Four remarkable former Sun Devil water polo players have secured spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement for Arizona State University’s athletic program. Bente and Lieke Rogge from the Netherlands, Blaire McDowell from Canada, and Mia Rycraw from France have each earned their place on their national teams, having successfully navigated a rigorous qualification process over the past year. Their journey has included intense competitions such as the FINA Championships, the Pan American Games, and the European Championships since July 2023.
Bente Rogge, who graduated with a degree in Biomedical Science in 2021, played for ASU from 2017 to 2021. After a brief hiatus following her junior year to focus on the 2020 Olympics, Rogge narrowly missed out on the Tokyo Games but has now made it to Paris. The Netherlands clinched their Olympic spot for the second consecutive time by triumphing over Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. This victory is particularly significant as it marks the Dutch women’s return to the Olympic stage, a feat they last achieved in 2008 when they won the gold medal.
Lieke Rogge, Bente’s sister, will also represent the Netherlands in her first Olympic Games. During her short tenure at ASU in 2019, Lieke made an impressive impact with 37 goals, 4 assists, and 28 steals. Now, she benefits from the experience of her older sister as she prepares for her Olympic debut.
Blaire McDowell, who graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2022, will compete for Team Canada. This will be McDowell’s first Olympic appearance, following her impressive stint with ASU from 2019 to 2022, where she amassed 66 goals and 54 assists. Post-graduation, McDowell has played professionally and trained with the Canadian National Team, participating in various Pan-American Championships and securing a place for Canada in the Olympics for the second consecutive Games.
Mia Rycraw, an ASU graduate in Interdisciplinary Studies from 2018, is heading to Paris to represent France. Since moving to France after graduation, Rycraw has made significant strides, including joining the French National Team last year. Known for her exceptional performance during her time at ASU, where she set multiple records with 814 saves, Rycraw will join Olympiacos after the Games as she continues her professional career.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, with the water polo competitions set to be a highlight. Fans can look forward to seeing these talented athletes compete on the world stage, showcasing their skills and dedication that began during their time at ASU.