Four members of the Harvard women’s water polo team were named to the Association of College Water Polo Coaches All-America team, according to a May 21 announcement. This marks the highest number of selections in a single season for the program, with two players earning third-team honors and two receiving honorable mentions.
The recognition is significant for Harvard, as it reflects both individual achievement and collective progress within the program. The selections include sophomore goalie Orli Cooper and junior attacker Maya O’Dea, who were both named to the ACWPC All-America Third Team. It is the first time Harvard has had two players on the third team in one season.
Cooper and O’Dea had previously been honored as Honorable Mentions last year. For Cooper, this season included being named MVP of the Collegiate Water Polo Association Tournament and recording 222 saves with 17 steals. O’Dea led her team with 71 goals and contributed 50 assists, along with defensive statistics such as 26 steals, seven blocks, and nine drawn turnovers.
Sophomore defender Niki Piovan was recognized as an Honorable Mention for her first time after scoring 56 goals—the second most on her team—while also leading in steals (33) and adding other key defensive contributions. Junior center defender Emma Gilbert earned an Honorable Mention for a third consecutive year after tallying 38 goals from her position in defense along with high numbers in assists (31), steals (31), drawn kickouts (33), and blocks (13).
Harvard finished its season with a record of 26-4, winning its second straight CWPA Championship title and qualifying for the NCAA tournament again. All four athletes who received All-America honors are expected to return next season.
