For the first time in program history, Loyola Marymount University women's water polo will be represented at the Olympics.  Not one, but two Olympians will have LMU ties in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Claire Wright (LMU '18) and Yanah Gerber (LMU '25) will head to Japan this summer to live their Olympic dreams.

Claire Wright will start as goalie for Team Canada.  As a player, Claire became one of the best goalies in the world, despite overcoming many injuries. Claire was a true leader in and out of the cage and has been an active alumna that finds numerous ways to give back. "Claire is one of the most mentally tough athletes I've ever coached, and her determination has paid off.  She has put in countless hours and never let anything stand in the way of her goals," said LMU Head Coach Kyle Witt. 

Yanah Gerber will play as part of Team South Africa as a center forward.  After playing for LMU during the 2020 season shortened by COVID-19, Yanah will return to LMU this fall after the Olympics as a reclassified Freshman. Despite her youth, Yanah has played in some of the biggest tournaments in the world against some of the world's best competition. "Yanah stays calm under pressure, and she has the ability to control the center of the pool and to score in a variety of ways," remarked Coach Witt.

Although neither Canada nor South Africa qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, Coach Witt thinks that gives both teams an opportunity to surprise their competition in Tokyo, "I fully expect Claire to have the tournament of her life and not let this moment pass her by, and if the entire South African team shares Yanah's toughness and competitive mindset, they could have a surprising tournament. I'm so incredibly proud of both Claire and Yanah and can't wait to watch our Lions play on the Olympic stage."

Across the world, LMU Women's Water Polo alumni, family, and friends will have the opportunity to cheer on two of their own in head-to-head Olympic competition.  Both Canada and South Africa are part of Group A for the preliminary rounds of competition and will face off on Wednesday, July 28^th from 2 – 4:50 p.m., Japan Standard Time.  Check your local listings for exact times. 

To learn more about LMU Women's Water Polo visit www.lmulions.com/ and follow them on Instagram @LMUlionswwp, Twitter @LMUlionspolo, and Facebook @LMU Women's Water Polo.