June 9, 2009

BERKELEY - Freshman two-meter defender Athina Vazeos will make a trip to Belgrade, Serbia at the 2009 FISU Games, which will be held July 1-12.

"Athena had a great freshman year at Cal," California head coach Richard Corso said. "Her performance in the classroom and the water polo pool were outstanding. Clearly, she is taking her game to the next level with this selection to represent her country at this important international event. We know that she will make Canada and Cal proud."

Vazeos was 12th on the team this season with 18 goals. The native of Coquitlam, Canada was awarded the Athletic Premiers Award for the top female water polo athlete in 2008.

"The Canadian women's water polo team is currently ranked as one of the top six countries in the world and goes into the 2009 FISU Games with medal hopes," the head coach for the FISU Games Gyula Toth said. "As a Road to Excellence (RTE) targeted sport, Water Polo Canada considers the FISU Games, to be one of the major water polo events within their upcoming four year program cycle and it will be used as preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games."

Vazeos will be in contention to be one of the final 13 athletes who will be selected following the 2009 FINA World League Final.