UCLA returns seven of their top-eight scorers and a starting goalkeeper from an NCAA runner-up season, topping the pre-season coaches poll.
Papanikolau became just the second male to win the award three times, while Williams became the first woman in Cal program history to win it.
Augustana College leads the conference with five All-America nods, while Austin College (two) and Macalester College (two) also record multiple honorees.
Bia Mantellato, Isabel Williams, and Lauren Steele are the women’s finalists for the award given to the best NCAA water polo player of the year.
UCLA (26-0) captured its eighth NCAA Championship and its 12th National Championship in program history with a 7-4 win at No. 3 California (19-7) on Sunday.
3 goals from Cal senior Maryn Dempsey shifted the tide as the Bears made their first NCAA title game in 13 years. They run into the undefeated UCLA Bruins.
The Bears came out on fire in Saturday’s semi against Hawaii and never looked back, holding at least a three-goal lead for the entirety of the second half
The biggest prize in women’s college water polo will be decided live on ESPNU and ESPN+ on Sunday, May 12 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.