Reyna Biedermann selected to USA Water Polo national team

Recent Colony Oak Elementary graduate Reyna Biedermann received some big news just two days before walking the stage for her eighth-grade promotion.

She made USA Water Polo Women’s Development National Team — the youngest of five national teams (2009-11 birth years). Biedermann will train with the team next weekend and have a chance to compete for Team USA in an international tournament later this summer. She is the first Ripon resident to make it to a national team in the sport.

“I am proud of this accomplishment, as it was a goal that I set for myself and worked hard to achieve,” Biedermann said. “The process was super hard, but I am excited to be part of Team USA and

be able to represent my country and hometown.”

A week before her eighth-grade promotion last month, Biedermann took part in a three-day evaluation camp in Southern California. She was among the 85 athletes from her division selected for the camp.

To get there, she caught the eyes of national-team coaches during the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program National Championships held in the Tri Valley this past March.

Biedermann was among the five athletes from the Manteca area to be selected to play for gender- and age-specific teams in the Central California Zone. Included are siblings Emery and Brody.

The Central California Zone, one of 15 zones in the nation, covers 26 counties from the Sacramaento area, Mother Lode, Fresno and parts of Santa Barbara.

Vanessa Vincent of Stockton-based Big Valley Water Polo Academy was with Biedermann every step of the way, as she serves as assistant coach and team leader for the USA Water Polo Development National Team. The process began at the local level, as athletes vie or spots on teams in their regional zone. From there, selected the best in every region play in the ODP nationals.

Biedermann netted eight goals, five assists, five steals and a block in five matches, helping her team place third at nationals

“It has been a pleasure getting to work with Reyna as both her Zone coach and National Team coach,” Vincent said. “And now, to see the hard work, perseverance and dedication that she has put into her sport come to fruition by being selected to the USA Women’s Development National Team.

“The National Team highlights 30 of the most talented, skilled and potential-filled athletes at this age group in the entire country. Reyna has worked very hard to earn this achievement, and it is truly inspiring watching her work tirelessly towards her goals and thrive in all environments to not only make herself better with each opportunity, but to also make those around her better, as well. I have no doubt that Reyna will continue to grow, flourish and develop with each opportunity she creates for herself and look forward to watching her continue her journey in water polo with the Women’s Development National Team this summer.”

Biedermann will be in form by the time she holds her first training sessions with the national team. Reyna and Emery are competing with Big Valley at Junior Olympic qualifiers, first with the U14 team last week and the U16 this upcoming weekend.

“Seeing Reyna’s development and growth over the past six months has been truly incredible,” Big Valley coach Jeff Hoornaert said. “Her consistency, motivation and drive are what coaches dream all their athletes had. While she demonstrates skillfulness, competitiveness and grit, Reyna also is a wonderful teammate and leader, and constantly pushes the people around her to be their best.

“Being selected to the Development National team is huge accomplishment, and one that we are all so proud of her for. We can’t wait to see what is in store next for her, the sky is limit.”