STANFORD, Calif. – Eight Stanford players have been named to the United States roster for the 2017 World University Games in Taipei, Taiwan. The 13-person squad is comprised of the top incoming, current and recent college talent in the U.S.
Current Cardinal Madison Berggren, Kat Klass and Jordan Raney are joined on the team by a pair of Stanford Olympic gold medalists in Kiley Neushul and incoming freshman Aria Fischer. A trio of three-time NCAA champions in Dani Jackovich, Jamie Neushul and goalkeeper Gabby Stone round out the Cardinal contingent traveling to Taiwan for the biennial tournament.
The World University Games, or Universiade, is an international multi-sport event, organized for university athletes by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Held every two years in cities around the globe, the Universiade incorporates both educational and cultural aspects into 12 days of sports competitions and features more than 9,000 student-athletes and officials from over 170 countries.
Two years ago, the entire Stanford team represented the United States at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, securing fifth place. This will be the second appearances at the tournament for Berggren, Jackovich, Klass, Jamie Neushul, Raney and Stone.
Women's water polo has been contested at the World University Games four previous times after being introduced in Belgrade in 2009. In 2011, a USA select team which included Cardinal alumnae Amber Oland, Pallavi Menon and Alyssa Lo along with Stanford associate head coach Susan Ortwein on staff claimed silver.
The United States begins the World University Games against France on Saturday, Aug. 19 and will also meet Argentina, Australia, Italy and Greece in group play.