The USA Women's Olympic Water Polo team has made the Los Alamitos Military Base their headquarters for their Tokyo Olympic Games training in recent months.
When powerhouse athletes Ashleigh Johnson and Maggie Steffens aren't leading Team USA in the pool, they're making a splash in the world of fashion. Recently, the dynamic duo teamed up with JOLYN, a brand synonymous with athletic swimwear, for an exclusive underwater photoshoot that celebrates strength, style, and sisterhood.
Team co-captains Ashleigh Johnson and Maggie Steffens have been leading the team's preparation with inspired play and leadership during a difficult time of pandemic uncertainty.
📸 Behind the Lens: Capturing Champions in Their Element
Photographer JR deSouza, an Olympic swimming finalist himself, brought his unique perspective to the shoot. With limited time amidst rigorous training schedules at the Los Alamitos Military Base, JR managed to encapsulate the essence of these elite athletes—grace, power, and unyielding determination.
"It was exhilarating to capture Ashleigh and Maggie in their natural environment. Their energy is contagious, and it translates beautifully through the lens," JR shared.
Women's apparel brand Jolyn is launching a swim suit line with Maggie & Ashley, and invited photographer JR deSouza of Outex to help photograph the players and their new swim suits underwater.
👙 The JOLYN Connection: More Than Just Swimwear
JOLYN's collaboration with Ashleigh and Maggie goes beyond aesthetics. It's about empowering women to embrace their bodies and break barriers. Ashleigh, the first Black woman to join the U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team, emphasizes the importance of representation:
"I'm here to tell you that you do belong here," Ashleigh stated in an interview, addressing young girls of color. "We belong here. And we are going to be great here. There's space for us to have. Space for you and follow me. We're going to do this."
Maggie, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the camaraderie and resilience that define Team USA.
As you can imagine, there wasn't too much time for the photoshoot, given the arduous training schedule and hectic calendars of the busy athletes. But it was fun to get int he water with the players, and capture some of their personalities and skillsets in their "natural environment"
JR has had experience photographing the Men's Olympic Water Polo team right before the pandemic at their training facility in Torrance last year, and it's nice to pick up the camera and come into contact with athletes again as the games are "within sight". JR was himself a '92 Olympic swimming finalist in Barcelone, and these projects are just as personal as they are professional.
🏆 Legacy in the Making
As the team gears up for future competitions, this photoshoot stands as a testament to their journey—blending athletic excellence with personal expression. It's a vivid reminder that these athletes are not only champions in the pool but also role models inspiring the next generation.
For more behind-the-scenes moments and to explore the exclusive swimwear line, visit JOLYN's official website.
Photography by JR deSouza, courtesy of Outex.
