Fritz Russell ’28 Headlines Trio of Spartans Selected to Team USA Underwater Hockey

Roger Bacon High School is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement for its underwater hockey program, as three Spartans—past and present—have been named to Team USA rosters for international competition this summer.

Leading the way is sophoomore Fritz Russell ’28, who has been selected to the U19 Boys Team USA following a rigorous tryout process held in Lake Tahoe in November and Denver in January. Russell will continue his preparation with an upcoming training trip to New Zealand from April 3–12, followed by additional training in Lake Tahoe over Memorial Day weekend.

His selection earns him the opportunity to compete on the world stage at the Underwater Hockey Age Group World Championships, taking place July 16–25, 2026, in Gebze, Türkiye, just outside Istanbul.

Russell is not the only Spartan representing the red, white, and blue. Roger Bacon alumnus Emmett Breda ’23 has been named to the U24 Men’s Team USA, marking his second consecutive appearance at the world championships after competing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2024.

Joining him is Sophie McNamara, a University of Cincinnati student and volunteer coach for the Roger Bacon underwater hockey program, who has been selected for the U24 Women’s Team USA.

Both Breda and McNamara are members of Team Cincinnati, a local underwater hockey club composed largely of Roger Bacon alumni—further highlighting the program’s strong tradition and continued impact beyond graduation.

Roger Bacon Underwater Hockey Coach Dr. Paul Wittekind ’84 praised the trio’s dedication and accomplishments:
“I am very proud of Fritz, Emmett, and Sophie and all of their accomplishments. All three have trained extensively over the past year as part of their respective teams and on their own in order to be prepared for this amazing opportunity to represent the United States. We will be cheering for all three this July.”

With three representatives competing at the highest level, Roger Bacon’s underwater hockey program continues to make waves on the national and international stage.