Born: 1990
Biography:
Melissa Jon Seidemann, born on June 26, 1990, is an accomplished American water polo player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her dedication, skill, and tenacity have catapulted her to the pinnacle of success, both at the collegiate and international levels.
Seidemann’s journey in water polo began during her high school years at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, California. Throughout her four years there, Seidemann showcased her prowess in the pool, competing for the water polo team while also making waves in the swim team. In 2007 and 2008, she captained the water polo team and played a pivotal role in leading her team to a DFAL title as a senior. Her outstanding performance earned her the distinction of being named a NISCA All-American and Team MVP in 2007. Notably, Seidemann was part of the U.S. Youth National Team in 2006, which clinched the gold medal at the Pan-American Junior Games, with Seidemann emerging as the leading scorer of the tournament with an impressive tally of 20 goals.
Seeking to further hone her skills, Seidemann joined the Youth National Team and achieved remarkable success, going undefeated in Sydney, Australia, during the summer of 2007. She continued to excel on the international stage as part of the team that competed in the 2008 Global Championships. Seidemann’s stellar performances earned her All-America honors at the U.S. Water Polo 20/U Nationals.
In 2009, Seidemann’s water polo journey led her to Stanford University, where she became a crucial member of the women’s water polo team. As a freshman, she immediately demonstrated her talent by leading the team with an impressive 59 goals. Seidemann continued to dominate the pool in her sophomore year, topping the scoring charts for Stanford and earning a nomination to the ACWPC All-America First Team in 2010. The following season, she maintained her exceptional form, recording her third consecutive 50-goal season and helping Stanford secure the NCAA Championship title.
Seidemann’s dedication to the sport led her to make a difficult decision in 2012 by taking a leave of absence from Stanford to focus on training with the U.S. national water polo team. This sacrifice proved to be worthwhile as she became an integral part of the national team, showcasing her talent on the international stage. In her first year with the national team, Seidemann displayed her versatility and scoring prowess, contributing three goals in the FINA World League Super Final and two goals in the FINA World Cup, both of which the U.S. emerged victorious.
In 2011, Seidemann played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. defend their FINA World League Super Final title, scoring twice in the competition. Later that year, she made significant contributions to the U.S. team’s triumph in the Pan American Games, scoring 11 goals and securing a gold medal, which also granted them a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Seidemann’s crowning achievement came in 2012 when she won the gold medal with the United States national team in the London Olympics. Her skill, determination, and teamwork were instrumental in securing victory for her country. Four years later, she once again represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, winning her second Olympic gold medal and cementing her status as one of the sport’s legends.
Throughout her water polo journey, Seidemann has exhibited a remarkable level of perseverance, dedication, and skill. Her talent has inspired countless aspiring athletes, and her impact on the sport cannot be overstated. Beyond her remarkable achievements in the pool, Seidemann graduated from Stanford University in 2013 with a degree in psychology. She comes from a family of accomplished athletes, with her older sister, Lauren, serving as the women’s water polo head coach at [information missing].
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, 2016)
– NCAA Championship Title (2011)
– Pan American Games Gold Medalist (2011)
– FINA World League Super Final Champion (2010, 2011)
– Undefeated in Sydney, Australia with the U.S. Youth National Team (2007)