The South African star joined the squad in Spain after a breakthrough US college season and Cutino Award Watch List recognition.
Tenerife, Spain (30 June 2026) – South African water polo talent Lucy Miszewski added serious strength to Elevate Water Polo’s women’s squad at the Nordic League Finals in Tenerife, Spain.
Miszewski arrived in Europe following a standout season in the United States collegiate system, where she has firmly established herself as one of the rising names in the Big West Conference and was recently named to the prestigious Cutino Award Watch List.
Her season at Long Beach State University saw her deliver impressive numbers, finishing with 67 goals and 36 assists, alongside All-Big West First Team recognition, underlining her growing reputation as a dynamic utility player.
But her journey this season has gone far beyond statistics. The South African star has had to navigate significant personal loss, returning to competition just weeks after the unexpected passing of her father earlier this year. She reflects on her challenges adding that the support system around her in the United States became crucial during that period.
“My water polo journey has had a lot of highs and lows that I’ve had to learn to navigate. My Long Beach coaches and friends are truly a second family for me and I am eternally grateful for them and the opportunities they gave me.”
Her belief in herself, she says, was also shaped by a moment early in the season when her head coach suggested she could earn a place on the Cutino Watch List.
“I actually distinctly remember my head coach telling me in a beginning of the year meeting that she thought I could have a chance of being on the Cutino award watch list. I immediately laughed in my head and I genuinely didn’t believe her. But this conversation sparked a new sense of belief in myself.”
Elevate High Performance Director Duncan Woods praised Miszewski’s journey and impact, describing her as a clear example of South African talent thriving on the global stage.
“Lucy is an exceptional case study of how South African water polo players can thrive given the right opportunities.”
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Lailaa Edwards Heads to Morocco With South Africa’s Table Tennis FlagFor Miszewski, the Nordic League Finals represented both an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to a squad she believes is capable of achieving something special.
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