Math Professor Selected for Team USA for 2023 World Championship

Photo by Beven McWilliams

From left to right/top to bottom: Carolyn Erdman, Helene Soleille, Katharine Kurtz, Rachel Carrington, Katie Konrath, Jia Richardson, Tulin Kaman, Katrina Finley, Beven McWilliams, Elaine Willoughby

Tulin Kaman, an assistant professor and Lawrence Jesser Toll Jr. Chair in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the U of A's Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected to the national team to represent the USA at the 21st Underwater Hockey World Championship taking place in Australia between July 18-30.

Underwater hockey was invented in the 1950s to keep the British navy divers fit for duty and improve their ability to move and work efficiently under water. Although this sport is not part of the Olympics Games, it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and governed by the World Underwater Federation (CMAS). The first world championship was held in Canada in 1980. The Underwater Society of America is the organization for underwater sports in USA and a chapter of the CMAS. In this limited-contact sport, two teams of six are facing off on the bottom of the swimming pool. The equipment used in this sport consists of mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, stick and a water polo cap. The weighted puck can be pushed, slid, or flicked with a short stick into the goal.

"I am very excited to be a part of Team USA. The journey to the world championship started and we have less than 100 days until the opening ceremony. We aim to win a medal and recently received generous support from Covanta. Selma Kivran, Executive Vice President and President of Covanta's Midwest Region believes in us and supports us to pursue our dreams." Kaman said.

"Covanta has always been a forward-looking company," said Kivran, "We believe in charting a path for the future, just as the USA Women's Masters Underwater Hockey Team is charting a path for the future of their sport. We are proud to sponsor these incredible athletes."

"The USA Women Masters Underwater Hockey team has been waiting five years to return to the CMAS Underwater Hockey World Championship. During that time, this team has grown stronger and more confident despite the added challenges of the pandemic and the fact that all members live in different regions of the country from Florida to California. They remained together, actively motivating each other and participating in national tournaments to keep the physical and mental preparation moving. These athletes are going after the dream to be on the podium and return home with a medal for their country. As their coach, I feel very proud to be part of the team's adventure and their dream." Juan Sevillano, the coach of the team, said.

Kaman introduced this sport to the University of Arkansas faculty and students just after she joined the faculty in 2017. The group trains at HPER pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. She is looking for sponsors who wish to support the women pursuing their dreams. 

Photo by Yori V. Huynh

About The World Underwater Federation: The World Underwater Federation was founded in 1959 and by now it comprises over 130 federations from 5 continents. In addition to organizing international underwater sport events, it is at the forefront of technical and scientific research and development. It can be associated with elaborating one of the oldest and most extensive dive training systems.

About The Underwater Society of America: The Underwater Society of America is the national governing body for underwater sports in the USA. It is a charter member of the World Underwater Federation. As a member of CMAS, USOA sanctions yearly local, regional and national underwater championships in underwater hockey, underwater rugby, fin swimming and spearfishing. USOA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt charitable corporation.

About Covanta: Covanta is a leader in sustainable materials management providing environmental services to businesses and communities. Through its network of facilities and state-of-the-art services, Covanta is a single-source partner in solving today's most complex environmental challenges. For more information, visit covanta.com.