Harvard-Westlake water polo player was sexually assaulted, called N-word by teammates, suit alleges

"Aidan Romain alleges that, from August 2022 until February 2024, Van der Woude digitally penetrated him repeatedly and called him the N-word, abuse that Romain says continued even after he reported it to his coach and the school administration."

"The school then carried out a "cover-up" of Van der Woude's behavior and facilitated his transfer to a new high school with a clean record, the lawsuit alleges. At the time, Van der Woude was a prized member of USA Water Polo's national youth team, a designated mentor for younger players and a strong future contender for the U.S. Men's Olympic team."

"In November 2024, Van der Woude admitted in juvenile court to having digitally penetrated a minor, the complaint notes, referencing reporting from the Orange County Register. In March 2025, the court ordered him to pay nearly $50,000 in restitution to Romain, according to the complaint."

Aidan Romain, a Black former water polo player at Harvard-Westlake, filed a lawsuit against the elite school alleging he endured repeated sexual assault and racist harassment from teammate Lucca van der Woude between August 2022 and February 2024. Romain reported the abuse to his coach and school administration, but claims the school protected van der Woude, who was a prized USA Water Polo national youth team member and Olympic prospect. Van der Woude was arrested on school grounds in February 2024. The lawsuit alleges the school conducted a cover-up and facilitated van der Woude's transfer to another high school with a clean record. In November 2024, van der Woude admitted in juvenile court to digitally penetrating a minor, and was ordered to pay nearly $50,000 in restitution to Romain in March 2025.

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