HUNTINGTON BEACH –\u00a0Brenda Villa, the most decorated athlete in international women’s water polo history, has been named to the Executive Committee of the Union Americana De Nacion (UANA) through the 2019 Pan American Games. As a member of the highest authority for aquatic sports within the Americas, Villa and the Executive Committee are responsible for the organization of the Pan American Games in addition to a host of age group and masters events held every year. Villa’s term will begin at the conclusion of the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.<\/p>\n
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to help grow the aquatic family in the Americas as a representative of UANA,” said Villa.<\/p>\n
“Having studied political science and with her fluency in three languages, we are confident Brenda will be a superb representative for UANA. Her credentials in our sport are unparalleled, and it is healthy to have her generation taking part in our hemispheric leadership. We couldn’t be more delighted that she is willing to serve and give back to our sport.” said Christopher Ramsey, USA Water Polo Chief Executive Officer.<\/p>\n
Villa was named “FINA Female Water Polo Player of the Decade” for the 2000s for her efforts and triumphs across multiple international championship events. Brenda is a four-time Olympic medalist (Sydney 2000 – silver; Athens 2004 – bronze; Beijing 2008 – silver; and, London 2012 – gold) and World Champion (2003, 2007, 2009). She started swimming at age 6 with Commerce Aquatics in Commerce, California, and began playing water polo at age 8. Brenda was a member of the USA Women’s national team for 16 years, and she was an accomplished scorer and passer. As an undergraduate at Stanford University, she won the 2002 Peter J. Cutino Award as the top female college water polo player. After her water polo career ended, Brenda co-founded a non-profit organization, Project 2020, which strives to give access to aquatic sports to youth that would otherwise not have such access.<\/p>\n