“I’m thrilled for all the players and am extremely proud of all the efforts of USA Water Polo and the World Wide Women’s Water Polo movement,” said Megan Hernandez, Chairwoman of USA Water Polo’s Women’s International Committee.
“I’m truly speechless,” said Sandy Nitta. “We’ve been working so long and so hard for this day and now that it’s here it doesn’t seem real. It won’t seem real to me until I see the medals awarded to women’s teams in Sydney.” Nitta was the head coach of the USA team which won the first officially recognized FINA World Championship for women, held in Merced, CA in 1979.
“It’s been a long journey,” said former USWP President Rich Foster, who spearheaded the international movement since the early 1990’s.
“This was an international movement to which many contributed and for which many are owed thanks,” said Bruce Wigo, USA Water Polo Executive Director. “But the Australians are the ones who really brought the issue to a head. They are to be commended for their tireless, uncompromising publicity campaign.”