Our next votes come from our Total Player Award winner of 2021, Maddie Musselman.
Musselman, who is 24 years old, is already regarded as one of the greatest wingers of all time.
The UCLA Bruin is a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Rio and Tokyo; in Rio, she was the team’s leading goal scorer, and in Tokyo, she was voted the tournament’s most valuable player.
In addition to her Olympic gold medals, Maddie is a four-time World Champion, a three-time World League Champion, and a two-time Pan-American Games gold medalist.
In 2022, Musselman was only seen by the wider water polo world at the World Championships in Budapest, where she scored five goals and was named most valuable player of the final after helping the United States defeat Hungary in the gold medal match.
Maddie Musselman’s Top 5 of 2022
“Here are my top 5 athletes. Each are players that were great leaders this summer and who I believe are making a huge impact in our sport”
1. Rita Keszthelyi (HUN)
Hungary National Team Player/Club: Mataro /Position: Driver
One of the best players in the world who always plays with grit, craft, and passion. She can shift the momentum of the game in a second and is an amazing leader for her team.
2. Ashleigh Johnson (USA)
United States National Team Player/Club: Ethnikos / Position: Goalkeeper
Best communicator from the cage. Directing and controlling defences while covering her responsibility. No one moves like her in the goal to save some of the shots coming at her. Always impressed.
3. Paula Leiton (ESP)
Spain National Team Player/Club: Sabadell/ Position: Centre-Forward
There are not many people who can play centre as well as she does and also be a defender in big moments. Her strength and willingness to compete is inspiring.
4. Bronte Halligan (AUS)
Australia National Team Player/Club: Ekipe Orizzonte / Position: Right-side Driver
Deserves more credit for the dirty work she puts in for her team. She is always creating opportunities and reads the game from the 45 side really well. Good passer and isn’t afraid to step up and rip it from the outside.
