The World’s Greatest USA Women Top Canada To Win Gold In Rome

VOLUME 24, NUMBER 3, FALL 2009

2009 Academic All-Americans Inside What’s Inside...

VOL. 24, NUM. 3, Fall 2009

USA National Office The World’sUSA Women Greatest Top Canada To Win Gold In Rome ON THE cover . . 2124 Main Street, Suite 240 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 USA Women Win Gold (714) 500-5445 business In Rome Inside Water...... 2 (714) 500-5449 membership Cover photos courtesy (714) 960-2431 fax of photo courtesy US Presswire/ Alberto Lingria. Water Polo Times ...... 4 USA WATER POLO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER 11360 Valley Forge Ave. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 5 Meters...... 22 (562) 799-8506 business (562) 799-8508 fax 2009 Academic All-Americans Inside WEB SITE In the Area...... 26 www.usawaterpolo.org Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ramsey Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Also In This Issue... Chelsea Johnson Director of OLYMPIC Development Junior World Director of Sport Development Championships...... 6 Scott Tanner Regional Director of Sport Development – East Liz Grimes National Senior Games. . . 16 Controller Ulises Sam Academic Events Manager Kate Strand All-Americans ...... 18 Media Relations Manager Greg Mescall Hot Shots...... 20 National Teams OPERATIONS Manager and Marcy Crouch win their third world title Speedo Top 40 & Membership Services Manager Drew Willems Speedo Cup Preview. . . .28 Olympic Development Coordinator World Randi Burch Video Coordinator Jeanine Baca Championships Look Ahead... National Teams Coordinator Ashley Papenbrock pg8 Next Issue Finance Coordinator >Holiday Cup recap Fay Hu Receptionist Sarah Stern Board of Directors Michael Graff (Chairman), Jeremy Laster, Ed Reynolds, William Smith, Lee, Robert Sternfels EDITOR Greg Mescall Contributors Darcy Couch, Chris Oeding, Jason Lynch, Jim Cullingham, Mary Pat Robinson, >Speedo Cup results Joan Gould, Ed Haas, Summit Photography, Sally Olds, Jeff Shewmon, Tracy Birdsell, Kevin Burke, Fotos FPN, Fotos Hugo Rocha, Michael Duffy, Gwen Golub, Michael Machnik, George Stransky, Mike Miller, Stan Schwimer, Karina Cordisco, Stuart Sheldon, Jordan Eickman PRINTING Publication Printers 2001 S. Platte River Dr., Denver, CO 80223 | 303-936-0303 CREATIVE Adrenalin, Inc. 54 West 11th Ave., Denver, CO 80204 pg10 303-454-8888 | goadrenalin.com Junior

USA Water Polo Skip Shot Magazine (ISSN# 15507580) is published four times per year by United States Water Polo, Inc., located at 2124 Main Street, Suite 210, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Periodicals postage is paid at Olympics Huntington Beach, CA 92648 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Skip Shot Magazine, Stanford welcomes the world’s largest United States Water Polo, Inc., 2124 Main Street, Suite 210, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 water polo tournament usawaterpolo.org 1 letter from the CEO, Christopher Ramsey

USA WATER POLO INSIDE WATER

A Water Polo Star Who Helped Us Bridge the Gap

Donald Fisher, a true giant in the world of water polo, has Is Power Program (KIPP) of charter schools, to Teach for America, and to passed away. Fisher played water polo at Lowell High School USA Water Polo. His generosity touched hundreds of thousands of lives. and UC Berkeley. He was a terrific athlete who almost made the I spoke with Fisher often the last couple of years about the challenges we Olympic team and never failed to appreciate the value of com- faced competing internationally. He came to the Olympic games in Beijing petition in business and in sport. Indeed, he was founder of the and cheered us on, delighted especially by the Cinderella run to a silver Gap clothing empire, and namesake of the USAWP “Fisher Cup.” medal by our men’s team. It was truly wonderful how much he cared about He was an American success story—a rare man who saw oppor- our work. tunity in adversity. Early one Saturday a few months ago I was having breakfast at a restau- “I didn’t plan to go into the clothing business,” Don said in an article in rant when my cell phone rang. I didn’t immediately recognize the number Cal’s alumni magazine. “I was just fortunate to have a bit of bad luck.”. but stepped outside to answer the call. It was Don. He told me he’d just finished reviewing the work that McKinsey & Company had done for us With no retail experience, he realized a chance when he and his wife on growing our sport. Doris tried to exchange a pair of ill-fitting Levi’s jeans and couldn’t find a store in the city that carried all sizes, according to the San Francisco “That’s all fine,” he said, “but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. I go Chronicle. So they bought a shop in San Francisco that sold blue jeans to my granddaughter’s swim meets all the time. Just set up a card table and records, invested $63,000, and called it the Gap—Doris’ shorthand for with a water polo sign-up sheet outside the chain link fence, and you’ll “generation gap.” He used college athletes as his first sales force, and the have more young players than you know what to do with!” Gap grew into a worldwide chain. Don loved water polo. He was excited about our prospects, about instill- In a 2002 memoir, Fisher described being caught cheating on an ing Olympic ideals in all of our coaches and players, and about our hopes industrial-relations exam by Clark Kerr, then a Cal professor and later the for a state-of-the-art national aquatic stadium. He told me that water polo university president. Kerr gave him an F but didn’t expel him, which Fisher had given him a great deal in his life—but what an inspirational example called an “act of mercy” for which he was forever grateful. he gave to us. C.R. He was a generous man. He amassed an astonishing collection of mod- ern art and gave it to the San Francisco Museum of Art. He gave money to Huntington Beach the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to Cal and Princeton, to the Knowledge

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you have a comment or question concerning Skip Shot magazine, send in a letter to the editor. You can write to Skip Shot Magazine: c/o USA Water Polo, 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or send an email to: [email protected] 2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Speedo Top 40 PACE Coaches Conference October 23-25, 2009 December 11-13, 2009 Los Alamitos, CA Newport Beach, CA Speedo Cup 7th Annual USA Water November 14-16, 2009 Polo Golf Tournament Ann Arbor, MI Championships Holiday Cup December 18, 2009 Mission Viejo, CA December 9 – 13, 2009 Newport Beach, CA 2 4 USA WATER POLO WATER POLOTIMES Water Polo National Teams. The comprehensive four-year agreement agreement four-year comprehensive The Teams. National Polo Water News Briefs clubs by providing more opportunities for club competition through through competition club for opportunities more providing by clubs of management the in Controller. Sam, Ulises and Manager, Development role Olympic Baker, key a Guy includes now which Polo fills Water USA Scott Program, Finance. Development as and Olympic Polo’s the WaterMarketing, with USA efforts his rationalize integrate and and sets leverage to team executive the initia on Marketing. Report McKinsey by the outlined as implementing c) forge partnerships and prioritizing for tives that responsible a) be target regional will growth, b) enhance Scott the water polo brand, andservices, be and managing and membership/club data, Ramsey events, to national of staff memberthe programs, addition In Chris sport. the CEO of growth to overall the report for responsible will He Development. Sport of R Water P S 2012 Olympic Games Enter Partnership Through USA Water Polo and KT Tape vice-chair of the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee. FINA is the the is FINA Committee. Polo Water Technical FINA the of vice-chair Championships earlier this month. Foster began his term in September September in term his began Foster month. this earlier Championships Masters Championships. All USA Water Polo members will be able to to able be will members Polo Water USA All Championships. Masters includes and Games Olympic London 2012 the through extend will iaca spot o UA ae Pl, rdc fr h tann and training the for product Polo, Water USA for support financial chosen as the Official Kinesiology Tape of USA Water Polo and USA Polo USA Water of Tape Kinesiology Official the as chosen common water polo injuries. polo water common education and training on the proper use of KT Tape in the treatment of treatment the in Tape KT of use proper the on training and education for support and program, Team National the of needs competition Bureau at its General Congress in Rome, Italy, at the 2009 FINA World FINA 2009 the at Italy, Rome, in Congress General its at Bureau nominated by United States Water Polo and was approved by the FINA FINA the by approved was and Polo Water States United by nominated and will run until 2013. until run will and annual championships such as the Junior Olympics, Speedo Cup, and and Cup, Speedo Olympics, Junior the as such championships annual ucae T ae ih n xlsv dson, n mmes il have will members and discount, exclusive an with Tape KT purchase international governing body for Olympic aquatic sports. Foster was was Foster sports. aquatic Olympic for body governing international co F ichard Sot eeomn wl epaie upr fr S Wtr Polo Water USA for support emphasize will development “Sport of members other with work will Scott member, team vital a As Director as team executive Polo’s Water USA joins Tanner Scott USA Water Polo and Lumos, Inc., announced that KT Tape has been been has Tape KT that announced Inc., Lumos, and Polo Water USA Former USA Water Polo President Richard Foster has been appointed appointed been has Foster Richard President Polo Water USA Former tt T tt anner t anner o l o S po oster A Head US o Head rt D rt evel op ppointed to FINA T A ment W echnical - -

@KTTape on Twitter and become a fan on the KT Tape Facebook Page Page Facebook Tape KT the on fan a become and Twitter on @KTTape Water Polo. “After extensive testing we found that KT Tape was was Tape KT that found we testing extensive “After Polo. Water Tape offers their athletes and members. We look forward to working with with working to forward look We members. and athletes their Tapeoffers daughters Morgan and Bailey. and Morgan daughters two and Marcy wife his with CA, Forest, Lake in resides He Industry Travel Association. California the of board the of chairman past immediate of years Re two career. his past marketing the for the group Disneyland Sports provided Disney coast also the west the He for support Disney, partnerships. brand airline Downtown and oversaw for also Hotels, he sort role marketing this In tactical efforts. and offline and group on and all conventions, for and sales meetings trade, travel including Disneyland channels the at distribution sales marketing all in marketing the for responsible distribution Anaheim, in Resort of director as served cently us goals.” help these to achieve USA experiences valuable of host said a with along environment,” set skill tremendous rewarding safe, fun, Water a Polo CEO in Christopher Ramsey, “and potential I think Scott Tanner their highest bringsachieve to a athletes USAWP all helping offerings, other and leagues variety of taping techniques, please visit www.kttape.com. Follow Follow www.kttape.com. visit please techniques, taping of variety partnership This needed. athletes our support and stability the vide cation, support and education for referees, and fairness in the application application the in fairness and referees, for education and support cation, of the rules. We are confident that he will serve our sport well.” sport our serve will he that We confident are rules. of the communi open to committed is “Rich Polo.Water USA of CEO Ramsey, or national level, and KT Tape is the best kinesiology tape we’ve found.” tape kinesiology best Tape KT the is and level, or national or using harmful chemicals or medications. or medications. chemicals harmful or using Roma ’09 and at the S&R Sport Junior Olympics. KT Tape is used used is Tape KT Olympics. Junior Sport S&R the at and ’09 Roma c ta w cn eed n o ep hm n h gm ad lyn at playing and game the in them keep to on depend can we that uct ment to international water polo in this important role,” said Christopher Christopher role,” said important this in polo water international mentto for the players: “We are serious about our commitment to keep athletes athletes keep to commitment our about serious are “We players: the for sport that is played under some of the harshest conditions for a tape. We tape. a for conditions harshest the of some under played is that sport support before, during, and after activity without restricting motion motion restricting without activity after and during, before, support at www.facebook.com/kttape. are pleased that USA Water Polo has recognized the advantages that KT KT that advantages the recognized has Polo Water USA that pleased are healthy and help them perform at their very best. Water polo is a great great a is polo Water best. very their at perform them help and healthy to have access to the best equipment, whether they play at the local local the at play they whether equipment, best the to access have to to apply. KT Tape is the only solution that provides pain relief and and relief pain provides that easy solution and only fast the is and is Tape strips pre-cut KT apply. in comes to It best. their perform to players.” the serve and sport promote to the them pro and water the in on stay would that tape kinesiology USA only Officer, the Executive Chief Ramsey, Christopher said peak,” their is a great fit for USA Water Polo because we want all our athletes athletes our all want we because Polo Water USA for fit great a is by athletes in virtually all sports to enhance athletic performance performance athletes enabling athletic while enhance injuries to common sports treating and all preventing virtually by in athletes by “We are delighted to have someone with Rich’s experience and commit and experience Rich’s with someone have to delighted “Weare Or em ae akd t h tp f h sot ad e ed prod a need we and sport, the of top the at ranked are teams “Our A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Tanner is is Tanner Knoxville, at Tennessee of University the of graduate A re most Tanner Company, Disney Walt the of veteran 27-year A John D. Mackay, President of Lumos, Inc., echoed Ramsey’s support support Ramsey’s echoed Inc., Lumos, of President Mackay, D. John For a complete list of retailers and videos demonstrating a wide wide a demonstrating videos and retailers of list complete a For KT Tape recently premiered at the XII Fina World Championships Championships World Fina XII the at premiered recently Tape KT ater P olo C ommittee ------

