This August, the FanDuel Sports Network will premiere the documentary “Women of the Water: An Olympic Journey,” which provides a comprehensive look into the lives of the world-renowned U.S. women’s water polo team as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. Slated to air on August 24, this 90-minute film highlights the team’s storied journey, offering insights into one of the most successful programs in the sport.
Adam Krikorian, the head coach of the U.S. women’s national team, emphasized the deeper narrative of the athletes: “There has always been so much more to this process than chasing gold medals. For years I’ve wanted people to hear the stories, see the personalities, and learn the lessons that make our journey so special.” As the team approaches the summer of 2024, they are riding high as three-time Olympic champions, having demonstrated remarkable excellence throughout their tenure.
While the team ultimately finished fourth in Paris, the documentary aims to highlight not just the outcome but the relentless determination, unity, and spirit that define this group of athletes. “Coming up just short of our goal was disappointing,” Krikorian acknowledged. “But it doesn’t take away from the accomplishments [these players] did achieve, the relationships they built, or the impact they’ve had on our communities.”
The series, filmed over a ten-month period starting in early 2024, captures the team’s journey to securing an Olympic berth and the personal stories of influential figures within the program. Executive Producer and Director Suzi Mellano, alongside Producer Greg Mescall and Associate Producer Sherie Smith, brings a unique perspective to a team that has maintained its position at the pinnacle of the sport for nearly a decade.
Mescall expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the FanDuel Sports Network: “We’ve partnered with the FanDuel Sports Network team in the past to bring Team USA exhibition matches to larger audiences. We anticipate even greater success with ‘Women of the Water.’”
Reflecting on her experience, Mellano shared, “Creating ‘Women of the Water’ was such a fulfilling experience. The year-long process to shoot and edit this series was challenging but rewarding. Sharing the voices of these women and their impact on women’s sports is something I will cherish for the rest of my career.”
Her sentiment was echoed by Mescall, who praised Mellano’s storytelling: “Suzi did a masterful job telling the story of this team – one that, frankly, can’t be told enough. They are champions in and out of the water, regardless of the results in Paris.” He also thanked the athletes and staff for their contributions and access during the documentary’s production, emphasizing the respect and appreciation viewers will gain for these skilled athletes beyond their in-pool abilities.
The documentary will be aired at various times across multiple FanDuel Sports Network channels. The premiere schedule is as follows:
- Detroit – August 24 at 6:30 PM Eastern
- Florida – August 26 at 9:30 AM Eastern
- North – August 25 at 12:00 AM Central
- SoCal – August 24 at 4:00 PM Pacific
- Southwest – August 24 at 5:00 PM Central
- West – August 24 at 7:30 PM Pacific
- *Additional airings to be determined
About USA Water Polo
USA Water Polo, Inc. serves as the national governing body for the sport in the U.S., overseeing Olympic programs and organizing various championship events throughout the year. With nearly 50,000 members, USA Water Polo is dedicated to promoting and developing water polo across the nation.
About Main Street Sports Group
Main Street Sports Group operates the FanDuel Sports Network, a premier multiplatform provider of local sports content. The network showcases a range of sports coverage, including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, and National Basketball Association events. Its extensive reach aims to provide fans with engaging local sports experiences.
The details shared here are based on information provided by USA Water Polo.
