Debut marks new chapter after emotional Sabadell split
Maica García, the Olympic gold medallist and legendary figure in Spanish water polo, made her official debut for Club Natació Sant Andreu on Saturday, entering play in the final moments of the first quarter during a 16–9 defeat to CN Sant Feliu in the opening match of the 2025–26 División de Honor Femenina season. The 35-year-old attacker played 11 minutes at the Sant Feliu pool, drawing two exclusions during her time in the water. García joined the Sant Andreu squad in early September 2026 after nearly two years away from competition, following the birth of her daughter in September 2025. Though she participated in pre-season Copa Catalunya matches, this was her first appearance in the national top flight since rejoining active play.
"Letting the legal team handle it"
García spent 32 years at CN Sabadell, joining the club at age four and winning seven Champions Leagues, 16 national leagues and 15 national cups. Her contract expired on 31 August 2026, and the club chose not to renew it, a decision García attributes to her maternity. She has confirmed that her legal team is pursuing the matter, stating: “My legal team has the case in their hands and for now there are no further updates. They tell me: you stay calm, focus on your game, and leave it in our hands.” CN Sabadell maintains that its actions were lawful, asserting in official statements that it “acted at all times in accordance with the law”.
“I’m very grateful to the club, to the people who have helped me, who’ve given me every facility to balance family life, and to be part of this completely new project we hope will succeed.”
Physical recovery ongoing, morale strong
Speaking after the match, García acknowledged the physical challenges of returning to elite competition: “The sensations in the water are good, but there’s still a long way to go. Physically, there’s a lot more to do.” However, she noted that the psychological side is improving, thanks to team support: “The squad is giving me a huge amount, a lot of new energy, and helping me not think about everything that’s behind me.” The Sant Andreu team, now under head coach Marc Comas, is undergoing a major rebuild this season. García’s signing represents a significant addition to a project aiming for long-term competitiveness in the top tier. Her personal goal, as reported by L'Esportiu de Catalunya, includes qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sant Andreu’s next league fixture will be announced via the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation's official website, where updated fixtures, results and standings are published.
Reported by beteve.cat, lesportiudecatalunya.cat, L'Exprés de Sant Andreu, eb.sabadell.cat, Visibilitas Redacción, EFE, CatalunyaPress.es, wp.rfen.es, elperiodico.com, eurosport.es, Betevé.