Trials, and currently serves as president of United States Aquatic Sports. Sports. Aquatic States of United president as serves currently and Trials, and thrilled to get the word out to our membership about this this about membership our to out word the support get providing organization.” their outstanding to to for grateful committed thrilled 50 are are We than and they services. more and Polo, for products Water needs USA outstanding other like and and, homes years their finance help people been has ing Air “Sea Polo. Water USA of CEO Ramsey, Christopher products. loan low-rate and savings, on rates high services, financial credit union’scompetitive the of advantage take to eligible becoming by benefit FCU Air membership Sea Union Credit new join who Members FCU. every Air Sea at Watermember USAPolo a by for opened Polo Water USA $25, to to up memberships, directly new match will union making credit The athletes. agreement, members and Polo Water USA all sponsorship for Union Credit four-year Official the FCU a Air Sea signed have CA, Beach, US within the Long Beach Sports Council and the Sports Council, and Council, the Los Sports Angeles Council the Long Sports Beach within chaired the local organizing committee for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Swim Swim Olympic U.S. 2004 the for committee organizing local the chaired He practices law through his own firm based in Seal Beach, CA. Beach, Seal in based firm own his lawthrough He practices and Loyola from Law degrees the University of School. California Southern served as president served of USA Water Polo from 1990 to to 1996 and 2006 2000 as as well as on from of1992 the board the United Olympic States Committee to 1996. The Southern California native has also held a variety of positions ofpositions also held ahasvariety native California to 1996. TheSouthern “Credit unions provide important financial services for many,” said said many,” for services financial important provide unions “Credit Seal of (FCU) Union Credit Federal Air Sea and Polo Water USA Foster is a veteran of water polo and the aquatics community, having having community, aquatics the and polo water of veteran a is Foster Foster is a graduate of Long Beach State University, with advanced advanced with University, State Beach Long of graduate a is Foster A Water P o l o A nn n ou c e Sea A s Sea ir Federal Credit Uni Credit ir Federal -

Aleksander Sostar (SRB), Mohie Wahid Farid (EGY), and Bureau Liaison Liaison Bureau and (EGY), (ESP), Farid Wahid Mohie (SRB), Sostar Ibern Aleksander Manuel (GER), Firoiu Niculae (KAZ), Kryukov Andrey those needs as best we can,” stated Michael Pardon, president of Sea Air Union. Air Credit Federal Sea situation of president Pardon, member’s Michael stated meet can,” to every we here best and as you needs serve recognizing those to eager do, are we and can unique, and we different is Union all Credit about Federal all learn Air Sea to encourage contact We to Polo People. Water USA Helping of People qual members of provide philosophy to the union continue fulfill pri to our two, credit to and of membership; one, growing our to union; services two credit financial ity a fulfills as relationship missions USA This the mary stage. represent that international families the their on and athletes talented these port Teams programs. National go the to will event the from proceeds Stones, the TV be commentator and jumper. Olympic Dwight high All will speaker keynote year’s This Club. Golf Trabuco Arroyo at 18th December sponsor for the 7th USAAnnual Water Polo Golf Tournament scheduled for (ALG), Jorge Pagura (BRA), Bill Shaw (CAN), Khosrow Amini (IRI), (IRI), Amini Khosrow (CAN), Shaw Bill (BRA), Pagura Jorge (ALG), Dimitris Diathesopoulos (GRE). Diathesopoulos Dimitris Evgeny Sharanov (RUS), Haluk Toygarli (TUR), G.O. Martin (HUN), (HUN), Martin G.O. (TUR), Toygarli Haluk (RUS), Sharanov Evgeny Gianni Lonzi (ITA), Vice Chairman Richard Foster (USA), Honorary Honorary (USA), Foster Richard Chairman Vice (ITA), Lonzi Gianni Secretary John Whitehouse (AUS), Members Boukezouha Badreddine Badreddine Boukezouha Members (AUS), Whitehouse John Secretary o The new FINA Technical Water Polo Committee includes Chairman Chairman includes Committee Polo Water Technical FINA new The W ae eihe t prnr ih S Wtr oo n hl sup help and Polo Water USA with partner to delighted are “We title the be will Union Credit Federal Air Sea agreement, the of part As n a s Ne w S po n so r fo r Finan c ial Servi ial c e s - - -

Junior National Teams Take Center Stage Abroad

2009 Women’s Junior National Team 2009 Men’s Junior National Team Kate Baldoni, GK, Kiley Neushul, ATT, John Sibley, GK, Nikola Vavic, ATT (L), (SET) SoPac (Santa Barbara WPF) Coastal (Lamorinda) Pacific (Trojan) Coastal Kaley Dodson, ATT, Colleen O’Donnell, DEF, Andrew Lighterink, GK, Griffin White, ATT, (Huntington Beach WP) SoPac (LA Water Polo) Coastal (San Diego Shores) PSWP (SoCal) Sopac , CTR, Madeline Rosenthal, DEF, Spencer Hamby, CTR, Eugene Chong, ATT, (SET) SoPac (Raider WP) (VC Premier) Central (PNW-United) PNW Emily Greenwood, DEF, Dominique Sardo, ATT, James Perry, CTR, Paul Reynolds, ATT, (Clovis WP) Central (San Diego Shores) PSWP (Lamorinda) Pacific (SoCal) Sopac Ashley Grossman, CTR , ATT, Nick Hoversten, UTIL, Nick Rascon, ATT, (LA Water Polo) Coastal (Diablo WP) Pacific (Lamorinda) Pacific (SoCal) Sopac

Sami Hill, GK, Junior Team Coaching Staff: Tommy Friedrich, UTIL, Alternates: (Santa Barbara WPF) Coastal Head Coach: Kyle Utsumi (San Diego Shore) PSWP Danny White, ATT, (Alternate) (Santa Barbara WP) Erin Manke, ATT, Asst. Coach: Kim Everist (LA Water Polo) Coastal Josh Samuels, CTR BACK, Tommy Briskey, ATT, Team Leader: Alan Cima (SoCal) Sopac Brooke Martin, ATT, (Lamorinda) (SET) SoPac Forest Watkins, CTR BACK, The Women’s Junior National Team took home the Bronze in Russia. The Men’s Junior National Team finished eighth in Croatia. (SoCal) Sopac Junior Team Coaching Staff: Kelly Mendoza, UT, Head Coach: Doug Peabody (Diablo WP) Pacific Chris Wendt, CTR BACK, The USA Junior Women’s National Team won the Bronze Over the course of the tourney the United States posted a 5-2 record (Windy City WP) Midwest Asst. Coach: Dan Klatt with victories over Brazil, the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, and Medal at the 2009 FINA Junior World Championships in Khanty- Asst. Coach: Tim Reed Mansiysk, Russia, with an 11-8 victory over Hungary. The win Hungary with losses to Russia and the Netherlands. Steffens and center marked the sixth overall medal in eight junior world champion- Annika Dries (SET) were named to the All-Star Team of the tournament ships the women have played in. The victory improved the United for their outstanding play. States junior women from fourth place in the 2007 FINAs in Por- “This tournament provided great international experience for our tugal and marks the first time the Senior and Junior teams have players at a young age. The venue and the atmosphere added to the major medaled in the same summer. championship feel,” said USA Head Coach Kyle Utsumi. “I’m proud of the way our athletes played their roles and the fact that everyone contributed The final match saw the United States playing a strong first quarter that to the team’s success. We can look forward to seeing continued improve- propelled them throughout the matchup. The score was 4-1 after the first ment from this group of athletes as they progress through the women’s period thanks to three goals from Kiley Neushul (Santa Barbara) and national team program.” another from Maggie Steffens (Diablo). In the second quarter Hungary inched closer, coming within a goal on three occasions, but the first half The USA Men’s Junior National Team returned from Sibenik, ended with the USA in front, 7-5. The second quarter scores came from Croatia, with an eighth-place finish after struggling in the latter Ashley Grossman (LA Water Polo), Erin Manke (LA Water Polo), and Kelly part of the tournament that closed with an 11-3 loss to Australia Mendoza (Diablo). in the seventh-place match In the third period the United States created some more distance, Team USA opened the tourney with a stellar 7-6 victory over Spain but going up early in the frame, 9-5, behind tallies from Grossman and then fell to Serbia the next day, 8-6. They rebounded with a convincing 18-6 Steffens. Hungary battled back to within two scores by the end of the defeat over South Africa before taking two days off. When play resumed third, and it was still a match headed to the fourth at 9-7. Then just 15 they continued their winning ways with an 8-1 defeat of Brazil, keeping seconds into the fourth Hungary came within a goal, 9-8, but would get them in contention for the medal round. no closer. The defense kept the Hungarians off the board for the rest of the But from then on came struggles as they lost to Croatia in the next day while the USA offense posted two more scores courtesy of Madeline match, 11-6, and then just missed a chance for fifth place by falling to Italy Rosenthal (Raider WP) and Steffens. Steffens goal came at the 3:11 mark and 9-8. They then closed out play against the Australians, losing 11-3 put the match to rest with the United States coming away winners of the Bronze, 11-8. This was the first year for the men as well in the changeover to a U18 format for the Junior World Championships with the United States be- Neushul and Steffens led the offensive attack with three goals apiece ing led on offense by Griffin White (SoCal) and Josh Samuels (SoCal), while Sami Hill (Santa Barbara) was stellar in the net, denying 10 shots who scored 12 and 11 goals in the tournament, respectively. Jon Sibley in the victory. The United States was 3-for-15 on player advantages while (Lamorinda) did a large part of the goalkeeping, supplemented nicely by Hungary was 3-for-11. Hungary was also 1-for-1 on penalty shots. Andrew Lighterink (San Diego Shores).

Speedo Grants are now being accepted for January 2010. The Speedo Grant program provides grants to qualifying organizations whose projects support water polo at the grassroots level. Please visit the ‘programs’ section of usawaterpolo.org for more information.

