Heather Petri is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of American women’s water polo. A four-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist, she helped Team USA win silver at the 2000 Sydney Games, bronze at the 2004 Athens Games, silver at the 2008 Beijing Games, and gold at the 2012 London Games. She was inducted into the USA
Heather Petri is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of American women’s water polo. A four-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist, she helped Team USA win silver at the 2000 Sydney Games, bronze at the 2004 Athens Games, silver at the 2008 Beijing Games, and gold at the 2012 London Games. She was inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2018 and later honored by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, placing her among the most respected figures in the sport.
Petri’s connection to Making Waves is especially meaningful because her own athletic path reflects the film’s central premise. Before becoming an Olympic champion, she competed in the early era of girls’ water polo in California and was part of the generation of athletes who helped prove that girls belonged in a sport and competitive culture that had long been built around boys. At Miramonte High School, she was a founding member of the girls’ water polo program after first competing on the boys’ squad, giving her a lived understanding of the barriers, resistance, toughness, and opportunity at the heart of Allie Dawson’s story.
As an advisor, Petri brings more than name recognition. She gives the project technical credibility, emotional authenticity, and a direct bridge to the women’s water polo community. Her experience as an athlete, Olympian, and pioneer helps ensure that the film’s depiction of the sport is physically accurate, culturally grounded, and respectful of the athletes who built the women’s game.
Maureen O’Toole is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in American women’s water polo. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team for more than two decades, she competed across the era when women’s water polo was fighting for recognition, resources, and a place on the Olympic stage. At age 39, she helped lead the United Sta
Maureen O’Toole is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in American women’s water polo. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team for more than two decades, she competed across the era when women’s water polo was fighting for recognition, resources, and a place on the Olympic stage. At age 39, she helped lead the United States to a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the first Olympics to include women’s water polo.
O’Toole’s career gives Making Waves a powerful historical connection to the film’s core conflict. Before women’s teams were widely available, she played high school and college water polo on boys’ and men’s teams, becoming part of the first generation of female athletes who had to force open space in a sport that was not yet built for them. Her story directly echoes the world Allie enters in the film: a talented young woman fighting not only for playing time, but for recognition, legitimacy, and the right to compete.
Inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame and a six-time World Water Polo Athlete of the Year, O’Toole brings historic authority to the project.
Her presence on the advisory board signals that Making Waves is not simply using water polo as a backdrop. The film is rooted in the real history of women who played through exclusion, changed the sport, and created opportunities for the generations that followed.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.