US National Synchronized Swimming Championships
The most prestigious synchronized swimming competition in the nation took place April 1-4 at the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga, CA. Over 350 athletes from all over the US, Canada and Puerto Rico traveled to the East Bay for the week long competition, held here for the first time in 20 years. The USA Synchro event was co-hosted by The Walnut Creek Aquanuts, and the Santa Clara Aquamaids, and was an opportunity for Bay Area synchronized swimming fans, and those just curious, to experience the best synchronized swimming in the nation! The event covered three championships; The U.S Senior National Championships, The U.S. Junior National Championships and the 13/15 National Championships.
In the senior competition, The U.S. Senior National Squad, coached by Olympian Myriam Glez wowed the audience and won the team free event, finishing with 168.5430 points. Lindenwood University was second with 162.7989 points, and Santa Clara took third at 155.9442. Competing for the U.S. Senior National Squad were: Anita Alvarez, Claire Barton, Phoebe Coffin, Mariya Koroleva (2012 Olympian, and current WCA Coach), Isabel Malcolmson, Sarah Rodriguez, Karensa Tjoa and Alison Williams.
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts stunned the audience and earned Gold in the combo free (82.1667 points) followed by the Santa Clara Aquamaids (81.5333) and the New Canaan Y Aquianas (75.8000). The team is made up of athletes Gillian Brassil, Natalie Fletcher, Kyra Hoevertsz, Rachel Jager, Johanna Langner, Remy Mink, Catalina Nedelcu, Alexa Tchekmarev, Dorai Torba, Elizabeth Wiita and Dana Drury.
For the Junior Championships, WCA earned 2nd place in the Junior High Point Team award. Aquanut Gillian Brassil received 2nd place in the Junior Individual High Point Award. The Jr A and B teams earned Gold and Bronze in the Team Free event, scoring 81.5333 and 77.333 respectively. In the Duet, Walnut Creek swimmers won Silver and Bronze, with Brassil and Elizabeth Wiita finishing second (76.9000), and Dana Drury and Joanna Langner taking third (75.8333). Amanda Stanton and Renee Stehlik, placed 9th.
In the 13/15 age group, the A team brought home Silver, made up of athletes Melanie Coppersmith, Yara Elian, Mia Gallahue, Ava Jih-Schiff, Mira Miller, Megan Wong, Brianna Zuniga, with alternate Mari Yamamoto, and the B team, made up of athletes Angelina Bayrak, Eva Eleftheriadis, Emma Lowery, Rebecca Nosovitskiy, Sasha Persternikova, Olya Revkova, Natalia Volkov and Mari Yamamoto took 8thth place. Aquanuts Yara Elian, and Haley Watson took third in Duet with 139.2566.
WCA President Jeff Langner remarked that having the opportunity to co-host the event was an opportunity for the renowned local club to shine in the eyes of USA Synchro, not only as outstanding competitors, but as collaborative event partners. The club worked hard on organizing the meet, getting sponsors to support the event, and putting local businesses in front of the visiting families. “Our Boosters logged over 550 volunteer hours preparing for this event,” said Langner, ” I am very proud of our club, from the award winning athletes, to the coaches who work tirelessly training the girls, to the parents who always come through in a big way! We nailed it!”
WCA Parent Lydia Avramenko commented on the incredible weather, positive vibe and good sportsmanship that enveloped the competition. “Athletes who were fierce competitors in the water, were enjoying each other’s company throughout the week and supporting each other from the sidelines.”
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts MISSION: The Walnut Creek Aquanuts (WCA) is a world-renowned synchronized swim club based in Northern California. Our mission is to develop athletes from novice to elite, building both bodies and minds and instilling skills that will serve our swimmers throughout their lifetime.
Over its 45-year history, WCA has trained over 30 Olympic athletes and garnered more than 200 national and world competition titles. WCA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, with a roster of over 100 athletes ranging in age from 6 – 21, and in ability from novice to Olympic hopeful.
Training: For girls interested in trying synchronized swimming they can participate in one of the many “Try It” days or Summer Trainee Sessions offered by the Walnut Creek Aquanuts. Both are open to girls new to the sport, between the ages of 6-12 who are able to swim 25 yards and are comfortable in the deep end of the pool.
Celebration of Champions: Did you miss this amazing competition? Come out to the Clark Memorial Swim Center at Heather Farms on May 23rd from 3:30-8:30 to experience WCA’s Celebration of Champions exhibition and fundraiser! Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying spectacular synchronized swimming routines, while enjoying a Caribbean Carnival vibe via our food and shopping vendors. Buy Tickets and learn more about our live and silent auction at Aquanuts.org. Individuals or companies interested in sponsoring the club and/or its events should email sponsorship@aquanuts.org.