With the right mindset, anything is attainable
Kaleigh’s ability to trust her instincts and embrace a dynamic lifestyle has shaped her distinctive balance of focus and ease, making her a globally recognized presence.
The Story
Born and raised in Newport Beach, California, Kaleigh Gilchrist hit the water at an early age and never looked back. It has been the unique blend of playing water polo, surfing and a powerful internal competitive spirit that has brought Kaleigh to where she is today.
Kaleigh fell in love with both sports at the age of eight and continued to excel through her junior career. She competed at the World Surfing Games with USA for five consecutive years and in the pool was helping her high school team win a California Interscholastic Federation Championship. She topped off her junior surfing career with an unprecedented back-to-back USA Under 18 Championship.
She followed in her father’s footsteps to college at the University of Southern California. There, Gilchrist was the captain of the water polo team, leading them to a National Championship in 2013. One month after the end of the season, she won another Championship representing USC, this time as a National Scholastic Surfing Association collegiate surfer.
Kaleigh represented Team USA in Rio in 2016, winning an Olympic Gold Medal in water polo. She continued to split time between the World Surf League Qualifying Series and with Team USA in the pool.
In 2019, while celebrating the team’s World Championship, Kaleigh was in a near death incident in South Korea. Her trainer, Larnie, dubbed her comeback “The Mamba Mission.” The rehab was grueling, but Kaleigh worked her way back to the top with a lot of support and help including from her idol, Kobe Bryant.
Being in Tokyo and winning another gold medal was a dream come true. Kaleigh was given a second chance and had the opportunity to compete in the same city as her father once did 57 years later. It meant the world to represent him along with Kobe and Coach Barnett, two of her biggest inspirations who passed too soon.
Kaleigh wrapped up her Olympic career at the 2024 Paris Games, where Team USA finished in 4th place. After the conclusion of the Games, she retired from international competition, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and excellence.
ACHIEVEMENTS
In the water
Gold Medal, World Championships, 2024
1st Place Pan Americans, 2023
Gold Medal, World Championships, 2022
Gold Medal, Olympics, 2021
Gold Medal, World Championships, 2019
Gold Medal, World Cup, 2018
Gold Medal, Olympics, 2016
1st Place Pan Americans, 2015
Gold Medal, World Championships, 2015
Gold Medal, World Cup, 2014
NCAA Championship, 2013
OC Register Athlete of The Year, 2010
CIF Championship, 2008
5th Place Jacks Surfboard Pro, 2022
1st Place Anditi Women’s Trials, 2017
4th Place Shoe City Pro, 2017
American Pro Champion, 2015
NSSA College National Champion, 2013
4th Place US Open Jr, 2012
9th Place ISA World Championship, 2011
NSSA High School National Champion, 2010
1st Place Under 18 USA Surfing Champion, 2010
9th Place ISA World Junior Championship, 2010
1st Place Under 18 USA Surfing Champion, 2009
THE LIFESTYLE
Out of the water
I strive to equip and inspire individuals to pursue a better version of themselves in all that they do.
Co-Founder, Camps4Champs
Camps4Champs was founded in 2017 by Kami Craig and Kaleigh Gilchrist. Their mission is to empower young women through their love and passion of water polo. More than a traditional water polo camp, Camps4Champs takes a deeper dive into what it means to BE a team rather than just being on a team.
Founder, I Miss South Central
In her inaugural homecoming at USC, struggling with the "real world," just as most recent grads do, Kaleigh brought some humor to the situation and created the first "I Miss South Central" tee. Wearing the t-shirt around campus and receiving such positive feedback that creating a company became a no brainer. This was the beginning of "I Miss South Central."
Public Speaking, Clinics & Coaching
Kaleigh has a lot of gratitude for her sports, the lessons they’ve taught her and the people they have connected her with. She loves to give back and one way of doing so is by offering public speaking, clinics and coaching to the younger generation. She likes to personalize the experience so please connect with her as she will accommodate your needs.
