Ryann Neushul and Ryder Dodd Win 2025 Peter J. Cutino Awards for NCAA Water Polo Excellence
On a warm June evening in the heart of San Francisco, The Olympic Club once again played host to the 26th Annual Peter J. Cutino Awards, honoring the outstanding female and male collegiate water polo players of the year. Sponsored by USA Water Polo, the gala brought together coaches, former Cutino winners, NCAA notables, Rap Artist Flavor Flav, and collegiate standouts for an elegant three-course dinner and the presentation of the coveted bronze Cutino trophies.
A pair of California standouts rose to the top at this year’s Peter J. Cutino Awards, as Stanford’s Ryann Neushul and UCLA’s Ryder Dodd were named the top female and male collegiate water polo players in the country.
For a full list of 2025 finalists, see:
Cutino Awards 2025 Finalists
Ryann Neushul: Family, Fierceness, and a Full-Circle Moment
With a legacy rooted in the sport and two Olympic-bound sisters paving the way, Ryann Neushul took the stage with emotion and composure. 
The Stanford senior paid tribute to her family’s influence and the standard set by her older siblings:
“Water polo has always been more than a sport—it’s a family tradition. My dad played at UCSB, and my mom captained the UCSB club team before women’s water polo was even an NCAA sport. I grew up on pool decks—celebrating birthdays at the Holiday Cup, cheering my sisters at nationals, and traveling the globe to support Team USA.”
Neushul also shared a pivotal moment with her sister Kylie, herself a two-time Cutino winner, who once told her after a turnover:
“Every pass you make sends a message. What is this one saying?”
It was that honest coaching, she said, that elevated her expectations—and helped shape her into the player she is today.
With this win, Ryann joins Kylie as the first sister duo to earn Cutino honors, a landmark moment for the Neushul family and for Stanford Water Polo.
Ryder Dodd: A Rising Star Makes His Mark
On the men’s side, UCLA’s Ryder Dodd capped a breakout season by earning the top individual honor in collegiate water polo. Just one year removed from high school, the freshman phenom showed composure beyond his years, anchoring UCLA’s offense and earning praise across the NCAA.
After a season that saw him lead his team in scoring and defensive efforts, Dodd took the stage to accept the prestigious bronze trophy and delivered the following heartfelt acceptance speech that struck a balance between humility and gratitude:
“To my brother Chase Dodd—my fiercest competitor and greatest supporter—I wouldn’t be here without you. And to my parents: thank you for every early-morning commute, every ounce of patience, and for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
He closed by thanking his teammates and coaches for their belief and trust, sharing the award as a team victory as much as an individual one.
A Night to Remember at The Olympic Club
The 2025 finalists included:
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Women: Ryann Neushul (Stanford), Tilly Kearns (USC), Emily Ausmus (USC)
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Men: Ryder Dodd (UCLA), Max Miller (USC), Mihailo Vukazic (Pacific)
Named after legendary coach Peter J. Cutino, the award represents more than performance—it honors integrity, leadership, and impact on the game. As Neushul and Dodd hoisted their bronze trophies, it was clear the sport’s future remains in good hands.
Stay tuned to Swimming World for exclusive interviews, photo highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the 2025 Cutino Awards.