6 usawaterpolo.org 7 USA Women Make History In Romeby Greg Mescall Men’s Squad Stopped Just Shy Of Bronze Anchored by veterans Brenda that’s been analyzed with Zapruder-like Fourth place at a major championship surprising Spain team that had the last “Well, I think we are back in the top Villa and Heather Petri—who thoroughness, Windes is seen scoring can be a very lonely spot for a water word, squeaking out a one-goal victory, 7-6. four, and we want to be consistently in the between them seem to have a goal right in front of the cage and then polo team. It essentially means you Despite the loss, a medal still remained a top four and on the men’s side there are more medals than the periodic appears to punch her defender, Krys- viable outcome with Croatia on the sched- really 10 good teams,” said USA Head table of the elements—there tina Alogbo. For this action Windes was lost your last two games in what, up ule in the Bronze Medal match. Defeating Coach Terry Schroeder. “When you look would be no let down. After rolled from the match for a game miscon- until then, had been a pretty successful Croatia had been a huge boost in 2008 as at Montenegro finishing ninth and Hungary falling just once at the FINA duct. Canada contested this should have tourney. Such was the case for the Men’s the USA men had defeated the then-ranked finishing fifth, there are really good teams World League Super Final in left them with a player advantage, which Senior National Team at the 2009 FINA number-one squad in late May in one of battling for these positions. It’s definitely Kirishi, Russia, en route to a was not awarded by the officials. A later World Championships. After sprinting their Olympic tune-up matches in Califor- good to be back in that top group, but we all Gold Medal, signs were strong consultation of the rulebook proved the nia. Then again, in the Olympics, it was talked before the game what a medal would for Rome. officials made the correct call in this through the opening games—includ- Croatia against the United States, and the mean, and the guys are pretty disappointed; The United States entered situation, and the protest was denied. ing a 3-0 record in preliminary play USA were winners once more. With those it’s just a tough loss—a tournament like this the field with three preliminary Windes later admitted the footage appears to win their group and a quarterfinal caveats in place, confidence was certainly you want to finish with a win.” matches against Kazakhstan, to show a punch but that she was rather victory over Germany—the squad was enough for the United States to emerge With 2010 a somewhat lean year with Russia, and Greece. A loss celebrating with a fist pump. on the brink of their first-ever medal in victorious. just the FINA World Cup in Romania, the to Russia kept the US out of With the victory now officially in hand, A great first half from Team USA squad will be ready for that and a big their usual position of group the women’s team celebrated their triumph World Championship play. unfortunately gave way to some struggles year in 2011 that sees the Pan American , , , winner, and they had to take in Rome. A year after the heartbreak of a in the second half, and Croatia halted a Games and FINA World Championships and Heather Petri show off their new medals. a bit of a longer road to the Silver in Beijing, the U.S. women had been Many of the medal winners from 2008 fourth-quarter rally from the Americans leading up to the Olympic Games in 2012 in Promised Land. After vic- markedly soothed by yet another medal, had fallen by the wayside in this tourney as to claim the win 8-6. Medals at the World London, England. Minutes left had changed to seconds Gold Medal winner in Beijing, Hungary, found remaining, and finally the buzzer sound- tories over China and Spain, it was an- this time of the Gold variety. Championships have eluded the men’s other meeting with Greece to play for “I think this is the first time any [wom- themselves on the outside looking in. So in program all the way back to the early 1970s ed, the bench emptied, and the pool at a Gold Medal. en’s water polo] nation has won three a semifinal game during which the United when the event began. Despite missing out Rome’s Foro Italico was filled with 13 States posted a strong effort, it was a in 2009, the men’s program did prove that Greece seemed to improve US Presswire/AlbertoAll photos courtesy Lingria smiling faces. with each game at the World Beijing was not a flash in the pan, rather Championships while it looked something to be proud of. Another World Championship, and anoth- as though the United States The squad nevertheless put themselves er Gold Medal for the women of the United began to hit their stride after in contention for a medal over the last two States. If there had been any doubt, the USA the early loss to Russia. Behind years at the major events—that includes one women officially took hold of a somewhat an improbable five goals from Olympics, a World Championship, and two unofficial crown—the best national women’s defender Elsie Windes, the FINA World League Super Finals. Therefore water polo team of the last decade. U.S. managed to upend Greece other teams are no longer looking to play The double zeros, the early 2000s… and advance to the Gold Medal the United States for an easy win—instead whatever you call this last decade…it has match. It would be an all-North they’ll be preparing for a great challenge. belonged to the women of the red, white, American final as the United and blue. No team had ever won three States took on Canada. Layne Beabuien and Tony Azevedo helped Team USA to a big opening night win over the host Italians. World Championships, let alone three in one These two squads were very decade—a feat the U.S. women’s water familiar with each other, hav- polo team now boasts. In addition, over ing already met five times prior three Olympic Games—as it happens, the to the World Championships. New Head Coach is thrown into the pool along with first three ever for women’s water polo— While the United States had assistants Serela Kay and during the celebration. only the United States women medaled in held a 4-1 advantage in those meetings, it titles,” said Team USA Captain Brenda Villa. all three games. Tack a near ownership of was Canada that had been the surprise of “Petie (Heather Petri) and I have been Center Ryan Bailey took part in his sixth World FINA World League play and a FINA World the tourney, knocking off some of the heavy around a long time, and the feeling to be Championship this summer in Rome. Cup win to the resume, and it has been hitters on their way to their first Gold Medal able to demonstrate what USA Water Polo a tremendous effort that shows no sign match since 1991. has become in the last 10 years is a tribute of slowing. The match was back and forth throughout to our foundation.” 2009 could have been the year for a and would come down to the fourth quar- “I think to be a part of this program letdown—fully acceptable by sports ter where the United States went ahead and to consistently be competing in final standards after a brand new coach and for good on a five-meter penalty shot from matches, it’s where we want to be and coaching staff and the addition of some . Goalie Betsey Armstrong where we want to progress to, and it’s a new players. These are the things cit- stopped the last attempt for Canada in the testament to what we put together in the ed on SportsCenter when a once-great closing moments and the celebration was United States,” added Petri. franchise falters. But this isn’t the New on—or so the United States thought. York Yankees or the New England Patriots. Shortly after receiving their medals, it The USA women have defined themselves by was revealed that Canada was protest- not making a sustained run every couple of ing the outcome of the game. Their pro- years, but by always being in the mix every test hinged on a play involving Windes time they get in the pool. in the second quarter. In game footage

8 usawaterpolo.org 9 16 & Under Gold Bracket Championship: Xtreme and Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: Platinum Bracket Championship: The two Elite shared 5-2 records before their final battle. SOCAL BLACK defeated Los Al, 3-1. After four quarters and fifteen goals, Elite was teams left standing were Stanford RED and SET, Gold Bracket Championship: The two top JO Teams Prove Their ‘Medal’by Jeanine Baca both with 6-0 tournament records before head- crowned champion, defeating Xtreme 9-6. teams were close in record—680 RED was 3-2 Xtreme played their hearts out as they hustled ing into the grand finale. SET came firing on all with a bye, and Davis was 4-2. Davis and 680 back in fourth until the final whistle, but not cylinders, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the RED competed earlier in the tournament with enough to defeat the Gold medal Champions. first half. Stanford RED would not give up easily, Davis coming out on top, 5-2. But 680 RED however, as they fought back in the second half Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: Stock- wouldn’t let Davis beat them again, as 680 RED and came within one goal as the teams traded ton and Foothill never let up, fighting to an this time turned in a valiant performance, best- scoring. In the end SET kept their composure 8-8 tie, leading to a shootout. Stockton still in ing Davis 7-5. and slammed the door shut in the fourth quarter, the scoring mode scored two more goals than Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: La Jolla winning the Championship 7-5. “It was great,” Foothill, winning the shootout 3-1 and the Gold and SOCAL GOLD battled it out, with La Jolla said SET coach Jeff Colton. “The kids played their Bronze medal. scoring a total of five goals to SOCAL GOLD’s butts off, they worked really hard. They executed, three—not enough for the win. they followed the game plan, they played well.” Girls Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: It was another week of exciting water polo 16 & Under SOCAL BLACK and LAWPC faced off in the as the girls started their 2009 S&R Sport Junior Platinum Bracket Championship: There were bronze game, which ended in regulation locked Olympics. The event took place over 16 different 48 teams competing for that number-one spot in in a 7-7 tie. So the teams entered a shootout, venues and 20 courses in Stanford and surround- one of the best divisions in the tournament, with which SOCAL BLACK won 3-1. ing areas. There were four different age brackets: many close games played. And the Platinum 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under, and 18 & final was one of the best games of the tourna- Gold Bracket Championship: In another great Under, all competing for their Gold medals. ment, featuring SOCAL BLACK and Commerce. match-up, Elite faced La Canada WPF in the final. 12 & Under Before their Platinum Championship game, SO- Prior to the Championship Gold medal game, CAL BLACK, with a record of 5-0 in the tourney, Platinum Bracket Championship: There were Each year the top clubs from all over best faced off in the Platinum bracket. But Gold Bracket Championship: Pacific Polo Elite’s record was 5-2, and La Canada WPF won defeated Commerce, 3-1, advancing to the semi- 19 teams competing for the top spot, but in the the country gather to compete for there was no drop-off in intensity in the Gold and Trojans fought a close battle, with Pacific 4 games, tied 1, and lost 2. When Elite and La finals. Commerce, with a great record of 7-1, also end Laguna Beach and Newport took it to the the Gold. This year the 2009 S&R bracket, where teams looked to bounce back Polo taking the Championship, 7-6. Both teams Canada WPF faced off earlier in the tournament, advanced to the semi-finals. Sure enough both limit and faced each other for the Platinum from a tough Day 1 of the tournament. had decent records going into the final game— Elite won 5-1. In their rematch, Elite kept the won their semis and headed in the Platinum Sport Junior Olympics took place in Bracket Championship. Laguna had a 5-1 tour- Pacific Polo was 3-3, and Trojan was 4-1. The two ball rolling and controlled the pace of the game. Championship. After four quarters the score was Stanford, CA, and surrounding areas. nament record, and Newport was 5-0 (Laguna 10 & Under—Coed teams competed in an earlier tournament game, La Canada WPF dug deep down and showed even at five goals each—so the squads settled the It was a long journey for all clubs Beach’s only loss, in fact, was to Newport earlier Platinum Bracket Championship: Foothill’s and Pacific Polo scored double digits, defeating a lot of heart, however, giving everything they score in a shootout. The atmosphere was intense that entered the 2009 S&R Sport Ju- in the tournament). This was a perfect chance for record before heading into the Championship Trojan 11-8. had until the final whistle—but it wasn’t enough with many fans raining down screams on the five nior Olympics, as they had to qualify game was 5-1, their only loss being to Laguna Laguna Beach to exact revenge on Newport and Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: for the win. Elite took home the Gold bracket representatives from each team waiting for their prior to receiving their tickets. This Beach, which was a perfect 6-0 before heading give them a taste of their own medicine, but in a Lamorinda A rolled over Houston, 10-5. Championship with a 7-3 victory. turns to shoot for the win. The shootout went into the final game. Later in the tournament much more exciting game, the Final. Both teams event featured boys and girls rang- Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: to Commerce, 3-1, which gave them the victory Foothill had the chance to retaliate in a much 14 & Under endured tough semifinal matches, but only one ing from ages 7-18 who have a pas- VC Premier defeated SCRIPPS 8-2. over Commerce. “I’m extremely exited for this team would leave Stanford as the champions. sion for water polo. Although this more important game, the Platinum Champion- Platinum Bracket Championship: Things team,” said Commerce Coach Gabriel Martinez. This year it was Laguna Beach as they defeated event was great for competition, it ship, as they shot back at Laguna, defeating them heated up as the top two teams faced off in the 18 & Under “We came a long way from the outcomes in the Newport, 4-2. “At the beginning of the game was also a great way to meet col- 4-2. Foothill was crowned champions as Laguna Championship game. OCWPC and United Platinum Bracket Championship: It was time past; with this team we had a little bit of a split, I had lots of butterflies,” said Annabella Baldridge took second place. BLUE both had amazing tournament runs, each for the big boys now. The stands were crowded [and] we were able to get together and play very, lege coaches. The College Expos for of Laguna Beach, “but now I’m so happy.” both boys and girls were arranged Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: squad going 6-0, but United BLUE prevailed, with screaming fans and spectators as they very well. I’m very happy for them.” winning 8-4. “I’m real excited for the boys,” said watched the biggest game of the tournament— Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: Los one day earlier than the tournament, United defeated SOCAL BLACK 6-2. Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: HB- United BLUE coach Trevor Waywrznski. “You SOCAL BLACK battling it out with Lamorinda Al defeated Foothill, 10-6. giving players a chance to commu- Gold Bracket Championship: The Gold know, they’ve been working really hard. OC has for the chance to take home the gold. Both teams WPC took on SBWPC A in a nail-biting match nicate with the colleges in hopes to Championship game was just as exciting as been the top team to beat for the last few years, had 6-1 tournament records before their Cham- Gold Bracket Championship: The Champion- as both teams were tied at four goals each. The play at more competitive levels in CHAWP, with a record of 3-2, defeated 680 RED, and we’ve gotten closer and closer to them and pionship match-up. SOCAL BLACK was look- ship was between United (2-3 record) and SET shootout was as exciting as the game, but more the future. with a record of 3-3. CHAWP scored 11 goals, got a chance at an arena and stage like this to ing for revenge at they lost to Lamorinda 4-3 on (3-2 record). The game would go down to the intense as both teams anxiously waiting for the and only one shot passed their goalie. put it together and show how these guys can play. the second day of the tournament. Both teams wire, as there was only one goal separating the other to shoot. HBWPC kept the ball rolling, teams. In the end, SET clinched the Gold medal scoring one more goal than SBWPC, defeat- The boys’ tournament took place from July Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: Davis I am really happy for them.”. came out firing on all cylinders, leaving nothing by defeating United in a close contest, 7-6. It ing them 4-3 in the shootout and taking home 25 through July 28, and the girls’ tournament defeated Elite in a close match, 6-5, and was behind, the intensity rising with every passing Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: VC was a heartbreaking loss for United who had to the Bronze. took place from July 30 through August 2. Each crowned Gold Bronze medal winner of the 2009 minute. The goals flew back and fourth, as nei- Premier defeated 680 RED, 10-6. settle for a Silver medal. Gold Bracket Bronze day of the S&R Sport Junior Olympics was full S&R Sport Junior Olympics. ther team gave the other an inch. Early in the Gold Bracket Championship: The Final game Medal Winner: Xtreme battled it out with Elite, of high-level intensity as teams battled it out Gold Bracket Championship: The battle for second half SOCAL BLACK managed to stretch featured Marin and American River A, who winning the Gold Bronze medal, 6-3. for that number-one spot. The boys’ S&R Sport Boys the Championship was between HBWPC and out a two-goal lead, which proved enough to were still in search of their medals. American Junior Olympics consisted of five age groups (10 12 & Under Greenwich GREEN, both with 5-1 tournament defeat Lamorinda, 10-8. “I am really happy we 14 & Under River A had a record of 4-2 and Marin 6-2 before & Under—coed, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & records. It was an intense match up as the teams Platinum Bracket Championship: There were came together as a team,” said Coach Lucas Platinum Bracket Championship: There were heading into the Gold medal Gold bracket game. Under and 18 & Under) spread over 15 different started out at a frantic pace. After a close first 36 teams competing for the top spot, but only Reynolds. “We lost to Lamorinda once, and we 42 teams competing, but only one—SBWPC A— The Final would need a shootout to crown a win- venues in Stanford and surrounding areas. The quarter, Greenwich GREEN grabbed the game two got to play for all the marbles. And it was came back and showed them what’s up, and we took home the Gold, defeating Commerce in a ner as the squads finished in a 5-5 tie. But Marin teams from Day 1 of the tournament with the by the horns, proving too much for HBWPC and LAWPC that defeated SET, 10-6. LAWPC had beat them. I am really happy I got to do this with closely fought game. As shots were fired in and proved to be the better team in the shootout, best records were placed in the Platinum bracket winning 13-4. the best record in their age bracket, in fact, going my team.” out of goals, Commerce fell behind one point shy scoring four goals to American River A’s two. with the remaining teams in the Gold bracket. a perfect 7-0. Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: SET B Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: as SBWPC A went on to win it, 6-5. “I feel super “This was big for us,” said Marin Coach Brandon Competition became tougher as the best of the and Northwood battled in a closely fought match, excited,” said Jamie Neushul of SBWPC A, “and Williams. “We really wanted to win, and now we Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Win- Stanford RED and SD Shores faced off in a very but SET B took the win, defeating Northwood by I feel like we put the whole year of hard work into have a shot to do it—a medal either way would ner: Newport was victorious, defeating close game, with Stanford RED winning 7-6. one goal, 5-4. good use and came out and played hard in the be fantastic for these girls.” Commerce, 8-3. > > > game and won.” 10 11 Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: Another the Platinum Championship game with a 7-1 putting them in the Platinum Bracket Bronze teams combined for 17 goals. Regency would one of the many locations of the 2009 S&R Sport and they returned home to show of their nail-biting match was between Colorado and record as Diablo tallied a perfect 6-0. (SET’s final. It was a high-scoring game as both teams be one goal better than Houston A on this Junior Olympics. Elite scored in double digits, medals. It was a tough eight days for the boys North Shore, as they both went the extra mile, only loss was to Diablo on the second day of the fired on all cylinders, trading goals back and day, though, 9-8. Gold Bracket Bronze Medal defeating NSD Stars, 10-4. and girls, but all the hard work and dedication forth. SOCAL BLACK scored in double digits, paid off. We look forward to this time next year, settling the final score in a shootout after ending S&R Sport Junior Olympics, 5-4.) So SET was Winner: Before heading into the Gold Bronze After two straight weeks of high-intensity though, besting CHAWP WHITE, 12-9. as we await discovery of who will be crowned the regulation locked in a 5-5 tie. In the shootout looking for revenge in a more important game. game, Elite had a record 5-2 and NSD Stars 5-1. water polo, the Champions have been crowned, Colorado was still hot, scoring a total of three But in a 12-goal thriller it was SET triumphing Gold Bracket Championship: Before the final Both teams battled it out at Sacred Heart Prep 1, 2010 S&R Sport Junior Olympic Champions. goals while North Shore only scored one, which over Diablo again, 7-5. “I played eight years of game Regency had a record of 4-2 and Houston crowned Colorado the 2009 S&R Sport Junior water polo, and this is the best feeling I have ever A 3-3, but only one team would walk out of Olympic Gold Bracket Bronze Medal Winners. felt,” said Lauren Colton of SET. Avery Aquatics Stadium at Stanford University 18 & Under Platinum Bracket Bronze Medal Winner: with one more win and Gold medals around Platinum Bracket Championship: In arguably SOCAL BLACK and CHAWP WHITE both their necks. The contest between Regency and the most anticipated division final, SET went in experienced tough losses in the semifinal rounds, Houston A was a high-scoring affair as the All photos courtesy of Keith Simon & MAC Photo Design

