Redwood water polo standout on Olympic path
- Naomi Friedland
- Apr 16
- 1 min read
Samantha Riley, a 15-year-old water polo athlete and former Reed Union School District student, has dreams of becoming an Olympian. Now she’s training to be one.
The Redwood High School freshman won a spot at the invitation-only National Team Selection Camp April 25-27 in Orange County after her Olympic Development Program age-group team placed seventh at the national championships last month. The camp will evaluate 75 athletes in her age group, with 16 advancing to compete in the international Pan American Games this summer.
Riley attended the selection camp in 2023 but has yet to compete in the games. Athletes at the camp will develop various water polo skills before participating in a tournament on the final day, she said.
She’s making a splash, capturing the attention of coaches and organizers. Riley won the Nick Johnson Inspiration Award during the Olympic Development Program national championships in Salt Lake City March 28-30. The award recognizes athletes who demonstrate inspirational teamwork in and out of the pool, Riley said.
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