help Team USA to a third place finish at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Second on the team with seven shots scored at the 2012 Olympic Games... Recorded six goals for Team USA at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Third on the team with 11 goals scored helping the United States to a Gold Medal and Olympic berth at the 2011 Pan American Games...Scored three times during a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Tallied two goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Registered two goals at 2010 FINA World Cup...Scored three goals, helping Team USA take home the Gold at 2010 FINA World League Super Final COLLEGE: Competed for the Stanford University women’s water polo team…Recipient of the Peter J. Cutino Award in 2013...Finished her career with 239 goals, tied for first all-time with USA teammate Lolo Silver...Scored 75 goals in her senior season helping Stanford reach the NCAA Tournament final...Helped the team to the 2011 NCAA Championship...Led the team in scoring as a sophomore with 54 goals and helped squad advance to NCAA title match…As a true freshman led the team in scoring with 59 goals and named MPSF Newcomer of the Year HIGH SCHOOL: Attend College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, CA PERSONAL: Graduated in 2013 with a degree in psychology...Older sister Lauren played water polo at UC-Davis...Younger sister Natalie is on the USA Water Polo Cadet National Team training squad. I NTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, LA JOLLA, CA, 1ST PLACE
Lauren “Lolo” Silver POSITION: Attacker HEIGHT: 5'8" EDUCATION: Stanford 2009 CLUB: New York Athletic Club BIRTHDAY: 01/28/1987 BIRTHPLACE: Long Beach, CA HOMETOWN: Long Beach, CA High scoring attacker with great leadership qualities...a member of the Senior National Team since 2009. INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Second on team in scoring with eight goals in helping Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Named the alternate for the 2011 Pan American Games team...Tallied three goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Leading scorer for Team USA at the 2010 FINA World Cup scoring 11 goals...Fired in seven goals, helping Team USA win the Gold at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final...Leading scorer for Team USA at 2009 Holiday Cup with 6 goals...Captained the 2007 Women's Junior National Team to a fourth place finish in 2007...Member of the Gold Medal winning team at the 2004 Junior Pan American Games...Earned third place at the Women's National Championships with Stanford Water Polo club. PROFESSIONAL: Competed for Het Ravijin of The Netherlands in 2012-2013 winning a Dutch Championship...Played for the club team Drummoyne in Australia IN 2009-2010 leading the league in scorer. COLLEGE: Played collegiately at Stanford University earning All-American status in 2006-2008, and All-MPSF 2006-2009...A finalist for the Cutino Award in 2008...Won an MPSF Championship in 2006...Named Newcomer of the Year in 2006. HIGH SCHOOL: Competed at Wilson High School earning Moore League Player of the Year on three occasions...Three-time All-CIF First Team. PERSONAL: Silver’s Mother, Kathy, swam on the 1976 United States Olympic team, was a World Champion, and an American record-holder...Pursuing a degree in Sociology ...Contemplating a career as a lawyer. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, LA JOLLA, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, KIRISHI, RUSSIA, 1ST PLACE 2007 FINA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, PORTO, PORTUGAL, 4TH PLACE 2004 JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, 1ST PLACE
Maggie SteffensUSA WATER POLO
USAWP 25
POSITION: Defender HEIGHT: 5'9" EDUCATION: Monte Vista High School CLUB: Diablo Water Polo BIRTHDAY: 06/04/1993 BIRTHPLACE: San Ramon, CA HOMETOWN: Danville, CA RESIDENCE: Danville, CA Gold Medalist and MVP at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England... Youngest player on the team INTERNATIONAL/CLUB: Led the team with nine goals scored en route to a third place finish at the 2013 FINA World League Super Final...Led the team to a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England with twenty-one goals... Named MVP at the 2012 Olympics... Set a record for most goals in an Olympic Games with 21....Tied a record for most goals in an Olympic match and set a record for most goals in an Olympic debut with seven against Hungary... Team lead with