The U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team is gearing up for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, but amidst the excitement, a heartbreaking loss has cast a shadow over the team. Maggie Steffens, the three-time Olympic champion and captain of the women’s water polo team, received devastating news: her sister-in-law passed away after traveling to Paris to support her in the games. Lulu Conner died July 23 after traveling to Paris for the Games.
A Legacy of Gold
Maggie Steffens is no stranger to the Olympic podium. With gold medals from London, Rio, and Tokyo, she has solidified her status as one of the best water polo players in the world. Now, she’s aiming for an unprecedented fourth gold medal—a feat no other water polo athlete, male or female, has achieved.
A Mix of Experience and New Talent
The 2024 U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Ashleigh Johnson, a two-time gold medalist, guards the goal alongside Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Amanda Longan. The attacker group includes Rachel Fattal, Kaleigh Gilchrist, and Tokyo MVP Maddie Musselman, who together hold an impressive 14 World Championship titles.
New Faces, New Challenges
This year’s team introduces fresh talent. Defender Jordan Raney, after multiple World Championships, finally makes her Olympic debut. Eighteen-year-old Emily Ausmus, the youngest member of the squad, brings her skills to the defensive line. The center tandem features former UC Irvine standout Tara Prentice and Princeton star Jovana Sekulic, while Stanford Cardinal attackers Ryann Neushul, Jewel Roemer, and Jenna Flynn add firepower to the USA attack.
