Irvine, Calif.----- San Jose State University senior-to-be Sierra Painter was named the team alternate to the USA Water Polo Women's National Team for the 2019 World University Games, July 2-14, in Naples, Italy.
Painter, a co-captain of the 2019 Spartans women's water polo team, recently concluded her best season at college level scoring 27 goals in 25 matches.
"It's an honor to be named to USA Team for the World University Games. It's been an amazing experience working with the staff and playing with girls that we normally compete against in the MPSF," said Painter, a graduate of Leland High in San Jose. Her affiliation with USA Water Polo began in 2015 in the Olympic Development Program (ODP).
"Although I may not get the opportunity to go play in the games, being the alternate, I am still ecstatic to be a part of the team and play a role in the success of this talented group."
The USA Women's Water Polo National Team consists of 13 players and Painter as the alternate. Ten of the 13 players are affiliated with Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) programs Cal, Southern California (USC) and UCLA.
"We are very proud of Sierra to be named the Team USA's alternate for the World University Games. To be invited to tryout, compete and be named the alternate from a very talented pool of student-athletes is an accomplishment," said San Jose State women's water polo head coach Gabor Sarusi.
Team USA won the 2017 World University Games championship in Taipei, Taiwan, and is the defending champion.