American Samoa Swimming
About Us
Proudly representing American Samoa through swimming, safety, and sport.
Overview
Global Affiliations & Representation
The American Samoa Swimming Association (ASSA) is connected to the global aquatics community through its membership with World Aquatics, the international authority for aquatic sports, and Oceania Aquatics, which drives the growth of swimming throughout the Pacific. These partnerships provide our athletes, coaches, and officials with valuable access to world-class standards, training resources, and opportunities to compete at the highest level.
ASSA is also recognized by the American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC), enabling us to develop and send athletes to major international competitions such as the Olympic Games, the Pacific Games, and the World Aquatics Championships. With these affiliations, we remain dedicated to excellence in governance, integrity in sport, and the advancement of our athletes, while proudly showcasing American Samoa on the international stage.
Meet Our Team
Executive Officers
Erika Radewagen
President
Cassandra "Bess" Lund
Vice President
Genhall "Manua" Chen
Secretary
Merrilee May
Treasurer
Members at Large
On a national swim team (or its governing board/committees), members-at-large are individuals who serve as general representatives, rather than representing a specific region, club, age group, or athlete category.
What do Members at Large do?
They are elected or appointed to bring broad perspective and balance.
Unlike athlete reps, coach reps, or regional delegates, members-at-large don’t speak only for one subgroup.
Their role is to represent the overall interests of the national swim community and the sport as a whole.
Typical Roles of Members-at-Large
Sit on the executive board or athlete commission as voting members.
Help make decisions on policy, athlete support, competition structure, and governance.
Provide input from the perspective of swimmers, families, and local programs.
Ensure decisions reflect the needs of the broader community, not just elite or regional athletes.
Help with fundraising, sponsorship, and public relations.
Participate in reviews of national team policies, selection criteria, and event planning.
Offer an independent, balanced view when specialized representatives may have conflicts of interest.
Members At Large
Erica Magalei
Hanna Vaouli
Our Pride
American Samoa National Swim Team
Our Story
The American Samoa Swimming Association (ASSA), founded in 1994, was created with a dual purpose: to reduce drowning across our islands and to build a pathway for athletes to compete on the world stage. Guided by the values of fa‘a Samoa — respect, perseverance, and community — ASSA is committed to developing swimmers who embody both cultural pride and competitive excellence.
Global Connections
ASSA is proudly affiliated with World Aquatics and Oceania Aquatics, giving our athletes, coaches, and officials access to international standards, resources, and opportunities for growth. As a recognized member of the American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC), our swimmers represent American Samoa at prestigious events including the Olympic Games, Pacific Games, Oceania Championships, and the World Aquatics Championships.
Athletes Commission
What is an Athletes Commission?
An Athlete Commission is a representative body created within a sports organization, federation, or club to give athletes a structured voice in decision-making. It ensures that athletes’ perspectives are included when policies, programs, competitions, and welfare initiatives are being developed.
The commission works to:
Represent athletes’ interests at the executive/board level. Promote athlete well-being, safety, and fair treatment. Serve as a communication bridge between athletes, coaches, and administrators. Advocate for integrity, equality, and inclusion in sport. Provide feedback on rules, training environments, and competition organization.
Responsibilities of the Athlete Commission
Representation & Advocacy
Act as the voice of athletes in meetings with leadership.
Ensure transparency and fairness in organizational decisions.
Bring forward athlete concerns (scheduling, health, facilities, eligibility, etc.).
Athlete Welfare & Development
Recommend programs for health, mental well-being, and career development.
Promote safe sport and anti-doping awareness.
Help create educational workshops on leadership, life skills, and transition after sport.
Communication & Engagement
Serve as a liaison between the athlete body and management.
Collect feedback from athletes and report findings to decision-makers.
Distribute key updates and opportunities (scholarships, grants, events).
Policy & Governance
Participate in drafting and reviewing policies that impact athletes.
Provide input on competition rules, selection criteria, and grievance processes.
Uphold values of integrity, inclusion, and fair play.
Events & Community Building
Organize athlete forums, town halls, or surveys.
Support athlete participation in community service and outreach.
Encourage networking between current athletes and alumni.
Our Athletes Commission
Micah Masel
Tilali Scanlan