14U Gold Flight 1st Place 680 Red. 14U Platinum Flight 1st Place Santa Barbara WPC ‘A’. 16U Gold Flight 1st Place Marin.

10U (Co-Ed) Gold Flight 1st Place CHAWP. 10U (Co-Ed) Platinum Flight 1st Place Foothill. 12U Gold Flight 1st Place Pacific Polo.

16U Platinum Flight 1st Place Commerce. 18U Gold Flight 1st Place Regency. 18U Platinum Flight 1st Place SET.

10 and Under (Co-Ed) 16 and Under (Boys) 14 and Under (Girls) 12U Platinum Flight 1st Place LAWPC. 14U Gold Flight 1st Place Greenwich Green. 14U Platinum Flight 1st Place United Blue. Gold Division Gold Division Gold Division 1st - CHAWP 1st - Elite 1st - 680 Red 2nd - 680 Red 2nd - La Canada WPF 2nd - Davis 3rd - Davis 3rd - VC Premier 3rd - La Jolla Platinum Division Platinum Division Platinum Division 1st - Foothill 1st - SET 1st - Santa Barbara WPC ‘A’ 2nd - Laguna Beach 2nd - Stanford Red 2nd - Commerce 3rd - United 3rd - SoCal Black 3rd - SoCal Black 12 and Under (Boys) 18 and Under (Boys) 16 and Under (Girls) Gold Division Gold Division Gold Division 1st - Pacific Polo 1st - Elite 1st - Marin 2nd - Trojan 2nd - Xtreme 2nd - American River ‘A’ 3rd - Lamorinda A 3rd - Stockton 3rd - Colorado 16U Gold Flight 1st Place Elite. 16U Platinum Flight 1st Place SET. 18U Gold Flight 1st Place Elite. Platinum Division Platinum Division Platinum Division 1st - LAWPC 1st - SoCal Black 1st - Commerce 2nd - SET 2nd - Lamorinda ‘A’ 2nd - SoCal Black 3rd - Newport WPF 3rd - Stanford Red 3rd - Huntington Beach WP 14 and Under (Boys) 12 and Under (Girls) 18 and Under (Girls) Gold Division Gold Division Gold Division 1st - Greenwich Green 1st - SET 1st - Regency 2nd - Huntington Beach WP 2nd - United 2nd - Houston ‘A’ 3rd - SET ‘B’ 3rd - Xtreme 3rd - Elite Platinum Division Platinum Division Platinum Division 1st - United Blue 1st - Laguna Beach 1st - SET 2nd - OCWPC 2nd - Newport WPF 2nd - Diablo 18U Platinum Flight 1st Place SoCal Black. 12U Gold Flight 1st Place SET. 12U Platinum Flight 1st Place Laguna Beach. 3rd - VC Premier 3rd - Los Alamitos 3rd - SoCal Black 12 usawaterpolo.org 13 New York Athletic Club Takes Home First Place At Men’s National Championships The New York Athletic Club came As for the rest of the standings, the Sharks NYAC goalie Steve away with the title at this year’s downed Santa Barbara, 5-0, in a forfeit for fifth MacKenzie was named Men’s National Championships held place, and Shore defeated Pacific B for seventh MVP of the tourna- in Stockton, CA. The final match at place by a count of 11-7 while Santa Barbara B ment and recipient of the the University of the Pacific saw downed Houston, 11-9, for ninth place. West annual Chuck Metz Trophy. NYAC outduel Lamorinda, 14-9, for Valley just edged Xtreme, 16-15, for 11th place, For complete results visit the press room and it was Navy A cruising to 13th place with section of usawaterpolo.org the crown. In the third-place match a win over Navy AC B. Last but not least Davis it was the Olympic Club taking out nearly doubled up Navy AC C, 15-8, to take 15th Pacific A, 15-8. place in the tourney.

Team USA Takes Sixth At World University Games In the international competition, one quarter at 2-2, Hun- Buckner. Adding to that were solo scores from some of the best in college-age men’s gary poured it on in the Zac Monsees and Matt Sagehorn. Jimmie water polo traveled to Belgrade, second quarter, posting Sandman went the distance in net, halting 11 Serbia, to compete in the World five goals while keeping shots. The United States went a perfect 6-for-6 University Games in early July. Team USA scoreless to on player advantages while Hungary was 3-for- open up a 7-2 advantage 5. Team USA also converted their lone penalty After taking a short hiatus from the at halftime. In the third shot, while Hungary did not have an attempt. event, the men’s program was back quarter the United in action. Looking back at the tournament, the United States tried to battle States started things off with an 8-8 tie with back, outscoring Hun- Japan on July 2; defeated Poland, 16-3, on July Despite a furious fourth quarter rally, the gary 2-1, lessening the margin to within 8-4. It United States was unable to overcome Hungary, 3; fell to Hungary, 9-8, on July 4; defeated Spain, was in the final stanza where Team USA made 10-8, on July 6; was topped by Australia, 8-4, falling 9-8 on the final day of competition. This their push, posting four goals while holding the was the second loss to Hungary in the tourna- on July 8, defeated Italy, 11-8, on July 10, and Hungarians to just one. However, that one goal concluded with the 9-8 loss to Hungary on July ment, the earlier contest also ending 9-8 in favor proved to be the difference maker as Hungary of the Hungarians. With the loss the United 12. Center John Mann led the United States in came away with a 9-8 win—their second victory scoring with 11 goals for the tournament, which States took sixth place at the event, posting over the Americans in this tourney. a record of 3-3-1. was good for 11th leading scorer overall for Team USA showcased balanced scor- the tournament. Goalie Jimmie Sandman led In the second match it was all Hungary in the ing in this match, getting two goals apiece the United States in the cage, posting 80 saves first half. After the two teams were even through from JP MacDonnell, Collin Mello, and Shea throughout the tournament.

A Clean Sweep For Stanford At Women’s Championships

The women of Stanford Water Polo Club dominated the Women’s 20 & Under and National Championships with first place finishes this summer in Stockton, California. The 20 & Under team (Left) was able to defeat Santa Barbara Water Polo 13-10 to win the crown while the open division Stanford squad (right) topped the New York Athletic Club 13-12 to earn the championship. of Stanford was the MVP of the 20 & Under division with Kelly Eaton winning MVP for the open division.

