Feature by Shoshanna Rutemiller
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 13. USA Women's Water Polo has medalled in every Olympics since the sport began being offered at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Initially, the Stars and Stripes brought home silver in 2000, followed by a bronze at the 2004 Athens Games and a silver at the 2008 Beijing Games. Heading into Beijing, Team USA ranked first in the world, and had been unbeaten in 36 international matches prior to the Games.
The one common denominator throughout these Olympic performances for the Red, White and Blue is a collection of incredible athletes, including seasoned veteran and team captain Brenda Villa.
Villa is one of the most decorated female players in water polo history. Heading into her fourth Olympics, and nearing the end of her illustrious career, Villa's experience is an asset to a team striving to reclaim a spot on the Olympic podium, and perhaps stake its claim on the top spot.
For an athlete, training is fundamental for success. Team USA has 10 practices a week, with each session lasting about three hours. On top of these grueling practices, the squad has strength training three times a week. Practices consist of conditioning, shooting as well as technical and tactical skills.
Although training consumes as much time as a full-time job, Villa notes that refining technical skills is only a part of becoming a successful athlete. Villa was only 20 years old when she competed for Team USA in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Now, 12 years later, and heading into London, Villa realizes that experience is one ingredient that cannot be substituted.
“Experience is very important,” Villa told Swimming World. “With years of experience you are able to become smarter as a player. You know your opponents better. You develop a better sense of your team dynamic, and you are able to make those around you perform at a higher level. I've become a better student of the game.”
Considering her Olympic expertise and the responsibilities as a captain, Villa's role in London is a bit different than when she was a young member on Team USA in Sydney.
“My role has changed as my Olympic experience has increased,” Villa said. “It is a different role to be a veteran on the team than it is to be a rookie, but in the water we all have the same responsibilities and expectations.”
Team USA has a mix of experienced players, such as Villa and her three-time Olympic teammate Heather Petri, and players relatively new to the International stage. However, Villa notes that while experience sharpens athletes, in a team sport trusting in the skills of teammates is essential.
“You have to trust your teammates,” Villa said. “That is the beauty of a team sport, you get the opportunity to play with great players and rely on them. They can help you make amazing plays and also help you out of slump. It is the main factor in being successful. The team that is playing the best together under pressure will be at the top of the podium in London.”
Pressure is something every athlete has to face, especially if they aspire to compete at an elite level. Dealing with pressure is an individual task, but Villa knows that engaging with teammates can make upcoming matches more approachable.
“I like to visualize before games,” Villa said. “I go over our game plans, and think about what I will have to do in the game. You have to trust your instincts, so at a certain time I don't like to think about we talked about in our team meeting, I just like to be free. But once we start warming up, I like to be engaged with my teammates, and giving and getting confidence from them.”
Heading into her fourth and possibly final Olympics, the end of her career causes Villa to reflect on the more sentimental aspects of sport.
“It reminds me that I need to enjoy every moment,” Villa said.
And what would be more enjoyable than ending her career with a gold medal that has remained elusive to Team USA the past three Olympiads?
“Our goal for the Olympics is to play the best water polo we are capable of playing,” Villa said. “We have set our sights on being at the top of the podium in London.”
Earlier this month, USA Women's Water Polo won its fourth straight FINA World Super Final Gold Medal.
Check out Brenda Villa featured on Swimming World Magazine's cover back in 2009:
