Local water polo star Ryann Neushul is a world champion for the second time in her career at the international senior level.
Neushul scored a goal in the USA Women’s National Team’s 8-7 victory over Hungary in the gold-medal game at the 2024 World Aquatics World Championships in Doha, Qatar on Friday.
Neushul, who tallied two goals in an 11-7 win over Spain in the semifinals earlier in the week, was a member of the USA team that won gold at the 2022 FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
She is aiming to become the third member of her family to play in the Olympic Games. Her older sisters Kiley and Jamie won gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Games, respectively.
All three Neushul sisters attended Dos Pueblos High.
The world title is eighth for the USA women, the most of any women’s or men’s water polo program on the planet. Team USA’s other titles came in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
Neushul scored the final goal in the game against Hungary. Rachel Fattal led the team with three goals, Maggie Stephens added two goals and goalie Ashleigh Johnson made 12 saves in the victory. Johnson was named the top goalkeeper of the tournament.
Fattal, Stephens and Maddie Musselman won their fifth world championships while Adam Krikorian captured his sixth title as head coach.
