Water Polo at the Naval Academy: Joining the Aquatic Club

I'm interested in playing water polo and considering the Naval Academy. How does joining the aquatic club work there? How competitive is it, and is it a good opportunity for someone passionate about the sport?

At the U.S. Naval Academy, there are two avenues to play water polo: the varsity team and the club team.

The varsity team is extremely competitive as it is a Division I program. It requires a significant commitment, with players often training year-round and constantly traveling for matches. The team regularly competes against some of the best teams in the nation, so players must be at a very high skill level to participate and maintain their standing on the team.

On the other hand, the club team provides another opportunity for those who still wish to continue their passion for water polo at a less competitive level or enhance their skills before aiming for the varsity team. The club team, like the varsity team, competes against other institutions, but the level of play and commitment required is generally less intense.

If you're interested in joining either the varsity or club team, it's recommended that you reach out to the team's coach, express your interest, and inquire about any tryouts or specific commitments involved. This would give you a clearer understanding of your potential fit within the team and the schedule you'll need to maintain in order to balance academics with your sports commitment.

In terms of whether playing water polo for Naval Academy is a good opportunity for someone passionate about the sport, it's generally agreed that the experience is rewarding. These teams exist to foster a competitive, supportive environment which helps student-athletes improve their skills and confidently compete while enjoying the sport they love.

However, it's important to keep in mind that, as with any varsity or club sport, it requires time commitment, and balancing that alongside the academic rigor and military obligations at a service academy like the Naval Academy can be challenging. Learning to manage these multiple commitments would be an essential part of your time at the Academy.