NewsSenior National Team
Final Senior National Team Squad Selected in Los Angeles
by Alyssa Jacobs, USA Artistic Swimming
The final USA Artistic Swimming Senior National Team squad has been selected after a week-long trials process in Los Angeles this week. The athletes named to the final roster include Anita Alvarez, Jaime Czarkowski, Nikki Dzurko, Megumi Field, Keana Hunter, Audrey Kwon, Calista Liu, Jacklyn Luu, Bill May, Dani Ramirez, Ruby Remati and Natalia Vega. The athletes will be eligible to represent USA at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan and the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile where the team will battle for Olympic qualification. The trials were evaluated by the national team coaching staff of Andrea Fuentes, Anna Voloshyna and Lara Teixeira as well as top-level US judges, Shari Darst and Eugenia Guillen. The trials processes were overseen by Vice President Olympic International, Irene Hawes and Athlete Representative, Monica Velazquez-Stiak.
Nine athletes remain on the team from the squad that trained together this spring and competed in two World Aquatics World Cup events. Notably, Bill May elected to rejoin the squad this summer and end his elite retirement for his chance to swim in the Olympic Games following the rule change allowing males to compete. Having a World Champion and artistic swimming legend on the team will bring a seasoned perspective and strengthen the talent on the roster. Collegiate champions Remati, who was the 2020 Olympic duet alternate, and Dzurko also earned their places on the final team. The two Buckeyes will move to Los Angeles from Columbus immediately and get reacclimated with the national team program.
The contingent of twelve have an exciting challenge in front of them to continue to elevate the United States’ international rankings with the goal of getting a USA team back to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008. With spectacular momentum from the World Cup circuit this spring propelling them forward, the coaching staff and athletes will continue to refine routines and experiment with combinations of swimmers to ensure the strongest eight swim for the stars and stripes on two of the biggest international stages this summer. All roster spots for competitions are up for grabs and the high level of talent within the squad will make the journey exciting to watch.
USA Artistic Swimming would like to thank every athlete who dedicated their time and talents to the national team program and participated in this week’s trials. The athletes that worked to represent USA on the international stage helped to raise the bar and move the team forward with tenacity and grit. Resources for athletes moving onto the next phases of their lives will be available through the organization and the USOPC.
Nine athletes remain on the team from the squad that trained together this spring and competed in two World Aquatics World Cup events. Notably, Bill May elected to rejoin the squad this summer and end his elite retirement for his chance to swim in the Olympic Games following the rule change allowing males to compete. Having a World Champion and artistic swimming legend on the team will bring a seasoned perspective and strengthen the talent on the roster. Collegiate champions Remati, who was the 2020 Olympic duet alternate, and Dzurko also earned their places on the final team. The two Buckeyes will move to Los Angeles from Columbus immediately and get reacclimated with the national team program.
The contingent of twelve have an exciting challenge in front of them to continue to elevate the United States’ international rankings with the goal of getting a USA team back to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008. With spectacular momentum from the World Cup circuit this spring propelling them forward, the coaching staff and athletes will continue to refine routines and experiment with combinations of swimmers to ensure the strongest eight swim for the stars and stripes on two of the biggest international stages this summer. All roster spots for competitions are up for grabs and the high level of talent within the squad will make the journey exciting to watch.
USA Artistic Swimming would like to thank every athlete who dedicated their time and talents to the national team program and participated in this week’s trials. The athletes that worked to represent USA on the international stage helped to raise the bar and move the team forward with tenacity and grit. Resources for athletes moving onto the next phases of their lives will be available through the organization and the USOPC.
“As a head coach, moments like these are hard and bittersweet. I am thankful for all that our departing teammates gave to the team, they will always be a part of our story. I am extremely happy for the athletes who have earned their place on the team because they are that much closer to achieving their dreams. They will make us stronger. I am very excited for this next chapter and I feel honored as their coach to be leading this group of strong swimmers to make Team USA the best team we can be.