Raised in Sitges, Barcelona, Spain, Gabi Matafora-Adams discovered her passion for water polo soon after moving to the United States at age 14. She went on to play at Mountain View High School before continuing her athletic and academic career at California State University, Long Beach, where she served as water polo team captain for two consecutive years and helped lead the program to its highest NCAA ranking since 2005. Gabi earned her master’s degree in Sport Management in December 2023.

Fluent in four languages and having played competitively in three countries, Gabi brings a truly global perspective to sport and philanthropy. She believes in the power of athletics to shape character, build lifelong relationships, and open doors to opportunity – values that align closely with USA Water Polo’s mission to grow our game and empower every athlete to reach their potential.

After a season playing professionally in Italy with Pallanuoto Trieste, Gabi is now competing with Club Natació Sant Feliu in Spain for the 2025–26 season. Her experience as both an athlete and advocate continues to inspire her work in international sport and Philanthropy & Advancement – helping make water polo and athletic opportunity more accessible, inclusive, and united as we journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games – and beyond.