IRVINE, Calif. - Fresno State junior Brooke Ochoa has been announced to the USA Women's Junior National Team roster for the upcoming World Aquatics Women's Junior World Championships (U20) starting next week in Portugal.
"This will be my second experience internationally but this is my first competitive experience with an actual tournament," said Ochoa on the opportunity. "I am super excited to be given the opportunity to go. Not only to bring Fresno State some pride and Valley love, but also to represent the USA."
Ochoa was selected as one of the Top 15 athletes from around the country. Ochoa isn't the only Bulldog that will represent Team USA next month as Fresno State head coach Natalie Benson is an assistant coach for the national team.
"A lot of what Coach Benson teaches us fundamentally wise at Fresno State is based off of US Water Polo, so transitioning from a Fresno State practice to US Water Polo, it is almost exactly what we go through every day [in Fresno]," Ochoa said on the preparation she's had with Benson as her college head coach.
Team USA was drawn into Group B and will meet Israel, Italy, and Hungary in group play. A champion will be crowned on September 15. Live streaming is expected to be available through the World Aquatics YouTube by clicking here.
2023 USA Women's Junior World Championships Roster (Position/Club/School)
* - Team Captain
Lauren Steele - Goalkeeper/Lamorinda/Orange Lutheran
Christine Carpenter - Goalkeeper/CHAWP/Stanford
Anna Pearson - Center/SET/UCLA
Rachel Gazzaniga - Defender/SOCAL/USC
Julia Bonaguidi - Attacker/Defender/San Diego Shores/California
Brooke Ochoa - Utility/Seaside/Fresno State
Quinn Healy - Attacker/Defender/Lamorinda/Stanford
*Ella Woodhead - Center/Stanford WPF/Stanford
Taylor Smith - Attacker/Newport/UCLA
Morgan Netherton - Attacker/Newport/USC
Ava Stryker - Attacker/Santa Barbara 805/USC
Emma Lineback - Attacker(L)/Los Angeles WPC/UCLA
Allison Cohen - Attacker/Defender/SET/Orange Lutheran
Emily Ausmus - Attacker/Defender/SOCAL/USC
Jenna Flynn - Attacker/Stanford WPF/Stanford
Staff
Ethan Damato - Head Coach
Natalie Benson - Assistant Coach
Coralie Simmons - Assistant Coach
Meghan Nee-Babic - Team Leader
Dr. Kimberly Hall - Doctor for World Championships
Audrey Tseng - Athletic Trainer
Peter Sophabmixay - Official
2023 World Aquatics Women's Junior World Championships Schedule (subject to change)
September 8 - USA vs Israel 10:30am et/7:30am pt
September 9 - USA vs Italy 8:30am et/5:30am pt
September 10 - USA vs Hungary 3:00pm et/12:00pm pt
September 11 - TBD
September 12 - TBD
September 13 - TBD
September 14 - TBD
September 15 - TBD