MARITZA CORREIA MCLENDON RECEIVES USA SWIMMING AWARD AT USAS CONVENTION

  Maritza Correia McClendon receives the USA Swimming Diversity and Inclusion Award at the National Convention

On Friday, September 13^th, 2013 during the USA Swimming House Of Delegates presentation of awards, former Brandon BlueWave swimmer, Maritza Correia McClendon won the Diversity & Inclusion Award.

Maritza’s performance accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. She was also an 11 time NCAA Champion, 27 time NCAA All-American at the University of Georgia, a world record holder (SCM 400MR @2000 NCAA Champs), former American record holder in the 50 yard and 100 Yard Freestyle, 18 & Under National Champion in 1999, 6 Time FHSAA State Champion in 5 different events, and multiple Florida Junior Olympic Champion.

Maritza was the first female African American swimmer to make any US Olympic team and is considered a role model to others that have come after her. Aside from her accomplishments in the pool, Maritza has worked with countless groups to promote swimming in under represented communities around the country. She has promoted USA Swimming’s “Make A Splash” program to big TV networks and has held clinics in many inner city pools.

Maritza swam with the Brandon BlueWave program under Coach Peter Banks. She and her brother, Justin, were the only two brown faces on the entire team when they joined in 1990. Maritza was one of few diverse athletes at the time to make it to the national and international level. Her passion to diversify our sport is relentless and she will continue to introduce our sport to people who would not generally try out for swimming.

Her brother, Southwest Stars Coach Justin Correia, proudly and emotionally accepted her award on her behalf at the ceremony. Maritza is currently living in Portland, OR and expecting her second child