eleven goals at the 2012 FINA World League Super Final... Posted six goals on the way to a Gold Medal and Olympic qualification at the 2011 Pan American Games...Tallied the winning goal in the 20th round of an epic shootout to defeat Canada 27-26 for the Gold Medal at the Pan American Games...Scored five times en route to a sixth place finish at the 2011 FINA World Championships...Registered five goals during Gold Medal run at 2011 FINA World League Super Final in Tianjin, China...Added four goals to help Team USA take home the Gold at 2010 FINA World Cup...Scored five goals, including the winning goal against Australia in the Final match at 2010 FINA World League Super Final...Scored 2 goals at 2009 Holiday Cup...Club Championship Champions with Diablo...Three-time Junior Olympic champion...Threetime Junior Olympic Co-MVP...Florida International Tournament champion. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Monte Vista High School...League champions 2007 - 2009...NCS champions 2007 - 2010...undefeated in 2008...Top 100 athlete 2007 - 2009... Scholarathlete award 2009 AND 2010, NCS MVP 2010...Water Polo Player of the Year 2009...Monte Vista Rookie of the Year 2007...Monte Vista offensive player 2009. COLLEGE: Completed her freshman year at Stanford University scoring 60 goals...Named a finalist for the Peter J. Cutino Award...Helped Stanford reach the NCAA Tournament Final. PERSONAL: From a family of about 45 cousins, most are successful athletes. Most of her uncles and cousins played water polo. Her older sister Jessica played on the Senior National Team from 2007-2012. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, BEIJING, CHINA, 3RD PLACE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1ST PLACE 2012 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, CHANGSHU, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2011 PAN AMERICAN GAMES, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, 1ST PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 6TH PLACE 2011 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, TIANJIN, CHINA, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD CUP, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 1ST PLACE 2010 FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL, LA JOLLA, CA, 1ST PLACE 2009 HOLIDAY CUP, NEWPORT BEACH, CA, 2ND PLACE 2009 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KHANTY-MANSYSK, RUSSIA, 3RD PLACE 2009 CANADA CUP, MONTREAL, CANADA, 1ST PLACE
2012 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 26
USA Women’s Coaching Staff Adam Krikorian, Head Coach Since taking over the Women’s Senior National Team, Adam Krikorian has been just about perfect. From his arrival in 2009 Team USA has competed in eight major FINA Championships and come away with Gold in seven. This includes the 2009 FINA World Championship, the 2010 FINA World Cup (a first for Team USA after 31 years), four FINA World League Super Final crowns, and most recently an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2012 games. He’s helped the United States maintain a numberone world ranking for the majority of his tenure and was honored in 2013 with the USOC National Coach of Year Award, only the second water polo coach to receive the honor. Krikorian was named head coach of the USA Water Polo Women’s Senior National Team on March 27, 2009. He had been head coach of the UCLA men’s and women’s programs for 10 years prior. A standout player at UCLA from 1992 to 1995, Krikorian captained the squad in his final year, leading UCLA to the 1995 Men’s NCAA Championship, the school’s first title in 23 years. Krikorian has earned National Women’s Water Polo Coach of the Year honors five times: 2001 and from 2005 through 2008. He also received National Men’s Coach of the Year honors in 2004 after leading the UCLA men’s program to its eighth overall NCAA championship. He has guided the women’s team to seven national championships, six sanctioned by the NCAA, including a string of five consecutive titles. In addition he’s piloted the men’s program to three NCAA titles; two of the three came as he served as co-head coach with Guy Baker. Krikorian graduated from UCLA with a psychology degree and a business administration emphasis in June 1997. In May 2001 Krikorian married Anicia Mendez, a four-year Bruin letter-winner in varsity tennis who completed her MBA at UCLA. Adam and Anicia reside in Manhattan Beach, CA, with their
son, Jack (born July 2006) and daughter Annabel (born June 2009).
