Riverside Unified Alumna Emily Ausmus Named Top NCAA Division I Women’s Water Polo Player

Riverside Unified alumna Emily Ausmus, a Martin Luther King High School Class of 2023 graduate, secured the 2026 Peter J. Cutino Award, presented annually to the top men’s and women’s water polo players in NCAA Division I.

The prestigious honor caps off a remarkable season for Ausmus at the University of Southern California, where she helped lead the Trojans to the 2026 NCAA National Championship. In addition to the Cutino Award, she was also recognized as the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Player of the Year and the NCAA Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Ausmus’ rise to the top of the collegiate game comes after already achieving success on the international stage. In 2024, she was selected to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympic Games, becoming the youngest member of the U.S. women’s water polo roster.

During her time at Martin Luther King High School, Ausmus helped lead the program to two Big VIII League championships, three CIF Southern Section semifinal appearances, and a trip to the CIF-SS championship match. She was also recognized as the Inland Empire Player of the Year following her senior season.