Rose Bowl Water Polo Club Wins USA Water Polo’s Coastal Zone Brenda Villa DEI Award

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s Water Polo Club (RBWP) was honored with the Coastal Zone Brenda Villa DEI Award on Wednesday, March 9, 2023. USA Water Polo announced the 2022 Zone Award Winners, recognizing the contributions of individuals and clubs from all across the country in the sport of water polo.

The Coastal Zone Brenda Villa DEI Award is presented to a club or organization that has made significant contributions to the sport of water polo by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. To promote the sport to youth participants in the greater Pasadena community, RBWP partnered with John Muir High School in conducting joint practice clinics and scrimmages for participants ages 8-13 at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. The Rose Bowl Water Polo Club was recognized for its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of race, gender, or ability.

“We are honored to receive the Coastal Zone Brenda Villa DEI Award,” said Rose Bowl Water Polo Club Head Coach, Mike Gonzales. “We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes, and this award is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are thankful to have the support of our booster club and families in this endeavor.”

The Brenda Villa award is named after one of the well-known names in the sport. The longtime captain of the USA Water Polo Women’s National Team, Villa took part in four Olympic Games winning a medal every time. A native of Commerce, California, Villa first played high school water polo with boys before girls programs were available. She has stayed close to the sport taking on governance roles within the Women’s Sports Foundation and UANA in addition to a spot on the USA Water Polo Board of Directors. She co-founded the non-profit, Project 2020, an organization that gives aquatic opportunities to youths in under-served areas.

The RBAC’s Rose Bowl Water Polo Club has been providing water polo instruction and competitive opportunities to athletes of all ages and abilities since its inception. The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes and community members and is proud to be recognized for its efforts.

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping all members of our diverse communities invest in their health and wellness by providing exemplary aquatic educational, competitive, therapeutic, and recreational programs. It is home to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Water Safety Program that provides EVERY 3rd-grade student in Pasadena Unified School District, including students with special needs, with access to water safety instruction. The RBAC includes two Olympic Pools, Therapy Pool, a weight room, conference rooms, locker rooms, a café, and an aquatics merchandise shop. It hosts world class swim, dive, and water polo teams and various programs including physical therapy, water aerobics, warm water exercise, lap swimming, learn-to-swim lessons, land-based fitness, and yoga.

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena. For more, visit www. RoseBowlAquatics.org.