Dan Klatt, Assistant Coach Dan Klatt—a 2004 Olympian and head coach of the UC-Irvine Women’s Water Polo Team—joined the USA Women’s Senior National Team staff as an assistant coach in April 2010. In 2013 Klatt was named head coach of the USA Water Polo Women’s Junior National Team. Klatt led the Senior “B” Team to a first-place finish at the Canada Cup in late 2009 and returned to the national team scene after a decorated playing career. Klatt is a 2001 graduate of UC-Irvine and helped guide the Anteaters to a Big West Tournament Championship in 2011 and 2012 and an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. He competed with the USA Men’s Senior National Team during the early 2000s and was part of the group that took home a seventh-place finish at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Chris Oeding, Assistant Coach Chris Oeding was named an assistant coach of the Women’s Senior National Team in the Spring of 2013. A two-time Olympian and captain of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Water Polo Team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Oeding also is head coach of men’s and women’s water polo teams at Long Beach (CA) City College, as well as the school’s swimming and diving teams. In 13 seasons at LBCC, Oeding has piled up more than 300 victories and five state championships with both the men’s and women’s teams. His standout credentials include his playing career. Oeding was a three-time high school All-American while at Corona Del Mar (CA) High School and in 1988 was named CIF Player of the Year. He went on to play at Cal (Berkeley) where he was a three-time All-American and helped lead the Golden Bears to three straight NCAA championships. In 1992, he was named NCAA Co-Player of the Year. From 1993 to 2000, Oeding was a member of the U.S. National Water Polo team and was named captain in 1997. He competed in two Olympics and helped the U.S. finish seventh at the 1996 Atlanta games and sixth at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Oeding received his bachelor’s degree from Cal in 1994 and earned his master’s from Azusa Pacific.
Jen Adams Team Leader Jen Adams-Funakura joined USA Water Polo in November 2009 as the Women’s Senior National Team Manager. In this role Jen is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Women’s Senior National Team. She works closely with the head coach, assistant coaches, and athletes in the areas of calendar management, travel, scheduling facilities, events, fundraising, and compliance. Jen serves as liaison for the National Team to the other departments within USA Water Polo and functions as team leader and head of delegation on all international and domestic trips. Jen earned her B.A. in economics from the University of California, Irvine and recently completed her MBA and MS in sport management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While attending UMass, Jen had the opportunity to work on projects with Octagon and Major League Baseball. Prior to working for USA Water Polo, Jen was an intern with the Los Angeles Galaxy and a sales specialist at Recreational Equipment, Inc. Jen married Justin Funakura in November of 2011. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, photography, and cheering on the Angels,Chargers, and LA Kings.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 27
Glossary of Water Polo Terms Advantage rule: A rule permitting the referee to refrain from declaring a foul if, in his/her judgment, such a declaration would give the advantage to the defending team. Counterattack: A term used to describe fast-break transition play. Generally it is used to set up a half-court offense or to exploit a man advantage over the opponent’s defense for a high-percentage shot. Corner throw: A corner throw is awarded to the offense when a defending goalkeeper is the last to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds at either end of the pool. The offensive player puts the ball into play at the two-meter mark on the side nearest to where the ball went out Dribble: The method a player uses to swim with the ball. Driver/Attacker: A player who normally tries to get away from his defender in the front court by quick, explosive swimming. Drivers are field players who specialize in driving skills and quick shooting techniques. Drivers must be extremely quick swimmers and have above average hand-eye coordination. They also are responsible for considerable defensive pressure. Dry pass: A pass made from one player to another where the ball is caught without touching the water. Eggbeater: The alternating leg kick that enables players to lift themselves vertically out of the water. Exclusion (Ejection): A foul that results with an offending player being excluded from the game for 20 seconds. Free throw: When a player is fouled by a defender, he receives a free throw. This is a pass that the defender may not block or interfere with in any manner. The player receiving a free throw must put the ball in play, either by passing to a teammate, dribbling the ball or tossing it in the air to himself/herself. Front court: The area of the pool