Raena Sumiyoshi named Athlete of the Year Moraga resident wins prestigious synchronized swimming award
Submitted by Sonja Hongisto Bowman
Photo Brian Horii
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts Synchronized Swimming Club is proud to announce that Raena Sumiyoshi was recently awarded the US Synchronized Swimming West Zone Athlete of the Year award. This is a significant honor for Raena, as the western zone includes synchronized swimming athletes from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
The West Zone Athlete of the Year Award is based upon three criteria. Award recipients must be focused on achieving individual, team, club, and sport goals in a positive manner. They also must possess a positive attitude and serve as a role model. Finally, they must have excellent synchronized swimming skills which qualify for national level competition.
Raena is a sophomore at Campolindo High School in Moraga, where she maintains a 4.0 G.P.A . She has been competing as a synchronized swimmer for the Aquanuts for five years. In 2008, she was part of the Aquanut team that won the gold medal at the Junior National competition in Clermont, Florida , making them the top synchronized swimming club team in the U.S. for the 15-18 age group.
On May 30th, Raena will swim with several Olympians, US, and International champions in the Walnut Creek Aquanut Night of Champions at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek. For more information about the Night of Champions, visit www.aquanuts.org. The Walnut Creek Aquanuts is a local and world-renowned synchronized swimming club committed to helping each of its sixty-five athletes reach her full potential. Coaches nurture confidence, instill responsibility and commitment, and teach the value of hard work, time management, and a healthy lifestyle. For over 40 years, the organization has trained novices as well as national, international, and Olympic champions. For more information about the Walnut Creek Aquanuts go to http://www.aquanuts.org.
The West Zone Athlete of the Year Award is based upon three criteria. Award recipients must be focused on achieving individual, team, club, and sport goals in a positive manner. They also must possess a positive attitude and serve as a role model. Finally, they must have excellent synchronized swimming skills which qualify for national level competition. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA