The 2002 NCAA Women's Water Polo Championship was the second annual tournament to determine the national championship of NCAA women's collegiate water polo. The single elimination tournament was played at the McDonald's Olympic Swim Stadium in Los Angeles, California from May 11–12, 2002.
Stanford, in a rematch of the previous year's final, defeated UCLA in the final, 8–4, to win their first NCAA championship. The Cardinal (23–2) were coached by John Tanner.
The leading scorer for the tournament was Brenda Villa, from Stanford, with 5 goals. Stanford's Jackie Frank was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
First and second All Tournament Teams were also named, each consisting of seven players.
Qualification Since there has only ever been one single national championship for women's water polo, all NCAA women's water polo programs (whether from Division I, Division II, or Division III) were eligible. A total of 4 teams were invited to contest this championship.
Team Appearance PreviousLoyola Marymount2nd2001Michigan1stNeverStanford2nd2001UCLA2nd2001
Tournament bracket Site: McDonald's Olympic Swim Stadium, Los Angeles, California
All tournament teams
First Team Jackie Frank, Stanford (Most Outstanding Player) Kelly Heuchan, UCLA Ellen Estes, Stanford Robin Beauregard, UCLA Brenda Villa, Stanford Lucy Windes, Loyola Marymount Natalie Golda, UCLA Amber Stachowski, UCLA
Second Team Betsey Armstrong, Michigan Thalia Munro, UCLA Julie Gardner, Stanford Teresa Guidi, Loyola Marymount Wendy Watkins, Stanford Jamie Hipp, UCLA Jen Crisman, Michigan Margie Dingeldein, Stanford
See also Pre-NCAA Intercollegiate Women's Water Polo Champions (pre-2001) NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship
References