PHILADELPHIA – Rising junior women's swimmer Valerie Yoshimura has been named to the Maccabi USA Open Swimming Team that will compete in the 20th World Maccabiah Games this July, as announced by the Maccabi USA Swim chairman and co-chairs this week.

Yoshimura is one of 24 swimmers that will join the over 1,100 athletes that will represent the USA at the Maccabiah Games this July in Israel from July 4-18. Over 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries will compete in 43 different sports at this year's Games.

"We are thrilled that she was selected to represent the U.S. at the Maccabiah Games," said Stephanie Wriede Morawski '92, The Costin Family Head Coach for Harvard Women's Swimming & Diving. "Val will add depth through her swimming as well as leadership and spirit to the team."

Since 1932, over 62,000 athletes have participated in the Maccabiah Games, in a celebration of Jewish Strength and Solidarity. Team USA's success is not only measured by the medals won, but by the impact that the Maccabiah experience had on their lives as well as the friendships they formed.