Six members of the Harvard Crimson women’s water polo team were recognized with All-Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) honors, and Head Coach Ted Minnis was named CWPA Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, according to an April 7 announcement.
The recognition highlights individual and team achievements during a season in which Harvard posted its best start in program history. The awards underscore both player development and coaching leadership within the conference.
Emma Gilbert and Maya O’Dea received first-team All-CWPA honors. Gilbert scored 38 goals and contributed 29 assists, while also leading her team with 12 blocks and 30 steals. O’Dea, who was previously named CWPA Rookie of the Year in 2024, led Harvard with 65 goals and added 57 assists. She was also recognized as CWPA Player of the Week on March 2.
Joining them on the second team were Orli Cooper, Niki Piovan, and Heidi Heffelfinger. Cooper earned her second straight second-team selection after making 186 saves this year; she was named CWPA Defensive Player of the Week five times. Piovan finished second in scoring for Harvard with 52 goals and twice earned CWPA Player of the Week honors. Heffelfinger achieved her first career All-CWPA honor after tallying 39 goals and nearly doubling her assist total from last year to reach a season total of 44 assists.
Ella Schneider received an honorable mention following a personal best season that included surpassing her previous points record by fourteen through contributions of both goals (24) and assists (34).
Minnis’ back-to-back Coach of the Year recognition comes as he guided Harvard to its second consecutive regular-season title with a record-setting start through twenty games at nineteen wins and one loss. The Crimson reached as high as number eight in national polls this year, securing eight ranked victories during regular play.
Harvard is set to continue postseason competition Saturday in the second round of the CWPA playoffs.
