The USA has been dominating women’s world water polo for years. In 2018, the Americans won three gold medals in three competitions – the World Championships, FINA World League and the Pan American Games.
But, in the USA coach Adam Krikorian’s list for the Total Player Award, there are no players of the USA team.
Krikorian, the best world women’s coach by the FINA’s choice in 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, explains:
“In an effort not to be biased, same as last year, I will decline to vote for any of my own players. Instead, the players I have selected below are from a variety of the different teams we face. This year was even more difficult to select a Top 5. I can think of about 15 athletes who are all deserving but if I have to pick 5, here they are:
Adam Krikorian’s Total 5 for 2019
1st – Maica Garcia Godoy
Spanish National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Centre Forward
“Still, as dominant as ever, helping Sabadell to the Euro League title and her National Team to a Silver Medal at the World Championships.”
2nd – Maud Megens
Dutch National Player | Club: USC | Position: Field player
“2nd leading scorer at the World Championships. An overall complete player.”
3rd – Roser Tarrago
Spanish National Player | Club: Mediterrani | Position: Driver
“She burst back on the scene as a prolific and efficient scorer at World Championships”
4th – Ekaterina Prokofyeva
Russian National Player | Club: KINEF-Surgutneftegaz Kirishi | Position: Driver
“Hard to imagine her not being on this list.”
5th – Hannah Buckling
Australian National Player | Club: Sidney University Lions/Olympiacos| Position: Centre back.
“Helped both her club team and National Team to medals at the biggest competitions. She is one of the best defenders in the world.”
Check out the other votes so far and cast your own on the official Total Waterpolo Player 2019 page.
