Four University of Hawaii Athletes Named to Olympic Water Polo Rosters
The University of Hawai’i women’s water polo program is making waves on the international stage. Four athletes with ties to the Rainbow Wahine program — two former standouts, a current player, and an incoming freshman — have been selected to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This remarkable feat highlights the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to develop world-class talent.
Leading the charge is Maartje Keuning, a former Rainbow Wahine who played for UH from 2017 to 2018. Keuning has earned a spot on the Netherlands roster for the second consecutive Summer Games. Her experience and skill were evident in her contributions to the Netherlands’ gold medal victories at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships and the European Water Polo Championships in January. She also played a crucial role in the Netherlands’ sixth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Joining Keuning on the international stage is Elyse Lemay-Lavoie, another former Rainbow Wahine who donned the UH jersey from 2018 to 2019 and again in 2022. Lemay-Lavoie, a center, will represent Canada in her second Olympic Games. She was a key player for the Canadian team that finished seventh in Tokyo. Lemay-Lavoie’s offensive prowess was on display during her time at UH, as she finished third on the team with 41 goals in the 2018 season. Her performance earned her Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches second-team All-America honors in 2019 and 2022.
The University of Hawai’i’s presence in Paris extends beyond former players. Camille Radosavljevic, a junior on the current UH roster, will compete for the host country, France. Radosavljevic, who played for UH in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, decided to stay in France to prepare for the Olympics. She is slated to rejoin the Rainbow Wahine for the 2025 season.
Rounding out the quartet of UH athletes heading to Paris is Ema Vernoux, a highly touted incoming freshman. Vernoux, who will play for UH starting in the 2024-2025 season, has already earned a spot on the French national team. Her selection is a testament to her talent and potential, and it’s a sign of the bright future ahead for the Rainbow Wahine program.
- Four University of Hawaii athletes with ties to the women’s water polo program have been named to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Maartje Keuning, a former Rainbow Wahine player, will represent the Netherlands for the second consecutive Summer Games after her success at previous international competitions.
- Elyse Lemay-Lavoie, another former player, will compete for Canada in her second Olympic appearance, showcasing her offensive skills honed during her time at UH.
- Current UH player Camille Radosavljevic will play for France in the Olympics and plans to return to the Rainbow Wahine team for the 2025 season.
- Incoming freshman Ema Vernoux is set to join UH’s water polo team for the 2024-2025 season after being selected for Olympic participation.
The University of Hawai’i’s Legacy in Olympic Water Polo
The University of Hawai’i has a long and storied history in Olympic water polo, with a number of its alumni representing their countries at the highest level of the sport. The 2024 Paris Olympics will mark the second time that four UH athletes have competed in the same Summer Games. The first time this happened was in 2020, when Irene Gonzalez Lopez (Spain), Maartje Keuning (Netherlands), Dagmar Genee (Netherlands), Elyse Lemay-Lavoie (Canada), Monika Eggens (Canada), and Jordan Wedderburn (South Africa) all represented their respective nations in Tokyo.
The University of Hawai’i’s impact on Olympic water polo extends beyond the 21st century. In 2016, Gabi Mantellato (Brazil) played in the Rio Olympics. In 2008, Iefke Van Belkum and Meike De Nooy, both gold medalists, represented the Netherlands in Beijing. Marie-Luc Arpin is another notable alumna, having competed for Canada in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games.
A Testament to the Rainbow Wahine Program
The selection of four University of Hawai’i athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to the strength and depth of the Rainbow Wahine program. The program, under the leadership of head coach Maureen Cole, has consistently produced talented athletes who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The program’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes, both on and off the field, has been a key factor in its success. This commitment has resulted in the development of players who are not only skilled athletes but also strong leaders and role models. The program’s dedication to creating a positive and supportive environment has also played a significant role in attracting and retaining top talent. The program’s success in attracting and developing Olympians is a testament to its commitment to excellence and its ability to provide athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed.
A Look Ahead to Paris
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be a momentous occasion for the University of Hawai’i water polo program. The presence of four Rainbow Wahine athletes in the competition is a source of pride for the program and a testament to its commitment to producing world-class talent. The four athletes are poised to make their mark on the international stage and will be looking to bring home medals for their respective countries. The water polo competition is scheduled to open on July 27 and is expected to be highly competitive. The teams will compete in group play leading up to the medal rounds, which will take place at Paris La Defense Arena. The quarterfinals are set for Aug. 6, the semifinals on Aug. 8, and the gold and bronze medal matches on Aug. 10. Canada and the Netherlands are in Group A and will meet in a preliminary round match on Aug. 4. France is in Group B with Spain, Greece, Italy and the United States.
The University of Hawai’i women’s water polo program is on the rise. With a strong foundation of talent and a commitment to excellence, the program is poised to continue its success in the years to come. The four Olympians competing in Paris are ambassadors for the Rainbow Wahine program and will be role models for future generations of athletes. Their success on the international stage will inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