in front of the goal. Game clock: The clock that displays the time remaining in the period. Goalkeeper (goalie): A player whose primary responsibility is to defend the goal. He/she may use two hands inside five-meters to defend against shots by the opposing team. Hole: The area in front of the goal between the two- and four-meter lines. Thus the center forward who plays in this position is generally called the “hole set.” Shots taken by this player are called “hole shots” and the defender is called the “hole guard.” Impeding: It is an ordinary foul to push, push off from or hamper the free limb movement of, or to impede in any way, an opponent who has not gained an offensive advantage and who is not holding the ball. Inside water: An offensive advantage that exists when an offensive player is positioned between the goal he/she is attacking and the defender. A five-meter foul should be called if the offensive player is held, sunk or pulled back when he is in control of the ball and is maintaining inside water while on or inside the five-meter line. It is a major foul if the offensive player is held, sunk or pulled back when he/she has inside water outside the five-meter line whether in control of the ball or not. Lob shot: A deceptive, high-arching shot that is intended to pass over the goalie’s hands and under the crossbar. Man-down (also Player-down): The time of play in which a defending team has one less player, normally due to an exclusion. Man-up (also Player-up): The time of play in which the offensive team has a player advantage, most often a six player on five situation following a defensive player’s exclusion (also called 6 on 5). Neutral throw: A “jump ball” awarded by the referee. Neutral throws generally occur when two players commit a foul at the same time. The referee will award a neutral throw by requiring two players from opposing teams to face each other, at which point he/she blows the whistle and throws the ball into the air between them. Personal foul: A foul that results in exclusion and/or a penalty shot. Any player committing three personal fouls is excluded from the remainder of the game.
USA WATER POLO
USAWP 28
Penalty shot: A shot awarded to the offense when a defender commits a major foul within five-meters of his/her own goal. Any offensive field player currently in the pool may take a free shot at the goal when the referee blows the whistle. The selected player may shoot from no closer than five-meters and may NOT fake or delay. The defending goalkeeper may not move to block the shot until the referee blows the whistle. Pick: This term describes the method for an offensive player to free himself/herself momentarily from his/her defender. This is accomplished by swimming so close to another offensive player, that the defender swims into the offensive teammate by mistake, allowing the attacking player to be open for an instant. Possession (shot) clock: The clock that displays the time of possession in which a team must take a shot (also called shot clock or 30-second clock). Press: A type of defense in which everyone is covered tightly. Red: The period of time immediately prior to the expiration of the shot/possession clock or game clock. Some teams yell “RED” when either of these clocks indicates 10 seconds or less. Re-entry area (penalty area): The location of the pool behind each goal line, where a penalized player must await re-entry after an exclusion. Skip shot: A shot designed to skip off the water into the goal. Because of water turbulence, the angle of the shot is somewhat unpredictable and difficult to stop by the goalkeeper. Slough (also Drop): The action taken by a defender when he/she moves away from his/her opponent to help defend in another area. Sprint: The manner in which a water polo game begins each quarter. Each team lines up at the end-line or at the two-meter line to start. When the referee blows his whistle, the two players closest to the referee sprint toward the ball, which is dropped on the halfway line. When possible, the ball will be placed in a pull-start ring at the center of the pool, for two players to sprint toward. Strong side: The side of the pool in which the ball is located. Tackling: Holding, sinking, grabbing and pulling back a player who is “holding the ball” is not a foul as long as it is NOT done in a manner likely to injure the offensive player. The focus of the defender must be the ball. Two-meter player: A name given to the player who is located on or about the two-meter line in front of the opposing team’s goal. This individual is also called a hole set or center forward. Weak side: The side of the pool opposite of where the ball is located. Wet pass: A pass from one player to another that lands on the water, within the reach of the receiving player. Wet shot: A shot that originates with the ball on the water. Zone defense: A type of defense in which players are assigned an area to defend. Defensive players must assume responsibility for covering any offensive player entering that particular zone or area.
USA
is the only country to win medals in both Olympic Games in the women's competition.
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A Guide to Understanding Water Polo Water polo can be a confusing game for spectators. The whistle is constantly blowing and the play never stops, even when someone is excluded. In addition, there are several misconceptions about the game, including how the players keep their horses swimming. Well hang in there, because the following information should help to make the picture much clearer. The standard course for a water polo game is 30 x 20 meters, but non-championship games may be played in a pool not less than 20 x 10 meters. The pool should be all deep, with championship games played in a minimum depth of two meters. Goals are positioned at each end of the course. Each team has seven players. Six are field players and one goalkeeper, who guards a 0.9 meter high by 3 meter wide (approximately three feet by 10 feet) goal at the end of the field of play. The object of the game is to throw a ball into the opponent's goal and to prevent members of the opposing team from scoring on your goal. The ball is advanced by throwing it or swimming with it. The major restrictions are that a player cannot touch the ball with both hands at the same time (the goalkeeper is an exception to this rule) or strike the ball with a closed fist. Each contest consists of four eight-minute quarters. The offensive team has 30 seconds of actual playing time to take a shot at the goal, or else it loses possession of the ball. Possession (shot) clocks indicate the number of seconds remaining before a team can lose possession. The two-meter line, visible on each side of the pool, delineates the distance from the goal. The offensive team may not pass this line unless preceded by or accompanied by the ball. The five-meter line is a second mark visible along the side of the pool. Should an offensive player who has possession of the ball and is moving toward the goal be fouled inside this line, he/she may be awarded a penalty shot from the five-meter line. A penalty shot is awarded by the referee. The offensive player faces the goalkeeper across five meters of water. When the whistle sounds and the referee makes a hand signal, the player takes a shot at the goal. The five-meter line also marks a point when fouls are committed beyond five-meters, the player fouled may either take a free throw or a direct shot on goal if taken immediately, without faking. The center line mark indicates the center of the field of play. To start each quarter, the ball is placed on the center line and the teams race from their respective goal lines for possession. After a goal, the teams line up on the center line, each in their respective sides, to restart play. Fouls play an important part in the strategy of water polo. Much of a team's effort will often go into inducing its opponents to commit fouls. There are three kinds of fouls: ordinary, exclusion and penalty. Ordinary Fouls are assessed for:
touching the ball with two hands (field players outside of five-meters) taking the ball underwater when tackled impeding the progress of an opponent in possession of the ball who is not holding the ball pushing off an opponent failing to shoot at the goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession or failure to advance the ball (also called stalling)
For ordinary fouls, the opposing team receives the ball at the point of the foul or at the spot of the ball or from the location of the ball if it is further from the defending teams goal. If the foul was committed inside the two meter line, the free throw must be taken from the two meter line. The player taking the free throw has approximately 3 seconds to put the ball into play. If the ball is not put in play with this amount of time, the team may be charged with delay of game and the opposing team may be awarded the ball.
water polo ball
s are the size and weight of a #5 soccer ball and can be thrown at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
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Exclusion Fouls are assessed for:
interfering with a free throw impeding or pushing off of an opponent before a free throw, goal throw, corner throw or penalty throw is taken committing an act of misconduct by using foul language or violent or persistent foul play that is unacceptable within the Spirit of the Rules and that is likely to bring the game into disrepute intentionally splashing an opponent refusing obedience or showing disrespect to an official or referee holding, sinking or pulling back an opponent not holding the ball committing an overly aggressive ordinary foul committing an act of brutality, such as intentional kicking or striking an opponent or making disproportionate movements with that intent
