Score Big in Academics and Athletics: The Path to a Water Polo Scholarship
1. Start Early:
Begin your preparations as early as possible, ideally during your sophomore or junior year of high school. The recruiting process can be competitive, and starting early gives you an advantage.
2. Academic Excellence:
Maintain a strong academic record. Most universities require a minimum GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for scholarship eligibility. Focus on taking challenging courses and performing well academically.
3. Research Universities:
Identify universities with strong water polo programs that align with your athletic and academic goals. Research the schools' rankings, conference affiliations, and recent performance in water polo. Explore our list of US universities with water polo programs, crafted by Banarera Sports just for you.
Stanford University
https://gostanford.com/sports/mens-water-polo/schedule/2022
University of Southern California (USC)
https://usctrojans.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
https://uclabruins.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
https://recsports.berkeley.edu/programs-events/sport-clubs/mens-club-water-polo
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
https://ucirvinesports.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
https://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
https://ucsdtritons.com/sports/mens-water-polo
Pepperdine University
https://pepperdinewaves.com/sports/mens-water-polo/schedule/2022
Long Beach State University
https://longbeachstate.com/sports/mens-water-polo
Loyola Marymount University
https://lmulions.com/sports/mens-water-polo/schedule/2022
University of California, Davis
https://ucdavisaggies.com/sports/mens-water-polo/schedule/2022
University of California, Riverside
https://gohighlanders.com/sports/water-polo
University of the Pacific
https://pacifictigers.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of Michigan
https://mgoblue.com/sports/womens-water-polo
University of California, Santa Cruz
https://recreation.ucsc.edu/sportclubs/wwaterpolo/
University of Hawaii at Manoa
https://hawaiiathletics.com/sports/womens-water-polo
University of Redlands
https://www.goredlands.com/sports/mwaterpolo/index
Indiana University
https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/womens-water-polo/schedule
Brown University
https://brownbears.com/sports/mens-water-polo
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
https://www.sfwaterpolo.com/
University of California, Merced
https://recreation.ucmerced.edu/sport-clubs/water-polo
University of California, Riverside
https://gohighlanders.com/sports/water-polo
University of California, San Bernardino
https://www.csusb.edu/recreation-wellness/aquatics/aquatics-programs
San Jose State University
https://sjsuspartans.com/sports/womens-water-polo/schedule
Princeton University
https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-water-polo/schedule/2022
Harvard University
https://gocrimson.com/sports/mens-water-polo
4. Create an Athletic Resume:
Develop a comprehensive athletic resume that highlights your water polo achievements, including team accomplishments, individual awards, statistics, and positions played. Include your contact information and high-quality action photos.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
Athletic Resume: Water Polo Achievements
Contact Information
Name: [Your Full Name]
Address: [Your Full Address]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Career Highlights
[Year] - [Year]: Competed in water polo at [School/Club Name], achieving remarkable success both individually and as part of the team.
[Year]: Named Team Captain, demonstrating leadership and strong teamwork skills.
Team Accomplishments
[Year]: Led [School/Club Name] to [Specific Achievement, e.g., Conference Championship] as a key player, showcasing exceptional coordination and strategic gameplay.
[Year]: Contributed significantly to [Another Achievement, e.g., National Tournament Placement] with stellar performance and commitment.
[Year]: Helped secure [Team Accomplishment, e.g., Regional Title] by consistently demonstrating determination and sportsmanship.
Individual Awards
[Year]: Received the [Award Name, e.g., Most Valuable Player] award for outstanding skills, dedication, and positive attitude.
[Year]: Earned recognition as an [Award Name, e.g., All-Conference Player], highlighting superior performance within the conference.
[Year]: Achieved [Award Name, e.g., Best Defensive Player] distinction for exceptional defensive abilities and strategic gameplay.
Statistics
Total Goals: [Total Number of Goals Scored]
Assists: [Total Number of Assists]
Steals: [Total Number of Steals]
Blocks: [Total Number of Blocks]
Saves: [Total Number of Saves]
Positions Played
Center Forward: Demonstrated exceptional offensive skills, positioning, and ability to draw defenders.
Defender: Showcased strong defensive tactics, contributing to thwarting opponents' attacks effectively.
Goalkeeper: Displayed quick reflexes, accurate shot blocking, and efficient communication with teammates.
Action Photos
 
Additional Information
Height: [Your Height]
Weight: [Your Weight]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Graduation Year: [Your Graduation Year]
GPA: [Your GPA]
SAT/ACT Scores: [Your Scores]
References
Available upon request.
5. Athletic Skill Development:
Continue to enhance your water polo skills by participating in competitive club teams, attending camps, and playing in high school leagues. Regularly practice to improve your game and showcase your dedication.
6. Contact College Coaches:
Reach out to coaches via email or phone. Introduce yourself, express your interest in their program, and provide a link to your athletic resume and highlight videos. Mention any upcoming tournaments or games where they can watch you play.
7. Attend Showcases and Tournaments:
Participate in water polo showcases, tournaments, and events where college coaches are likely to be present. Perform at your best to catch their attention and demonstrate your abilities.
8. NCAA Eligibility (If Applicable):
If you're targeting NCAA schools, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and provide the required documentation, such as transcripts and test scores. Ensure you meet the academic and amateurism requirements.
9. Campus Visits:
If possible, plan visits to the universities you're interested in. Attend their water polo games, meet with coaches, tour the campus, and get a feel for the university's environment.
10. Maintain Communication:
Stay in touch with coaches through regular updates on your progress, achievements, and upcoming games. Express your interest in their program and ask about scholarship opportunities.
11. Scholarship Offers and Negotiation:
If a coach expresses interest, they may offer you a scholarship. Understand the terms, including the percentage of tuition covered, duration, and any conditions for renewal. You can negotiate scholarship terms if necessary.
12. Complete Applications:
Submit your applications to the universities you're interested in. Make sure to follow their application procedures and deadlines. Indicate your intention to play water polo on your application.
13. Essays and Interviews:
Use application essays to highlight your dedication to water polo, teamwork, and leadership skills. If you're invited for an interview, be prepared to discuss your athletic and academic achievements.
14. Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Explore additional financial aid options, including academic scholarships, grants, and external scholarships. Research and apply for scholarships offered by water polo organizations and other related groups.
15. Decision Time:
Once you receive scholarship offers, carefully evaluate them based on your athletic and academic goals, scholarship terms, and overall fit with the university. Make an informed decision.
16. Fulfill Requirements:
If you accept a scholarship, fulfill any requirements, such as maintaining a minimum GPA, attending practices and games, and adhering to team rules.
Remember that the recruiting process can be unpredictable, and not all steps may apply to every situation. Flexibility, perseverance, and a proactive approach will greatly increase your chances of securing a water polo scholarship at a university.
