California junior Julia Bonaguidi, sophomore Rosalie Hassett, and head coach Coralie Simmons contributed to the United States’ bronze medal win at the World Aquatics Under-20 Championships in Salvador, Brazil. The U.S. team narrowly defeated Spain 16-15 in the Gold Medal Match after overcoming Italy 13-11 in a penalty shootout during the semifinals.
Bonaguidi ended her tournament with three goals, two steals, and an assist against Spain. She also scored six goals in a group stage victory over Italy and totaled 16 goals and five steals throughout the competition. Last season, she was fourth on the Golden Bears with 36 goals as Cal reached the NCAA Championship quarterfinals.
Hassett, who was named to the 2025 MPSF All-Newcomer Team, scored eight goals during the tournament and delivered the decisive goal in a penalty shootout win over Greece in group play. Her overall performance included eight goals, three assists, and two steals.
Simmons has led Cal as head coach for eight seasons and has been involved with Team USA’s National Team program for several years. She previously coached the U20 team to a gold medal in 2015.
Incoming freshman Despoina Drakotou earned recognition by helping Greece defeat Italy 10-7 in Saturday’s Bronze Medal Match. Sophomore Eszter Varro represented Hungary, which finished fifth, while sophomore Holly Dunn competed for New Zealand, which placed eleventh.
For more updates on Cal women’s water polo, information is available on X/Twitter (@CalWWPolo), Instagram (@calwwpolo), and Facebook (CalWomensWaterPolo).
