Recently retired two-time Olympic gold medalist Courtney Mathewson will be honored Tuesday evening as the U.S. women’s water polo team faces China at Foothill High School in Tustin to conclude a four-game series of exhibition games.
Mathewson brought precision shooting and a competitive edge to a six- year career with the U.S. women’s national team that coincided with one of the most successful runs in team sports history.
Of the 13 major competitions conducted by FINA, aquatics international governing body, during Mathewson’s career she won a gold medal in all but three. Mathewson overcame a variety of injuries to become an essential piece of the U.S.’ perimeter attack.
“To be a part of the best women’s water polo team in the world for the past seven years has been a dream come true,” said the 31-year-old Mathewson who gave birth to daughter, Aspen Rae Morinello, on Sept. 12. “Two Olympic gold medals and a world championship are more than I ever could have imagined when I started playing water polo in Anaheim Hills over 20 years ago.”
Mathewson was a four-time all-Southern Section selection when she played at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills, helped lead UCLA to four NCAA championships from 2005 to 2008 and was the 2008 recipient of the Cutino Award as the best female college water polo player.
“Courtney’s humble approach and quiet confidence were uniquely combined with a determination and competitiveness that was unmatched,” said Adam Krikorian, who coached Mathewson with the national team from 2010-16 after coaching her at UCLA from 2005-08.
“These traits aligned with our program’s values therefore magnifying the benefit of her leadership on a daily basis. Her deceptive and powerful perimeter shot overshadowed her fierce and reliable defense. She is what competitive greatness is defined as, scoring a countless number of goals during the biggest of moments.”
The Americans defeated China, 10-5, Thursday at UC Irvine to open the series. They also defeated the Netherlands, 12-7, Saturday at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, and 8-6, Sunday at Loyola Marymount University to increase their winning streak to 23 games.
—City News Service