The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.
Long Beach and Wilson’s own Claire Billish represented Team USA at the U15 PanAmerican games in Brazil – and brought home some hardware.
The United States was in the gold bracket set to face Canada, Argentina and Brazil. The team ended the games with a 6-0 record to stay atop the podium and win the gold medal.
“They were on cloud nine,” Gennifer Billish, Claire’s mother, said. “She was beaming ear to ear with a smile.”
Billish was one of 15 players selected from across the nation to represent the United States. While the games were for the Under 15 level, Billish is only 13 years old – and so were most of her teammates.
“She was definitely nervous,” she said. “But, they all came together and played phenomenally.”
Team USA had a full circle moment throughout their games, starting and ending with a win over Canada. In their second game against Argentina, C. Billish was named the MVP with two goals and two steals in the 18-8 victory.
The United States tacked on a few more wins over Chile and Argentina again, plus an overtime win vs. Brazil. In the States’ final win over Canada, C. Billish was named the MVP of the game.
C. Billish ended with four goals, four earned exclusions, two assists and two steals in the 14-8 victory. In her scoring, C. Billish put away all her goals on penalties the Americans earned to contribute to their 7/8 showing on penalties.
“Claire is a really good defensive player,” G. Billish said. “Her key thing was drawing those four earned exclusions, which then kicks a person out on the Canadian team. We’re actually playing up a person, so that helps our team score goals.”
This success at the PanAm games will help the team qualify for the World Games next year. G. Billish said Claire will be trying for the team again in preparation for 2026.
“It’s just a stepping stone,” G. Billish said. “She just loves the game, so she’s just happy to be playing.”