14 In the end we ended up with two teams in the Final Standings men’s 50+ age group, two teams in the men’s 55+ THE 2009 NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES age group, two teams in the men’s 60+ age group, Women’s 50+ men’s 55+ by Andy Burke and four teams in the women’s 50+ age group. 1. Menlo Mavens 1. Tri-Valley Old Guys Rule 2. Soda Moms 2. KAOS Centurions As stated earlier, the LOC gave me great latitude All photos courtesy of George Stransky – Alaska Digital Visions 3. Gator Gals 3. Tri-Valley Water Polo in setting up the competition, and I got one of 4. Peninsula Water Polo the teams in the men’s 55+ age group to play the men’s 60+ two teams in the men’s 50+ age group, as well men’s 50+ 1. Tri-Valley Blue as the two men’s 60+ teams to combine into one 1. Santa Barbara Water Polo 2. Tri-Valley Gold team and play in the 55+ age group (while still 2. Tri-Valley Five-Ohs playing a Championship game in the 60+ age 3. Tri-Valley 55’s group as separate teams). All teams seemed to be pleased with this arrangement as it gave them additional games to play. The competition was originally schedule for five days, but when we realized the number of teams that had entered, we reduced it to three days, playing for half a day on Friday and full days on Saturday and Sunday. This worked out better for all teams. Entries in the women’s 50+ age group were: Gator Gals from San Antonio, TX; Soda Mom’s from Moraga, CA; Menlo Mavens from Menlo The Gator Gals show off their excitement for the Senior Games. Park, CA; and Peninsula Water Polo from Menlo Park, CA. In the men’s competition, entries were: USA Water Polo Hall of Fame nominations to be held in San Diego, CA. Please visit the in the 50+ age group, Santa Barbara Water Polo are now being accepted for the 2010 induction ‘programs’ section of usawaterpolo.org for and Tri-Valley Five-Ohs; in the 55+ age group, class. The Hall of Fame dinner will take place nomination guidelines and procedure. KAOS Centurions and Tri-Valley Old Guys at the 2010 Masters National Championships Rule; in the 60+ age group, Tri-Valley Gold and Tri-Valley Blue (these teams became Tri-Valley water polo in the 55+ age group as well). The women’s competition was a round-robin, with playoffs for first and second places and The National Senior Games is the third and fourth places. In men’s competition largest competition in the United States the 50+ age group teams played each other for Athletes 50 years and older. It’s held three times, plus the game featuring Tri-Valley every two years (during odd-numbered Old Guys Rule; in the men’s 55+ age group, the years, with qualification meets held teams played a double round-robin; in the men’s during even-numbered years). With more 60+ age group, the teams played one game for than 10,000 athletes entered in the 2009 the Championship. Games, it featured 18 sports plus seven This was a very positive experience for demonstration sports. Water polo was all teams, and hopefully the Senior Games one of the demonstration sports. Association will consider water polo for inclusion at future Senior Games The Games were held from August 1 to 15 at Stanford University. Anne Cribbs, CEO for the event, was also the CEO for the 2006 FINA World Championships, also held at Stanford University, for which I was the water polo com- petition manager. In 2007, I received a call from Anne, telling me about the event and asking if I’d like to serve as competition manager for water polo as an exhibition sport. “Of course,” I said. “It would be another great opportunity for our masters athletes.” I then began the process of advertising the event by email and word of mouth. We didn’t get the kind of turnout that I’d anticipated, but The Tri-Valley squad poses for a photo with their medals. we moved forward with those teams that wanted to compete. One of the problems was that the captain registers a team and fills out the team and I think this hurt the overall team registra- registration process for the Senior Games is roster based on the individual registrations. tion process. I worked out the process with very different than the process we’re used to in This allows individual athletes to be chosen for those teams and coaches who wanted to enter, water polo: For the Senior Games, everyone must a team, in addition to those normally part of the receiving great cooperation from the Local register as individuals, and then each team team. Many of our water polo people seemed to Organizing Committee. The Senior Games saw three men’s divisions along with have a problem with this registration process, a women’s 50+ division. 16 usawaterpolo.org 17 Alex Konzem Houston WP * Dylan O’Connell West Suburban WP * Alayna Stoegger Santa Barbara WP Rose Koper Santa Barbara WP * Luke O’Connell West Suburban WP Sam Stromswold Triad WP Liz Kreek USA Pacific NW United * Colleen O’Donnell LAWPC * Kelsey Suggs SET * Kolby Krystofik VC Premier * Neal O’Hara Regency WPC * Diane Sun Duke City Aquatics * Brittney Kulik Windy City WP Eric Ormond Clovis WPC * Ellen Svadlenak WVWP * Haley Kunert Huntington Beach WP * Eric Osterberg Foothill Club Jamie Swartz San Diego Shores WP Hannah Adelsberg LAWPC * Vaness Crook Foothill Club * Matthew Gonzalez LAWPC Luke Lalor Lazers * James Otis Spartan WP * Scott Swartz Solo Aquatics * Samuel Akiyama Soquel Wax-Em * Kielan Crow Stanford WP Michael Gorczynski Empire Aquatics * Allison Lardner Northern Illinois WP * William Parks WVWP * Christopher Swieca Riverside WP Emma Alexander Houston WP * Hannah Curran 680 Drivers * Andrew Goss Dallas WP * Travis Larsen Trojan WP * Meaghan Paschall Rose Bowl WPC Christopher Takahashi LAWPC * Trevor Allen Davis WP * Jelena Cyr Stanford WP * Kalina Grabb Colorado WP * Andrew Laubach LAWPC * Ethan Pascual Rose Bowl WPC Alexandria Talley La Mirada Armada Carlos Alonso Riptides WP * Paul Dailey Davis WP * Christian Grant Regency WPC * Erika Lauraitis ODP Hayley Paul West Valley WP * Lingkai Tang La Canada WP * Margaret Anderson Norcal WPC * Brian Daley Kingfish WP Alec Greenberg St. Andrews WP Rebecca Lawson Stanford WP Heather Pedersen La Mirada Armada * Lingkai Tang La Canada WP * Kyle Apple West Suburban WP * Theodor Danciu USA Pacific NW United * Michelle Greenough Davis WP * Hayden Leach CDM Polo Lizzie Peiros Diablo WP Kelsey Tarzia Kingfish WP * Dylan Aramburu Soquel Wax-Em * Sarah D’Angelo San Jose/Almaden * Allison Grimes Lyons WP * Michael Liao CDM Polo * Madison Pepper Houston WP * Sarah Tennis Cove Aquatics Caitlin Arrigo South Florida WP * Christopher Daniel Lamorinda WP * Kelly Gross Diablo WP * Allison Littlejohn Great Lakes WP * Juliana Personius Sonora WP * Chris Thatcher Riverside WP * Leah Ashley Nordic WP * Kelly Davis WVWP * Ashley Grossman LAWPC Sarah Lizotte Socal WP * Julia Peters Stanford WP Lauren Thatcher Riverside WP Sarah Atkins USA Pacific NW United * Mark Davis Santa Barbara WP * Nicholas Grover Rose Bowl WPC * Jacob Lloyd Kingfish WP Michaela Pierandozzi El Rancho WP * Hannah Thayer North Houston WP Margaux Attard Diablo WP * Samantha Deana Kingfish WP Jolene Guiliana Socal WP * Ryan Long Foothill Club Ashleigh Pinkerton WVWP * Melissa Thomas WVWP * Clair Babinski SET Nicholas Deaver Lamorinda WP Hannah Guthman LAWPC Daniel Lorch VC Premier * Laurel Pinkley Houston WP * Nicole Tobin Central Florida Sun WP * Lauren Baguley Great Lakes WP * Allison Delgado Xtreme WP * Samantha Hain LAWPC * Christopher Louk La Canada WP * Kristin Plitnick South Florida WP * Nicholas Treadaway CDM Polo * James Balassone Stanford WP * Dominique Diaz El Rancho WP Alison Hamby American River WP Madeline Lovrensky Foothill Club Celina Pluim CHAWP * Allegra Tringali Stanford WP * Julia Baldino Raider WP * Erin Dickson Houston WP * Jessica Hamby American River WP * Robert Lucas Newport WPF * Elena Politiski Regency WPC * Shane Troutman CHAWP * Kate Baldoni SET * Joseph Dietrich Lamorinda WP Spencer Hamby VC Premier Aria Mahboubi La Canada WP * Alexander Popof LAWPC * Daniel Tyner Shore Aquatics * Ashleigh Bandimere NCSD WP * Peter Dietzen Marin WPC * Andrew Hamilton Kingfish WP * Keeley Maher Spartan WP * Thomas Poulos West Suburban WP * Angela Uno West Valley WP * Tyler Barker Lamorinda WP * Jennifer Diggs 680 Drivers Daniel Hargis Foothill Club * Charlie Manclark South Bay United WP Sarah Presant San Diego Shores WP * Ashley Vaillancourt Surge WPC * Redmond Barnes Napa WPC Rick Dilday Shore Aquatics * Rachel Harrus Stanford WP Erin Manke LAWPC Frankie Puerzer Burlingame Aquatics Kimberley VanAlstine CHAWP Sierra Barnes Napa WPC * Christie DiSilvestro Tiger Aquatics * James Hartshorne Socal WP John David Marcin Socal WP * Chase Racich Santa Barbara WP * Nicole VanDerhoof Huntington Beach WP * Kenneth Barry Socal WP Luke Dobben Homewood Flossmoor * Ashley Hatcher Raider WP * Kayley Marshall Sacramento WP Brendan Rafeld Sacramento WP * Alexandria Varshawsky LAWPC * Jeffrey Bassette Rose Bowl WPC * Cory Dodson Socal WP * William Havercroft CDM Polo Mallory Martinez NCSD WP Matt Rahn Diablo WP Nicole Vasco SET Johnny Beal Foothill Club * Kaley Dodson Huntington Beach WP * Dustin Hayashi Socal WP Molly McBee LAWPC * Anne Randolph Sacramento WP * John Verlinich USA Pacific NW United Rachael Bentley Foothill Club * Melissa Doll Greenwich Aquatics * Wesley Heeter Stanford WP * Paulo McCarty Solo Aquatics * Alexandra Reddin CHAWP Lucas Villa Santa Barbara WP Alex Berenfeld Stanford WP Brendan Domoney SET Rena Heim Kingfish WP * Morgan McCord Sierra Nevada WP Amanda Redfern Santa Barbara WP * Gabriel Villanuava Rose Bowl WPC Molly Berger Puget Sound Polo Carson Domoney SET Benjamin Hendricks Stanford WP * Josh McCormick Sacramento WP Max Reilly Davis WP * Grant Villeneuve Stanford WP Sarah Berger Puget Sound Polo Alexandra Don CHAWP Nicholas Hester Modesto/Stanislaus * Alex McDonald Claude Moore Aquatics Maxwell Reynolds Trojan WP * Connor Virjee Trojan WP Atalie Bernstein Diablo WP * Sean Donahue Regency WPC Hannah Hibbs Burlingame Aquatics Stacy McGregor Kingfish WP * William Rhodes Clovis WPC Dena Jo Visser Spartan WP * Katherine Berry CHAWP * Lora Donaldson Puget Sound Polo * Ryan Higgins Lamorinda WP * Emma McGuiness 680 Drivers * Katelyn Rigler Huntington Beach WP * Chase Vowell Sacramento WP Hugh Berryman Mesa WPC * Emily Dorst Norcal WPC * Ryan Higgins American River WP Raymond McIntyre Rose Bowl WPC * Jordan Ritz VC Premier Kayla Wagner 680 Drivers Victoria Bidwell Diablo WPC * Rebecca Dorst Norcal WPC Alexandra Hill Houston WP * Andrea McKinney Huntington Beach WP Andrew Roberts Raider WP * Madeline Wagner Kingfish WP * Scott Bishop Stanford WP * Christopher Dotson Stoneridge Wp * Katrina Hill North SD Stars * Emily McNamara Davis WP * Carlyn Robertson LAWPC * Matthew Weber Greenwich WP * Courtney Bone Fullerton Hills WPC Malaika Drebin Stanford WP * Stefan Hill Kingfish WP * James McNamara LAWPC * Chris Robertson CDM Polo * Natalie Weil Golden State Aquatics Lindsay Leigh Bowden Puget Sound Polo Lauren Dudley Spartan WP Tyler Hill Lamorinda WP Emily McPhee Diablo WP Will Roller DeAnza WP * Madeline West American River WP Mariclaire Bresnahan Windy City WP * Andrew Duhoux Newport WPF Samantha Hillis SET * Kyle Medeiros DeAnza WP * Kayla Rood Ohlone Renegades * Sarah Westcott Norcal WPC * Tyler Briesath West Suburban WP Kelsey Dunbar American River WP * Drew Hoffenberg San Diego Shores WP * Christopher Meinhold Orange County WP * Michael Rooney West Suburban WP * Kelsey Weyhing Spartan WP Jeffrey Brown Diablo WP * Taylor Dunstan Greenwich Aquatics * Jessie Holechek Huntington Beach WP * Courtney Melos Kingfish WP * Ian Roos Modesto/Stanislaus Erica Wheeler Socal WP Maxi Brozyna-Vilim Santa Monica WPF * Alex Edison WVWP * John Holland-McCowen Stanford WP * Mark Menis West Suburban WP * Elisabeth Rosen Marin WPC * Chrstopher Whitelegge Newport WPF Kurt Buchbinder LAWPC * Callan Edwards LAWPC * Camille Hooks LAWPC Zachary Meyer Granite Bay WP * Alexandra Ross SET * Alec Williams Foothill Club * Jessica Burdge American River WP Summer Elliot American River WP * Wes Hopkins Kingfish WP * Matthew Michalko San Diego Shores WP Beth Ross Foothill Club Elizabeth Williams NCSD WP * Joshua Burdge Stockton WP Phillip Eukel Houston WP * Nick Hoversten Lamorinda WP Bryce Miller LAWPC Lydia Roth Spartan WP Jamie Williams Huntington Beach WP * Kristin Burger Newport WPF Clayton Evans Trojan WP * Mark Hudnall Stanford WP * Jake Miller LAWPC Patrick Roth Brighton Bengal WP * Traci Williams Houston WP * Shane Burgess Riverside WP * Christopher Fahlsing San Diego Shores WP * William Hughes LARPD WP Samantha Milligan La Mirada Armada * Graeme Rothe La Canada WP * Monique Wilson SET * Danielle Butler Stanford WP * Joshua Fankhauser Ventura WPC * Katrina Husted Napa WPC Scott Milne Brentwood SeaWolves Dylan Rothwell Kingfish WP Mitch Wise USA Pacific NW United John Butler Stanford WP Shelby Fero Norcal WPC Peter Iannone LAWPC * Samuel Min La Canada WP * Paul Rudolph Stanford WP * Michael Wong CHAWP * Samuel Butler Navy Aquatics * Jessica Ferris La Mirada Armada Petar Jackovich Windy City WP * Brian Mojica Los Al Club Matthew Russell Newport WPF * Alanna Woods CDM Polo * John Butterfield American River WP * Mackenzie Ferry Kingfish WP * Joseph Jackson Foothill Club Elise Molnar Socal WP * Megan Russell West Suburban WP * Kate Woods La Jolla WP * Matthew Butto USA Pacific NW United Alyssa Filippelli Foothill Club * Katherine Jackson Newport WPF Emery Molnar CDM Polo Sara Salamon Socal WP Riane Woods NCSD WP * Elizabeth Byrd Modesto/Stanislaus Candace Filippelli Foothill Club * Shameem Jamil Stanford WP Hathaway Moore Stanford WP Sasha Salenko American River WP * Alyssa Woodward Foothill Club John Calforda Napa WPC Tyler Finley Davis WP Andrew Janicki Sacramento WP Jeffrey Moore VC Premier Zoe Sanglerat Newport WPF * Robert Woolweaver Houston WPC * Jordan Card El Rancho WP * Patrick Fish Navy Aquatics Jeffrey Jarvis Regency WPC Jessup Moorman Houston WP Lucas Sarza Ventura WPC J. Michael Wright Davis WP * Tucker Carlson Stockton WP * Casey Fleming Stanford WP * Mikaela Jensen Sierra Nevada WP Rian Morgan USA Pacific NW United Shelby Schaefer American River WP Tyler Wright CDM Polo Richard Carnicle Houston WP Savannah Fletcher LAWPC Chloe Johnson El Rancho WP * Kody Moynihan Davis WP * Corinne Schafle Napa WPC * John Yaeger Newport WPF * Catherine Carpenter Newport WPF * Kristen Flint Cypress Fairbanks WP * Matthew Johnson Houston WPC Jose Mujica Southeast WP Alexander Schamp Carlsbad WP Marisa Young Golden West WP * Matthew Carter Princeton Aquatics * Rachel Flud La Mirada Armada Travis Johnson Santa Barbara WP * Eric Mullery Riptides WP * Zachary Schamp Carlsbad WP Chelsea Yox El Rancho WP * Michael Carter Princeton Aquatics * Gianna Fote LAWPC * Collin Johnston Sacramento WP * Elizabeth Murphy North SD Stars * Kathleen Schiavenza American River WP * Cameron Zeller Napa WPC * Kelsey Castro Houston WP Richard Francis III Cypress Fairbanks WP Matthew Jones Team Vegas-Henderson Anastasia Musil American River WP Erin Schlueter Marin WPC Adina Zepfel CDM Polo * Lindsay Catron Golden West WP * Heather Frank Colorado WP * Matthew Jordan American River WP * Ken Myers Santa Barbara WP * Chad Schmidt ODP Kevin Zepfel SET * Kathryn Cerasuolo Fullerton Hills WPC * Jordan Freeman Riptides WP * Juan Pablo Jose-Ramos Regency WPC Matthew Myers La Canada WP * Natasha Schulman SET Kelsey Zimmerer Regency WPC * Kiara Cerda Raider WP * Rebecca Friedenbach Stanford WP Gabrielle Juarez Commerce * Natalie Naruns Stanford WP Kayj Shannon LAWPC Sarah Zuziak SET * Emma Cherniss West Valley WP * Thomas Friedrich San Diego Shores WP * Haley Kaplan Burlingame Aquatics * Thomas Nelson Lamorinda WP * Maxine Sharf Diablo WP Robert Chew Triad WP * Natalie Friedricks LAWPC * W. Austin Katz West Suburban WP Amanda Nesbit CHAWP * Lauren Shea Greenwich Aquatics Devon Chiapello Diablo WP * Alicia Frost 680 Water Polo * Quincy Kayton LAWPC Graham Nesbit Rose Bowl WPC Patrick Shields DeAnza WP Rutger Choquehuanca Socal WP * Elspeth Fullerton Davis WP * Ryan Keane Sacramento WP * Spencer Neste LAWPC Peter Silkowski Houston WP * Ashley Cipponeri Modesto/Stanislaus Ian Gamble Santa Barbara WP * Kyle Kelly Cardinal & Gold WP * Shelby Newman Stanford WP * Max Silva Santa Barbara WP * Christian Clark San Diego Shores WP Kaitlyn Gary Stanford WP Suzanne Kelly Riverside WP * Theodore Nicholson Davis WP * Samantha Simas USA Pacific NW United * Michael Clifford Stanford WP C. Patrick Geer Coronado Aquatics Riley Kessler LaWPC * Shelby Nickel SET * Collin Smith Carlsbad WP Seth Coldren Kingfish WP Kristi Germundsen Regency WPC * Kyle Kim-E Socal WP Taylor Nicolas Greenwich Aquatics Cooper Smith American River WP * Kevin Coleman Regency WPC Rebecca Gerrity Marin WPC * Stephen Kingery Diablo WP Andie Nishimi Diablo WP * Leah Smith American River WP * Julian Colima Carlsbad WP Kaleigh Gilchrist Newport WPF Breann Kinsey WVWP * Kelsey Nolan San Jose/Almaden Coriann Snyder Porterville WP * Jesse Colligan SH Polo * Chelsey Gillespie Santa Barbara WP Kaitlin Kirasich Gulf Coast WP Emily Norton St. Andrews WP Katherine Soot WVWP * Ashlea Coski Santa Barbara WP Erin Glenn Norcal WPC Morgan Klingfus La Mirada Armada * Alex Nowlin SET Saranna Soroka LAWPC * Megan Costello Stanford WP Nicole Goehring Golden West WP * Kathryn Klippert Newport WPF Stephanie Nussbaum Greenwich Aquatics * Stephanie Soucy WVWP Brandon Courteau WVWP Leah Gonzales Santa Barbara WP * Matt Kochalko Carlsbad WP Nicholas Nybakken La Canada WP Jennifer Stiefel SET * Dana Ochsner NCSD WP * Connor Stinson USA Pacific NW United

