SALVADOR, Brazil – California junior Julia Bonaguidi, sophomore Rosalie Hassett and head coach Coralie Simmons helped the United States capture the gold medal Saturday at the World Aquatics Under-20 Championships in Salvador, Brazil.

Team USA held off Spain 16-15 in the Gold Medal Match after slipping past Italy 13-11 in a penalty shootout in Friday's semifinals.

Bonaguidi, who finished fourth on the Golden Bears with 36 goals last season when Cal advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship, capped off a terrific tournament Saturday with three goals, two steals and an assist in the victory over Spain. Bonaguidi had a six-goal performance in a 14-6 win over Italy during Group Play and finished with 16 goals and five steals during the tournament.

Hassett, a member of the 2025 MPSF All-Newcomer Team, registered eight goals during the tournament and notched the game-winner in a penalty shootout victory over Greece in Group Play. She finished with eight goals, three assists and two steals during the championships.

Simmons, who has been Cal's head coach for the past eight seasons, has experienced extensive success coaching in Team USA's National Team program. She previously served as the head coach of the U20 Team and led the Americans to the gold medal in 2015.

Incoming freshman Despoina Drakotou also took home some hardware in Salvador after helping Greece knock off Italy in Saturday's Bronze Medal Match, 10-7. Sophomore Eszter Varro and Hungary placed fifth while fellow sophomore Holly Dunn and New Zealand were 11^th.


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