McKenna Stuart Joined USA Junior Water Polo Team
The 16-year-old San Marcos High student is the only Santa Barbara area athlete selected for the squad.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Swimming
Sixteen-year-old McKenna Stuart has earned a spot on the USA Women's Junior National Water Polo Team. The San Marcos High School student is the only player from Santa Barbara selected for the 19-and-under roster.
Why it matters
Her selection marks a significant achievement following her performance as the Top Defender at the Futures SuperFinals with the SB Water Polo Club. She will now represent the national program on the international stage in Brazil.
McKenna Stuart is 16 years old and will compete on a team capped at 19 years of age. She earned her position after a strong winter season and being named Top Defender at the Futures SuperFinals.
The players
McKenna Stuart
She is a 16-year-old athlete from Santa Barbara who attends San Marcos High School and plays for the SB Water Polo Club.
USA Women's Junior National Water Polo Team
This is a competitive 19-and-under athletic organization that represents the United States in international water polo tournaments.
The details
Stuart secured her place on the national squad after demonstrating defensive excellence during the winter season and the Futures SuperFinals. She is now preparing to join her teammates for the 2026 PanAm Aquatics U19 Water Polo Championships held in Bauru, Brazil.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The USA team faces Mexico at 11 a.m. PT.
October 29, 2026: The USA team faces Canada at 12 p.m. PT.
October 30, 2026: The USA team faces Brazil at 3 p.m. PT.
Season Trajectory
Her selection follows the established talent identification pipeline maintained by the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program. This opportunity accelerates her development within the competitive water polo landscape as she prepares for high-stakes international tournament play.
Stuart will participate in three confirmed group matches against Mexico, Canada, and Brazil during the championship tournament. Her performance in these games will be critical in determining the team's standing in the competition bracket.
The takeaway
Participation in international youth tournaments provides critical experience for athletes pursuing collegiate or professional water polo careers. Fans and followers can track the team's progress through the upcoming scheduled matches in Brazil.
What happens next
The USA team is scheduled to compete in the 2026 PanAm Aquatics U19 Water Polo Championships starting on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local aquatic achievements, visit Swimming.
More information
To watch the team in competition, visit the livestream for championship games.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Noozhawk.