18 usawaterpolo.org 19 In order to get into the magazine, we need high-quality digital photos (jpegs of 300 dpi or better) so that your brilliance is brought to life on our glossy pages. So send in your masterpieces. Email all photos to: [email protected]. There is no assurance that your photos will run in USA Skip Shot Magazine. Editorial decisions are made by the maga- zine staff. Once we receive your photos, they become property of USA Water Polo and may be used for print or publication.

Welcome to Skip Shot Magazine’s Hot Shots page, featuring shots from your fingertips. The person who submits each issue’s best HOT SHOT will receive a free Mikasa men’s or women’s water polo ball. For more information on Mikasa visit www.MikasaSports.com. This issue’s winner is Bob Krystofik >>>>>>>

Honorable mention to the remaining photo submissions. Counter clockwise from the left: TCC Carpenter Bottom left: Timothy Hess Bottom right: Janet Zwirner

20 5 METERS: Quick Shots From USA Water Polo

USA WATER POLO with... Elsie Windes Defender, USA Women’s Senior National Team (Two-time World Champion and 2008 Olympian)

As a defender, your five goal Q. This is your second world championship. How performance against Greece did this one feel versus the one in Australia or the in the semifinal was an eye- Olympic Medal in Beijing? opener. What drove you to A. I can’t compare them. They were all major tournaments that such an exceptional offensive were exciting and unforgettable. Each tournament was its own contribution? journey but they have all been a dream come true for me. I really think I was just in the right place at the right time. Q. The USA women have the dominant record in I usually don’t take that many shots in a game but my world water polo since it became an Olympic Sport. teammates had created openings and 6 on 5 opportunities, Why have we done so well? and I was in the right spot (luckily my shooting was on!!) That is the great thing about our team; it could have been any one A. The women’s program has an outstanding tradition for of us! success. When I made the team in 2006 I was in awe of what had been accomplished. The system and how the program Q. What’s the biggest difference playing at the trains is the foundation of this program. Coming onto the team international level versus college ball here in I wanted to continue that success and not let the tradition die. the US? Thanks to all of the individuals who have paved the way and What’s on A. The speed of the game was the first thing I noticed playing built this foundation. The bar was set so high, and hopefully internationally. I remember feeling a step behind everything we can keep raising it! My iPod during my first international game. Q. What tips do you have for any aspiring 2-meter Q. You are one of three athletes on the women’s defenders out there? national team not from California high schools. A. Legs are always important for 2-meter defense! Also being Tell us about playing in your earlier years: able to use your strengths to your advantage. And don’t forget What was it like in Oregon? Is water polo to learn from the 2-meter players you are guarding; they may growing there? get you once but you’ll be ready for them the second time! Tanya Gandy, A. I was lucky enough to live close to a pool that had a great club Thanks Elsie! program. I started playing for the Tualatin Hills Water Polo Club - Women’s Senior National Team To see more questions and answers from Elsie visit the press when I was 11. I had some great coaches growing up, and I can’t 1 > Michael Jackson –”Man in the Mirror” thank them enough for the skills and work ethic they taught room section of www.usawaterpolo.org —“It’s my bro’s favorite song, so I guess me. My high school also had a successful team, and there too Photo courtesy of US Presswire/Alberto Lingria I just adopted it as mine, too.” I had several great coaches! Last time I was home I got to go watch a high school game (man do I miss the shallow-deep 2 > Kings of Leon –”On Fire” pools!), and I think the sport is growing but I still would like —“It’s just a great song!” to encourage more kids to try it out! How can you not love it?! 3 > Zac Brown Band–”Chicken Fried” Q. What is your pre-game routine? —“It always makes me feel happy.” A. I like to get a little stretching in a few hours before we 4 >Red Hot Chili Peppers–”Californication” leave for the pool (I found that a foam roller can be really —“Reminds me of when I was a kid.” helpful!). Plus I always try to grab a coffee with my teammates 5 > Celine Dion–”Because You Loved Me” before heading to the pool but once the ipod is on then it’s —“This song is fun to sing along to.” all business!