An exclusion foul is punished by the award of a free throw to the opposing team and the exclusion of the player who committed the foul. The excluded player must move to the re-entry area, located out of bounds nearest to the players own goal line (located near the team bench side of the pool), without leaving the pool or interfering with play. The excluded player, or a substitution, shall be permitted to return after 20 seconds of actual playing time, from the time of the foul, after a goal has been scored, or after a change of possession, whichever is shortest. A player is removed from the remainder of the game with substitution after committing three exclusion fouls. An act of brutality is defined as kicking or striking or attempting to strike or kick an opponent or official with malicious intent. The offending player is removed from the remainder of the game (with substitution after four minutes), leaving the team of the offending player with one less player than the opponent (for those four minutes). An exclusion leaves one team short-handed, seven players to six. Many goals are scored during exclusions. The game strategy of most teams is to induce the defensive team to commit exclusion fouls. Rather than taking shots on the goal, some teams will patiently work for an exclusion, so as to be able to attack the goal with a one-man advantage. When that happens, most teams will go into a “zone defense,” whereby each player covers a pre-assigned section of water rather than a particular offensive player. Penalty Fouls are assessed for:
a defending player committing any foul within the five-meter area but for which a goal would probably have resulted a defending player committing an act of brutality within the five-meter area an excluded player to intentionally interfering with play an excluded player or a substitute re-entering improperly during the last minute of the game the coach of the team not in possession of the ball to request a time out
A penalty foul is punished by the award of a penalty throw to the offended team. A penalty throw is a direct shot at the goal and shall be taken by any player of the team to which it is awarded, except the goalkeeper, from any point on the opponent’s five-meter line. Much of the action in front of the goal consists of the offensive team passing the ball to the center forward, who plays a position between the two goal posts and the opponents two and five-meter lines. The object is to draw exclusion fouls that will give the offensive team a six-on-five advantage. Most goals in water polo are scored in this situation. A “counterattack” occurs when a team receives the ball and springs down the pool at top speed, hoping to score before the defenders can get organized and set up their front court defense. Counterattacks also tend to produce exclusion fouls. When facing a advantage or with a scoring threat, many defenders will simply pull back the offensive player by the legs or swimsuit. Goals are scored when the ball completely passes between the front of the goal posts. It need not slam into the back of the net, although the usual shot sails into the goal at tremendous speeds, sometimes exceeding 60 mph.
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USA Water Polo Media Services Media seeking additional information on USA Water Polo may contact USA Water Polo Media Relations Greg Mescall O—714-500-5455 C—732-895-1833
[email protected] 2013 USA Water Polo World Championship Media Guide Compiled by: Greg Mescall, USA Water Polo Each athlete or coach provided biographical information to the editor. Photos courtesy Michael Larsen, Jeff Cable, US Presswire Website The official website is www.usawaterpolo.org. This site offers online membership, corporate information, sponsor links, information on national and international events, articles on water polo at all levels, merchandise pages, club information and much more. Each day, www.usawaterpolo.org averages over 150,000 hits. Other Useful Links Water Polo World
www.waterpolo-world.com
News on international water polo
United States Olympic Committee
www.teamusa.org
Features and highlights on all Olympic sports
USOC Pressbox
www.usocpressbox.org
Summary stories on Olympic sports
USA WATER POLO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER 11360 Valley Forge Avenue Los Alamitos, CA 90720 1-562-799-8506 office 1-562-799-8508 fax www.usawaterpolo.org
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About United States Aquatic Sports
United States Aquatic Sports (USAS) is the FINA recognized governing body for aquatic sports in the United States. USAS is comprised of representatives from USA Diving, USA Swimming, US Synchronized Swimming, USA Water Polo and US Masters Swimming. Correspondence intended for USAS should be sent to the following address: United States Aquatic Sports c/o USA Swimming 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, Colorado phone 719-866-4578 fax 719-866-4669. President Jim WOOD, from USA Swimming Vice President Bill SMITH, from USA Water Polo Vice President Steve McFARLAND, from USA Diving Secretary Laurette LONGMIRE, from USA Synchro Treasurer Tom BOAK, from US Masters Swimming Chef de Mission of Delegation: Penny TAYLOR, member of 1948 US Olympic Swim Team (
[email protected] ) Chef de Mission of Delegation: Betty HAZLE, past President of USA Synchro (
[email protected] ) USAS Media Officer: Gregory D. EGGERT, member of the FINA Press Commission (
[email protected])
CREDITS The 2013 FINA World Championships Team USAS Media Guide was written and edited by the following individuals: Greg MESCALL, USA Water Polo Dax LOWERY, US Synchronized Swimming Karen LINHART, John MARTIN, USA Swimming Jennifer LOWERY, USA Diving Matt LUPTON, Front Cover Design
