March 6, 2013
Following a nation-wide high after the overall performance of the US National Teams at the 2012 Olympics in London, fans want to know more about their country’s heroes. USA Water Polo would like to give an inside look of its national teams that competed to the best of their abilities this summer in London while millions were watching from home.
Both teams are selected and maintained in four-year cycles based on the Olympic year. Starting in June 2006, the athlete selection process became governed by the official Athlete Selection Process. For those competing for a spot on the US National Teams, there is no age requirement and the process is by invitation only. When each team selects their members, the players represent the United States at the top international events including FINA World Championships, Pan American Games, FINA World Cup, FINA World League, ASUA Cup and the Olympic Games. Additionally, the teams participate in exhibition series prior to the Olympics.
Men’s National Team
The Men’s National Team currently consists of a coaching staff and 16 athletes, though only 13 were selected to compete in London. When not competing for the US National Team, all the men play for their respective club teams. Additionally, some of the men have the opportunity to play abroad professionally. All current members of the team are from all over the state of California, where water polo is a popular sport. The men of USA Water Polo have brains to match their brawn, with all completed their Bachelor’s degrees at some of the top universities in the country.
Women’s National Team
The Women’s National Team also consists of a coaching staff and 17 players, with 13 competing in the Olympics this year. Like the members of the Men’s National Team, many of the women competing for the US National Team play for respective club teams and their respective colleges. This year, the women’s team had two members competing in their fourth Olympic Games, an impressive feat as women’s water polo has only been an Olympic sport since 2000. Additionally, the women’s team has earned a medal every Olympic year, with 2012 being the first year to earn gold.