My First Water Polo Match John Mann, USA Men’s Senior National Team & 2009 World University Games Team May 1997 - Age 12 I started playing for Coach Ted Banduruk from the first 3 or 4 games in the first quarter. with Corona del Mar water polo right before Apparently I didn’t understand that you the summer of 1997. After struggling with couldn’t dunk the opposing players and wearing a speedo for a full week, Coach Ted swim away with the ball! In the final brought me along with the team for a week- game, fresh off a lecture on the rules of end tournament. It was a four or five game water polo, I played one full game with out tournament and I remember being ejected getting majored! 22 5 METERS: (continued)

WITH JIM CULLINGHAM Your USA WATER POLO REFerendum USA WATER POLO Happy fall to everyone—hope you had a great summer! *The World Famous S & R National Junior Olympics was a resounding suc- CUP It certainly was a busy one for USA Water Polo, and quite cess with record numbers of teams and about 100 referees participating. thoughts successful. A huge “thank you” to co-head referees Don Holbrook and John Montrella and their outstanding crew of “lead officials.” A special thanks to Stanford on… Congratulations are due to both our Men’s and Women’s Senior Water Polo and the Pacific Zone for a stellar job organizing this event. National Teams for their top-four finishes at the recent FINA World *In addition, the University of the Pacific hosted three National Champion- Sami Hill – Mandi Sutherland – I had so much fun in St. Louis that I became hooked Championships in Rome, Italy, with the Women’s squad taking ship events, quite an undertaking. Thanks again to Megan Thomson and Goalie – USA Women’s Junior Dallas Water Polo Club and have been playing polo ever since. Hopefully the home the Gold Medal. Both team also competed in their respective her crew for an outstanding job. “Thank yous” are also due to our head National Team/Santa Barbara kids are still having as much fun as I did. FINA World League Super Finals prior to World Championships. referees for the events: Andy Takata, Men’s Open; Amber Drury, Women’s WPC Big Gulps (7-Eleven) – I remember YouTube – I think it is an amazing invention with Open; and Jack Horton, Women’s 20/Under. All in all, busy times and a (Our Junior Teams participated in World Championships this sum- when I was in elementary we would so many funny things to watch (like ‘keyboard cat’) very busy summer for USA Water Polo. mer with the women traveling to Russia and the men to Croatia.) Big Gulps (7-Eleven) – I like soda, get one of these every Friday. but I prefer Slurpees. Sadly that has changed. I rarely get one now, Backhand Shot – My favorite shot out of two And of course, where there are games, there are referees—and In closing, FINA (the governing body for water polo and all aquatic meters; when done properly, there is nothing I remember during Speedo Cup, the though when I do its always special. the United States was well represented. sports worldwide) adopted a few rule changes this summer that will Speedo Cup – more beautiful. fire alarm went off in our hotel and everyone was Speedo Cup – It’s a great way to promote the sport *Steven Rotsart was officiated in the World Championships, and Michael go into effect in the United States November 1 and will be in effect freaking out...good times. of water polo for middle school teams. Wish they Beyonce (Singer) – She is a great singer that Goldenberg represented the USA at both the Men’s Junior World Champi- for Speedo Cup and this year’s Speedo Top 40 Tournament. The text could have it for High school. has very cool fashion and an even cooler husband. onships and the Men’s FINA World League Super Final. of those rule changes can be found on the USA Water Polo Web YouTube – The best place to find hilarious videos. *Alex Stankevitch traveled with the Women’s Junior team to their World site. Follow the “Rules and Ethics” link. One significant change is the Like the Women’s Junior National Team Skits! YouTube – I use YouTube to watch a number of Justin Johnson – Championship, and Amber Drury was the USA referee at the Women’s elimination of wasting time or “stalling.” Most of the other changes Backhand Shot – I hate backhands! They always things. It is very convenient. One of my favorite Defender, USA Men’s FINA World League Super Final. are clarifications in regard to language and interpretation. hit me in the face :( subjects that I love to look up is “Amazing water Senior National Team, polo goals.” The more I watch them, the more *Rounding out international travel for competition this year, Steve Redding Beyonce (Singer) – I don’t wanna brag, but people 2009 World Championships In closing, as always, if any of you have questions about rules, impressed I become. was assigned to the World University Games in Serbia. confuse me with Beyonce all the time! Haha :) concerns about the game, or any comments at all, let us know. Backhand Shot – This is definitely the shot that Big Gulps (7-Eleven) – I don’t think A special thanks to all for a job well done! We would again like to encourage your feedback via email to Bryan Weaver – I love the most. In my opinion it is such a sneaky I’ve ever actually had one. If I go to 7-11 I am going [email protected]. We look forward to your input. for a slurpee. And now, many more “Thanks!” Chairman, Masters’ shot, especially at my age. The one problem that Committee I have with this shot is it’s sometimes unpredict- Speedo Cup – Went when I was 11 for the 14 Back in the USA, our referees—not to mention a slew of play- Thanks again for your time. able. It either goes straight in or a complete miss. and under championships. Played a total of about ers and coaches—participated in a number or domestic National Big Gulps (7-Eleven) – Sprite is my Not the most reliable shot… 5 minutes but for an 11 year old the whole Championships: favorite. I must stay away from Beyonce (Singer) – She is my favorite singer. I love experience was awesome. caffeine because it makes me too jumpy and how she has such a wide range, vocally. I would YouTube – I use it just about everyday to check I get too many exclusions. love to meet her one day. out music I am thinking about buying. Speedo Cup – One of the best events to Backhand Shot – I’ve never really taken to the shot showcase our players. Thirty years ago Kelly Rulon – mostly because I don’t think my hands are big I would have answered, “No, too cumbersome.” Attacker, USA Women’s enough to do it effectively, I tend to stick to YouTube – Has made our world smaller and Senior National Team, roll outs. 2009 World Champion accessible. Love the idle entertainment factor. Beyonce (Singer) – HOT!! Her music videos Backhand Shot – Contagious. Once you made Big Gulps (7-Eleven) – I have never are great, always keeps my attention. a good one…there’s a high probability that had one because I am not much of a soda drinker. more are on the way. I prefer a nice cold bottle of water! Beyonce (Singer) – I know she’s a popular Speedo Cup – It was my first tournament that singer but not quite sure what she sings. I went to after only playing for four months.

Art by Kevyn Schmidt. 24 usawaterpolo.org 25 Championship (TAGS) for 8th Grade & Younger 4. Austin, 2-3-0 Central Region Report occurred at the same pool. With teams from 5. Houston WPC A, 3-1-1 Texas State High School Water Polo Houston and Dallas in the inaugural event, 6. Dallas Youth, 1-4-0 Championships, April 24-25, the teams competed in three divisions with 7. Houston WPC B, 2-3-0 In The AREA as submitted by zone chairs and members Southlake, TX Houston Storm winning the 6th Grade & 8. Dallas Red, 0-5-0 The Texas State High School Water Polo Cham- Younger Coed Division, Gulf Coast Water Polo Women’s Open Final Standings pionships has a long history of success since the placing 1st in the 8th Grade Girls’ Division, and 1. HWP Black, 4-0 We’re happy to announce that masters play has as well as sponsor a clinic each year to improve 1970s. In the spring of 2009, the tournament held the St. Marks Lions coming out on top in the 8th West Region Report 2. University of Texas, 3-1 returned to the Newport referee and coaches training. its inaugural Spring Championship. The largest Grade Boys’ Division. PNW United Looking for Players 3. HWP Green, 2-2 Beach area. A group is meeting weekly at This is as dedicated a group of water polo field of teams in the history of the championship With a large number of graduates this year, 4. Dallas Masters, 1-3 Newport Harbor High School and operates as a people that you’ll find; they simply do not use competed in both boys’ and girls’ divisions (16 6th Grade Final Standings especially in our Girls’ program, we need to 5. Dallas Youth, 0-4 drop in/pickup league through the U.S. Leagues the phrase “can’t be done.” Worthington High teams per division). Over two days the two divi- 1. Houston Storm Recruit, Recruit, Recruit! Players, you are the program. For more info, contact Jeremy Laster School has only one set of shot clocks for the sions made up of teams from Houston, San Anto- 2. Rockwall 18 & Under Final Standings BEST recruiters. Bring a friend—the first week ([email protected]) or Park Eddy (peddy@ two-course event—but that’s not a problem nio, and Dallas, fought hard in what became the 3. Dallas 1. HWP Y, 4-0 is FREE! activecaptive.com). We also have a group playing for Worthington’s parent booster Shawn Kline, best event in the history of the tournament. On 4. Gulf Coast 2. HWP X, 3-1 To gain exposure for our Club, families and at Capo Valley High School and in Los Alamitos. who figured out how to adapt the field hockey the girls’ side, Baytown-Sterling defeated 8th Grade Girls’ Final Standings 3. Dallas Orange, 2-2 4. HWP Women, 1-3 players attended numerous Midlakes League For more info contact Russell Rowlands scoring system for water polo games. Houston-Stratford in the championship, 1. Gulf Coast games to spread the good news about our club. and Southlake-Carroll defeated Humble- 5. Dallas Yellow, 0-4 ([email protected]) and Braham Hojreh Tournament organizers made sure all tourna- 2. Dallas Special thanks go to: The Kreek family, the Atascocita in the third-place game. For the ([email protected]) respectively. We’re looking ment results were posted immediately on charts Houston Summer Open, July 11-12, Florsheim family, the Glidden family, the Cheng boys, St. Marks Lions of Dallas defeated 8th Grade Boys’ Final Standings next to North County and the Inland Empire for at both pools, as well as outside the concession Houston, TX family, Stephanie Helamak, Sierra Hoffman, Baytown-Sterling in the championship while 1. St. Marks more growth in this area. stand to allow players and fans to keep track of HOPS A defeated the Houston WPC college Denise & Buddy Hopkins, Mac & Leann Maynes, Tomball defeated Humble-Atascocita in the 2. Gulf Coast the event. All games ran on time (on the hour)— team, 15-8, in the final of the open division of Jim VanBramer, Jim Arnold, and Ron Griffin. third-place game. 3. Dallas Black Last year the Water Polo Champions League not one delay all weekend. 4. Dallas Blue the Houston Summer Open at the University of Thanks also to those players who brought your (WPCL) ran in the winter to provide high level Houston while Dallas WPC took third by de- Ohio’s coaches are an interesting, eclectic Girls Final Standings friends to our table to register for the drawing play opportunities for our more experienced Southwest Zone Championship, June 7, feating Cy Fair WPC. In the women’s division, group. Many hail from the collegiate club 1. Baytown-Sterling AND take a flyer. players. This league will continue and grow Austin, TX an intra-club final had the HWP Blue team systems where the state’s high schools have 2. Houston-Stratford And finally, thanks to the Stinson family in the 2010. We hope that all of our athletes At the University of Texas-Austin, the First defeating HWP Black, 12-11. The Open division fueled the growth of such collegiate club schools 3. Southlake-Carroll and the Simas family for spreading the word playing at the collegiate level who finish their Annual Southwest Zone Championships also featured some very competitive advancement as Ohio State, Ohio University, and Miami of 4. Humble-Atascocita in Seattle! We gathered lots of names to add to eligibility will join the league in January. served as the National Junior Olympic Quali- games that could’ve easily altered the final Ohio. St. Charles Preparatory School boasts 5. Denton-Ryan our mailing list and answered lots of questions fier for the SW Zone. Houston WPC came out standings as HWP College edged San Antonio head coach Geoff Gear, former player for Russ about our program. East Region Report Co-MVPs: on top in the 18U and 16U boys’ divisions, with by one goal, and Dallas A defeated HWP 18s by Yarworth’s repeat Eastern Championship team, Amy Olsen, Baytown-Sterling and Kelsey Loux, Dallas WPC placing second in both divisions. In Ohio Cup Concludes in Columbus two goals, allowing both winners to advance to 2009 48th Annual SPA Age-Group University of Massachusetts. Houston-Stratford the 18U girls division, the Houston WPC also the final four. HWP College had to win another Upper Arlington High School defeated St. League & Championship Calendar The Worthington teams exemplify the Ohio took home the first-place trophy while Houston one-goal game to make the final. HOPS A easily Charles Preparatory School in a decisive battle Coach of the Year: The Southern Pacific Association (SPA) Age folks’ “can do” attitude. Thomas R. Worthington WPC B placed second. For the 14U Coed Divi- pulled away from its two Sunday opponents to to take home the coveted Ohio Cup Trophy Scott Slay, Sterling Group League is the premier age-group water High School recently grew to the point where sion, the Houston WPC bested Dallas WPC. win the event’s open division. In the women’s at Thomas Worthington Aquatic Complex in First-Team All-State: polo league for the Southern Pacific Zone of it had to break into two high schools: Thomas Final Standings 16U Boys division, the University of Texas narrowly Worthington (just outside of Columbus), OH, Amy Olsen, Sterling; Kelsey Loux, Houston- USA Water Polo. It’s also the longest-running Worthington and Worthington Kilbourne. 1. Houston A, 3-0 missed qualifying for the final after a tie and a on Sunday, September 13. Stratford; Madison Pepper, Baytown-Sterling; 18U Boys age-group water league in the country. For the Since Kilbourne lacked a water polo coach, 2. Dallas A, 2-1 one-goal loss in bracket play. HWP Blue and HWP Amanda Colvin, Humble-Atascocita; Chelsea 1. Houston A, 3-0 year 2009 the league season shall begin the day Saturday night’s Ohio State-USC football Worthington’s head coach John Wolf filled 3. Houston B, 1-2 Black tied on Sunday morning and went at each Dunlap, Southlake-Carroll; Samantha Carl- 2. Dallas, 2-1 after Labor Day, September 8, and run through game at OSU set the local stage for Sunday’s the job of head coach for both schools’ boys 4. Dallas B, 0-3 other again that afternoon with the Blue 3. Houston B, 1-2 November 15,. finals, which capped two days of competition and girls teams, giving him a four- team isle, Denton-Ryan; Sarah Waltz, San Antonio team prevailing. in which all 12 Ohio high school teams battled Alamo Heights 4. San Antonio, 0-3 14U Coed To participate in the league, clubs sign development job in two separate (and rival) for supremacy over two courses at the beautiful 1. Houston Boys, 2-0 Open Division Final Standings up their teams online at the zone Web site high schools, which he has somehow managed Boys Final Standings 18U Girls four-pool (indoor and outdoor) complex. 2. Dallas, 1-1 1. HOPS A, 5-0 (www.sopacwp.com) and arrange games with to make work very well. 1. St. Marks Lions of Dallas 1. Houston A, 3-0 3. Houston Girls, 0-2 2. HWP College, 4-1 the other teams in the league. The league season Ohio water polo is a testament to what a group 2. Baytown-Sterling 2. Houston B, 2-1 Kudos to this group of intrepid people who’ve 3. Dallas A, 4-1 ends with the SPA Tournament, the seedings of dedicated parents and coaches can do to 3. Tomball 3. Dallas, 1-2 shown their kids that “can’t be done” is simply 4. Cy Fair WPC, 3-2 of which are based on the results of league play develop water polo in a complete vacuum. Now 4. Humble-Atascocita 4. San Antonio, 0-3 not acceptable and managed to forge a vibrant, 5. HWP 18s, 3-2 and other factors. The top-three teams from the in its 18th year, the Ohio program has grown, 5. Houston Clear Brook successful water polo program despite some Dallas Summer Classic, June 20-21, 6. HOPS B, 2-3 12U and 14U age groups are invited to play in regularly sending both boys and girls into the MVP: heavy odds. Southlake, TX 7. San Antonio, 2-3 the first-ever “California Age Group Champion- Olympic Development program as well as the Gold Medal: Upper Arlington High School Blake Burns, Baytown-Sterling 8. University of Houston, 1-4 ships” which will be held in the Coastal Zone USA Water Polo Junior Olympics (through The annual Dallas Summer Classic played Silver Medal: St. Charles High School Coach of the Year: 9. HWP 16s, 2-3 for 2009. This event will be held tentatively on the closest USA Water Polo Club, located four out in two pools in Southlake, TX, with three Bronze Medal: Thomas Worthington High 10. HWP Red, 2-3 weekend of Nov. 20, 21, 22, 2009. More info can hours away in Ann Arbor, MI). The local Mihai Oprea, St. Marks divisions: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and 18U School 11. Dallas Youth, 1-4 be found on the zone Web site. referee association has used the remote learning First-Team All-State: Coed. The men’s division championship came 12. University of Texas, 1-4 opportunities in USA Water Polo’s Water Polo Ohio Cup All-Tournament Team Blake Burns, Sterling; Taylor Sharp, Sterling; down to HOPS and Dallas WPC with HOPS Masters Update in the SoPac Zone Academy to bring local referees to newfound Danny Trotier —Upper Arlington Alex Konzim, Atascocita; Brian Downs, St. winning a nip-and-tuck game that was tied with Women’s Division Final Standings Central Region Report officiating consistency, and the parents’ booster Walid Chaieiky—Thomas Worthington Marks; Will Ferenic, St. Marks; David Garrett, two minutes to play. Houston WPC-Black came 1. HWP Blue, 3-0-2 Our zone didn’t have solid participation at the club is now discussing implementing its own Chris Culin—Sycamore San Antonio Clark; Charlie Ruchtie, Clear out on top in the women’s division, and HWP Y 2. HWP Black, 3-1-1 men’s open level. As we’ve mentioned in the past, Junior Olympics team via a year-round program Dan Matulis—Milford Brook; Damien Hines, Tomball placed first in the 18U Coed division. 3. University of Texas, 3-1-1 one of the goals of the zone is to provide more with the help of Liz Grimes from USA Water Cris Miranda—Upper Arlington Texas State Age Group Championships, Men’s Open Final Standings 4. Dallas, 1-4 play opportunities for both younger (splashball) Polo. Former Californians Greg Sanchez and John Spangler—Upper Arlington 5. Gator Gals, 0-4 April 26, Southlake, TX 1. HOPS, 5-0-0 and experienced players (open and masters). Scott Allen have joined with Buckeye faculty Orion Swanson—St. Charles On the Sunday following the Texas High 2. Dallas Blue, 3-1-1 member Peter Pappas to help the parents’ group courtesy of Joan Gould School Championships, the Texas Age Group 3. San Antonio, 3-2-0 26 usawaterpolo.org 27 Most Valuable Player – Kate Pettit, Velocity Best Goalkeeper – Jackie Frank, Top Scorer – Margie Dingeldein, Meteors (12 goals) 2003 Women’s October 23-25, 2009 Speedo Top 40 Festival Final Standings: 1. Inferno The Place: USA Water Polo 2. Crush National Training Center 3. Viper 4. Proud Glory 11360 Valley Forge Avenue Most Valuable Player – , Inferno Los Alamitos, CA Best Goalkeeper – , Inferno Top Scorer – Brenda Villa, Viper (9 goals) The Basics: The training home for the USA Women’s Senior National Team serves as the host location for the Speedo Top 2004 Women’s 40. Annually bringing together over 40 of the best women’s Speedo Top 40 Festival water polo players in the United States the event was started presented by Mikasa in 2002 as a way to bring together all development levels of Final Standings: November 14-16, 2009 women’s water polo. The tourney generally features not just 1. Aster (Junior National Team) veterans of the Women’s Senior National but also members of 2. Graffiti The Place: Canham Natatorium 3. Zap the Junior and Youth National teams. In addition a 16 team club 4. Livewire The University of Michigan tournament takes place among the Top 40 activities featuring Most Valuable Player – , Aster 1000 S. State Street a wide array of top clubs from across the country. Most Valuable Goalkeeper – Jaime Hipp, Zap Top Scorer – , Livewire (9 goals) Ann Arbor, MI You May Not Know: The pool in Los Alamitos is located on The Basics: The Speedo Cup is an event designed for youth the Joint Forces Training Base. Just outside the pool walls 2005 Women’s water polo featuring the best 13 and 14 year olds in the country. members of the military go about their daily business. Soldiers Speedo Top 40 Festival After a sometimes rigorous qualification process teams advance in marching formation or military helicopters flying overhead presented by Mikasa out of their zone to represent their part of the country. Clubs are are all common sights at a water polo match played in Los Final Standings: referred to by their location to highlight the truly national feel Alamitos, California. 1. Revolution of the tournament. Always based in the Midwest of the United 2. Spectrum States he tournament will held at the University of Michigan. Where To Stay: 3. Splash Hampton Inn – Cypress 4. Matrix Most Valuable Player – Erika Figge, Revolution You May Not Know: Canham Natatorium is where swimming 10900 Yamaha Way, Cypress, California, USA 90630 Best Goalkeeper –Emily Feher, Spectrum Phone: (714)-527-2900 star Michael Phelps trained for many years with the Wolverine Top Scorer – Brittaney Rowe, Spectrum (12 goals) Fax: (714)-527-3174 Club. The pool was also home the 2008 Speedo Cup as well The Courtyard Hotel by Marriott as the collegiate venue for 2008 Water Polo Olympians 5865 Katella Avenue 2006 Women’s Betsey Armstrong and Alison Gregorka. Cypress, California 90630 Speedo Top 40 Festival Phone: (714) 827-1010 Where To Stay: Fax: (714) 220-0543 presented by Mikasa Hampton Ann Arbor North Final Standings: 2300 Green Road Where To Eat: 1. Sabotage Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (As recommended by some USA Water Polo Staff) 2. Kosmic Khaos Phone: (734)-996-4444 3. Dragon Island Grill 4. Lotus Red Roof Inn 4390 Katella Ave Most Valuable Player – Brenda Villa, Sabotage 3505 S State Street Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Best Goalkeeper –Amber Oland, Lotus Ann Arbor MI, 48108 Phone: (562) 431-6496 Top Scorer – , Sabotage (12 goals) Phone: (734)-665-3500 Chinese food meets Hawaiian Barbecue Mustards 2007 Women’s Speedo Where To Eat: 3630 Katella Ave (As recommended by Alison Gregorka – Michigan Alum) Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Top 40 Festival Angelos Phone: (562) 598-1662 presented by Mikasa 1100 Catherine St Ste 1 Tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, and much more Final Standings: Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Red Robin 1. Tornado Phone: (734) 761-8996 5461 Katella Ave 2. Camo Great Breakfast Food Cypress, CA 90630 3. Tribal Café Zola Phone: (714) 226-9009 4. Solar 112 W Washington St If you don’t know, you better ask somebody Most Valuable Player – Brenda Villa, Tornado Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1325 Katella Deli Best Goalkeeper –Jaime Hipp, Tornado Phone: (734) 769-2020 4470 Katella Ave Top Scorer – Natalie Golda, Tribal (8 goals) More Breakfast Action Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Zingermann’s Phone: (562) 594-8611 2008 Women’s 422 Detroit St. A NY Style Deli Ann Arbor, MI‎ *Nearby Seal Beach Blvd also presents Speedo Top 40 Festival Phone: (734) 663-3354‎ a host of other options presented by Mikasa Great Sandwiches and other Lunch Items Final Standings: BD’s Mongolian BBQ Speedo Top 40 History 1. Shining Star 200 S Main St, 2. Kapow Ann Arbor, MI‎ 2002 Women’s 3. Hot Lava Phone: (734) 213-6493‎ 4. Jungle All You Can Eat! Speedo Top 40 Festival Most Valuable Player – Kami Craig, Shining Star Buffalo Wild Wings Final Standings: Best Goalkeeper –Tamua Anae, Shining Star 205 S State St, 1. Velocity Top Scorer – Lauren Silver, Shining Star (10 goals) Ann Arbor, MI‎ 2. Quantum Phone: (734) 997-9143‎ 3. Meteors Solid Spot For Wings and Things 4. Avengers

28 E;>H7DEF3DE

>8D

WP_SilverAd_08_08.indd 1 9/9/08 10:21:50 AM